Stock-Risers from the 2024 Watchlist
Getting significant reps on varsity is no simple task for underclassmen, especially for those on teams with a lot of upperclassmen. With the class of 2024 having limited varsity-impacting players across every position this season, putting together accurate rankings proved…
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Continue ReadingGetting significant reps on varsity is no simple task for underclassmen, especially for those on teams with a lot of upperclassmen. With the class of 2024 having limited varsity-impacting players across every position this season, putting together accurate rankings proved to be an extremely difficult task.
However, a watchlist was made of players who have shown up on the radar. Some of the players on the class of 2024 watchlist entered the season with previously established reputations, but every player on the list has raised their stock as a recruiting prospect. Below is close look at six sophomores who have significantly raised their stock in Colorado’s prep football scene.
Blake Barnett Blake Barnett 6'2" | 210 lbs | QB Erie | 2024 State CO | Erie | QB
Barnett is Erie’s insanely talented dual-threat quarterback who led the Tigers to a 4A state championship in his first full high school season. Barnett started as a freshman during the shortened COVID-19 season but suffered an injury in the third game that sidelined him for the remainder of his freshman year.
In his sophomore season, the 6-foot-2, 205lbs QB completed 159 of 243 pass attempts for 2,560 yards and 27 touchdowns with only seven interceptions. He also rushed for 1,049 yards and 24 touchdowns on 123 attempts. Barnett finished as the leading passer in yards and touchdowns, the leading scorer in rushing touchdowns, and the second-leading rusher in yards among all sophomores. To say that his sophomore bounce back was anything less than phenomenal would be absurd, making his junior year a highly anticipated season.
Liam Szarka Liam Szarka 6'2" | 190 lbs | QB Grandview | 2024 State CO | Grandview | QB
Szarka exploded onto the scene with an impressive playoff performance in his first season as a varsity QB1. He has a big arm with accurate ball placement, allowing for him to connect with a receiver in stride on deep routes. As a runner, Szarka is an elusive ball carrier with breakaway speed, making him a legitimate dual-threat quarterback.
Szarka finished his sophomore year throwing for 1,924 yards and 14 touchdowns, and rushing for 506 yards and 10 touchdowns. After completing his first season as a varsity starter with a trip to the state semifinals, Szarka will undoubtedly have a spotlight shining on him next season.
Angelo Petrides Angelo Petrides 6'2" | 225 lbs | LB Cherry Creek | 2024 State CO | Cherry Creek | LB
Petrides is a defensive phenom whose sophomore performance helped the Cherry Creek Bruins claim its third-consecutive 5A state championship title. He is an inside linebacker who has a versatile set of skills and an unstoppable motor. Standing at 6-foot-1 and 205lbs, Petrides plays with perfect pad level, disciplined eyes, and explosive speed. He reads plays well and does a great job of scraping across the line and sealing gaps.
Petrides can make plays all over the field when defending against the run and the pass. He can drop back into coverage and clean up the hook, curl, and flat zones with ease. His ability to exploit the slightest blocking misstep when rushing the passer is outstanding. Petrides is a young state-winning linebacker who is a must-know athlete.
Gabe Sawchuk Gabe Sawchuk 5'10" | 165 lbs | RB Valor Christian | 2024 State CO | Valor Christian | RB
Sawchuk is a shifty running back with explosive acceleration and elusive overall speed. His vision as a ball carrier is crystal clear, allowing for him to exploit the smallest of lanes within the defense. The 5-foot-10, 175lbs back has a boost in his speed that makes it difficult for defenders to close the distance as he runs past them. Sawchuk possesses the athleticism needed to be a dangerous target in the passing game who is versatile enough to line up as a receiver.
Valor Christian’s young back has already garnered significant attention in the recruiting world. He currently holds offers from three Pac 12 programs – USC, ASU, and CU – and has received love from Oklahoma and Notre Dame.
Chevelle Early Chevelle Early RB Denver South | 2024 State CO | Denver South | RB
Early is another sophomore who appeared within this season’s spotlight. He is a physical runner with good vision and powerful leg strength. He hits the hole with force, makes a quick cut, and then explodes upfield for yards after contact. Early rushed for 1,060 yards and 17 touchdowns, landing him as the leader in rushing yards among all sophomores in the state.
Exodus Johnson Exodus Johnson 6'4" | 265 lbs | DL Cherry Creek | 2024 State CO | Arapahoe | DT
Johnson is a monster on the front who played an impactful role on a dominant defensive front this season. The 6-foot-4, 265lbs lineman is a big player with formidable power and strength which he utilizes to physically move blockers against their will. One of his more prominent eye-catching moves is his bullrush because of his ability to drive offensive linemen into the quarterback’s face. During his sophomore season, Johnson showed premier potential and gave a glimpse of his outstanding capabilities.