Six Hidden Gems from the 2022 Class

Beto Ledezma

Ryan Wesley

October 18, 2021 @ 04:30 PM

One of the more difficult aspects of recruiting is being able to see every player, which means that there are many who manage to slip through the cracks. Much like taxes and an NFL season featuring Tom Brady, it is a guarantee that a high school player’s senior season is their final year for varsity playing time. For the players still flying under the radar when it comes to recruiting, their senior season is their last in-game opportunity to prove that they have what it takes to make a collegiate roster. The six players listed below are just a few of the many hidden gems located throughout the ranks of prep football. Seth Frasier Seth Frasier QB Thunderridge | 2022 State CO | ThunderRidge | 6’1”, 191lbs | QB Frasier has had an outstanding stock-rising senior season so far. He has a tremendous arm with accurate ball placement and the athleticism needed to extend plays or simply pick up yards with his legs. He has completed 87 of his 144 passing attempts for 1,282 yards with 23 touchdowns and seven interceptions, giving him a 108.9 quarterback rating. He also plays a valuable part in the run game. So far, he has tallied 695 rushing yards and five touchdowns off of 109 carries. Tyler Tolbert | Cherry Creek | 6’2”, 175lbs | FS/SS Tolbert is a lengthy player with solid footwork and great eyes, giving him the ability to cover ground quickly and end up wherever the ball is. He is an extremely physical player who is unafraid of initiating contact and finishing the play with his tackling abilities. Tolbert’s versatility makes him an excellent defensive back who can also lock down receivers in press-man coverage, as well as blitz the quarterback from the outside. A player of his physical build who possesses the skills that he does makes him a perfect option for collegiate secondaries. Beto Ledezma Beto Ledezma 5'10" | 185 lbs | DB Castle View | 2022 State CO | Castle View | 5’10”, 180lbs | SS Ledezma is perhaps one of the most underrated safeties in the state. He has phenomenal footwork that enables him to flow in coverage while scanning the field. His ability to come downhill and deliver devastating hits shows his physicality and his dog-like playing style. It is surprising that his recruiting has been slow-moving, but that makes him a jackpot prospect for any program that chooses to invest in him. Damian Orozco Damian Orozco 6'2" | 190 lbs | DL Alamosa | 2022 State CO | Alamosa | 6’3”, 190lbs | OLB/DE/TE Orozco is a big athlete who has a monstrous presence and consistently disrupts plays in the backfield. He is a multi-sport player with outstanding speed and athleticism, especially when he is coming off of the edge. Orozco’s senior season had a very late start and his first game back was an instant spotlight stealer, making him an even greater hidden talent. Peter Braun Peter Braun 6'3" | 215 lbs | DL Littleton | 2022 State CO | Littleton | 6’2”, 210lbs | DE/TE/K Braun is a player who has a very quiet and laid-back demeanor off of the field, but that switch is immediately flipped as soon as he steps onto the gridiron. He is a do-all player who only comes off of the field for kickoff return. Otherwise, he is a locked-in captain who lets his gameplay do the leading for his team. As an edge rusher, his playmaking abilities force offenses to double team him on every play, yet he still manages to cause disruption. As a tight end, he mauls defenders as a blocker and is a superb check-down option. In addition to being a dominant player on both sides of the ball, Braun has a big-time leg as a kicker who has made all three of his kicking attempts. Jaydin Hedelius Jaydin Hedelius 6'1" | 155 lbs | WR Berthoud | 2022 State CO | Berthoud | 6’1”, 150lbs | WR/DB/ATH Hedelius is another under-the-radar type of player with serious upside, especially as a receiver. He is a sure-handed player who has solidified himself as a very reliable target for his quarterback. His ability to track the ball and catch it at its highest point while boxing out the defender is what makes him such a standout on the field.