Regular Season Offensive Players of the Year
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While we enter the second week of the state playoffs in Colorado, it feels like the 2021 football season has flown by. Maybe because this is the first season that’s been “normal” since 2019, thanks to the Covid pandemic. Either…
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Continue ReadingWhile we enter the second week of the state playoffs in Colorado, it feels like the 2021 football season has flown by. Maybe because this is the first season that’s been “normal” since 2019, thanks to the Covid pandemic. Either way, this was certainly a season to remember. One that was chalk full of incredible players that had incredible seasons. With that being said, here is a look at the three best players on offense from the 2021 season.
Players of the Year
CaiReis Curby CaiReis Curby ATH Aurora Central | 2023 State CO , Aurora Central Trojans (RB)(Jr.)(11) – Curby might not have had a singular great performance that would’ve landed him on the weekly list, but he was as consistently dominant as the Trojans could’ve hoped for, averaging close to 150 yards rushing a game and 13.4 YPC for the season. Over the course of the season for the Trojans, Curby accounted for an incredible 1,632 yards rushing on 122 carries (13.4 YPC), 19 rushing touchdowns, 170 yards receiving, 2 receiving touchdowns, 150 yards passing, and a passing touchdown. Curby’s impact wasn’t only felt on the offensive side of the ball but on the defensive side as well by registering 53 tackles, 2 tackles for a loss, a sack, an interception, and a fumble returned for a touchdown. Oh, and he also took a punt and 2 kickoffs back for touchdowns on special teams. When you review the junior’s tape, you can see that he has elite level top end foot speed and acceleration. Extremely explosive athlete that routinely pulls away from even the fastest defenders. Outstandingly elusive runner at all levels of the field with elite lateral agility and change of direction. Displays a good physical finish to runs in between the tackles and at the point-of-contact. Matchup nightmare for LBs and Safeties in man coverage when working short to intermediate routes out of the backfield while also having the versatility to line up out wide. Strong, physical blocker that shows good ability to anchor and win with hand placement and physicality. Curby is currently rated the number 89 player overall in the state for the class of 2023 but that rating should certainly be higher given his talent and production.
Ron Gallegos III, Kennedy Commanders (WR/DB)(Jr.)(4) – Gallegos might’ve been the state’s most dominant receiver over the course of the 2021 season. The highlight of Gallegos’ junior season was his week 8 performance against the Denver North Vikings, as he posted an unbelievable 304 yards receiving and 5 touchdowns. After the 2021 season concluded, Gallegos totaled 1,163 yards receiving and a ridiculous 19 touchdowns on 44 catches (26.4 YPR). Compounding his offensive output, he also posted 22 tackles, 4 pass deflections, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and an interception on the defensive side while also returning a kickoff for a touchdown on special teams. When you turn on the tape, you can see Gallegos displays excellent explosiveness out of his stance at the line, often winning the release at the line off of foot speed and explosiveness alone. Excellent athlete with the agility and elite top-end foot speed necessary to take the top off of a defense on deeper routes and take short to intermediate routes the distance after the catch. Highly elusive ball carrier in the open field that can find daylight in even the tightest running lanes. Displays consistent hands in tight coverage when going over the middle on short and intermediate routes. Shows good tracking ability when working through defenders on deeper routes. While Gallegos isn’t currently rated on most recruiting boards, it will be impossible for some college program to ignore his talent and potential; especially if he has a similar season next year.
Joseph Capra Joseph Capra 6'1" | 165 lbs | QB Denver South | 2023 State CO , Denver South Ravens (QB)(Jr.)(7) – While there are many, many terrific QBs in the state of Colorado…Capra might’ve been the best. As the only player from my midseason list to return on the end of the season list, Capra was a model of consistency and production from the beginning of the season to the end. As the regular season came to a close, Capra finished the year going an unbelievably efficient 136 of 204 (67%) for 2,346 yards, 32 passing touchdowns against just 4 interceptions, and a QBR of 137.0 while also adding 695 yards rushing and 8 touchdowns on the ground. When you look at Capra’s 2021 season leading the Ravens’ offense, you can see the first trait that stands out about him is his arm strength. The ball seems to jump out of his hand with relative ease, as he can make every throw to every area of the field with almost the flick of a wrist. Displays a consistent, smooth, over-the-top release and technically sound footwork that leads to consistent accuracy/ball placement on throws to every level of the field. Also displays an ability to throw off-platform and from different arm angles with good accuracy. A combination of outstanding athleticism and pocket presence allow him to buy just enough time against the rush to find a receiver open downfield, almost never looking to scramble immediately after feeling pressure. In addition, his outstanding athleticism also allows him to present a threat on designed runs or when he does need to scramble. Displays good vision and patience as a runner to find space, with enough foot speed to pull away from second and third level defenders. Requisite lower body and core strength allow him to run with adequate power at the point-of-contact. Elusive in one-on-one situations with defenders in the open field. While Capra currently holds the rating as the number 8 QB in the state for the class of 2023, that should only rise as he continues to grow and develop through the 2022 season next year.