National Signing Day 2022: Commitments from Around the Box State

It’s February folks! Love is in the air, Christmas lights around the neighborhood have been taken down (hopefully), and the class of 2022’s premier playmakers in the state of Colorado have their sights set on where they will be attending school in the fall. National Signing Day has come and gone, and there have been a flood of talented box state commitments that have chosen where exactly they want to play their college ball. Of course, the developments with the "Early Signing Day" process beginning on December 15th over the last few years has given student athletes the opportunity to commit ahead of time, but each 2022 football prospect can now put the pen to the paper and sign their letters of intent. Although a handful of recruits have been locked in for months, today officially marks where each prospect’s new home will be in roughly half of a year. Plenty of football programs throughout the country picked up some ballers for their respective squads, as there’s no doubting the amount of talent that can be discovered within the Centennial state. Enough chit-chat! Here are the official commitments among the top high school playmakers in Colorado!   RB [player_tooltip player_id="22667" first="Gavin" last="Sawchuk"] 5’11" 185 Valor Christian Player Rating: Four-Star Prospect Prep Redzone 2022 Ranking: #1 RB, #1 Overall 2021 Stats: 287 CAR, 2,004 Yards, 7.0 AVG, 143.1 YPG, 28 TD’s Commitment: Oklahoma Scouting Report: One of the best backs in his school’s history, Sawchuk put up monstrous numbers in 2021. After breaking pro standout Christian McCaffrey’s all-time rushing record late in the season, Sawchuk led his team to the state championship and fell just short to the 3X defending champion Cherry Creek Bruins. The 5’11" 185 pound ball carrier has an extremely strong lower-half, which gives him the ability to constantly break tackles and push for extra yardage. With improvement of some patience running the ball between the tackles at the next level, Sawchuk will have the opportunity to be an instant bonafide playmaker and possible future NFL Draft candidate. https://twitter.com/G27football/status/1471233076109844488 <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/4277399/615debf202b16506a083be55" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   OL [player_tooltip player_id="22668" first="George" last="Fitzpatrick"] 6’6" 274 Cherry Creek Player Rating: Four-Star Prospect Prep Redzone 2022 Ranking: #1 OL, #2 Overall 2021 Stats: N/A Commitment: Ohio State Scouting Report: Ranked the top offensive lineman according to Prep Redzone, Fitzpatrick utilizes his uncanny size by outmuscling and dominating the opposition. The Cherry Creek product has rare foot quickness for someone his size, helping him reach the second level of defenders with ease. FItzpatrick plays the right tackle position naturally, but has the versatility to play at left tackle as well. Do not be surprised at all if the hefty hog molly has a lengthy college career, with the ability to be a multiple year starter on the Buckeye offensive line. https://twitter.com/georgefitz88/status/1413596351485468673 OL [player_tooltip player_id="22675" first="Connor" last="Jones"] 6’7" 285 Palmer Ridge Player Rating: Three-Star Prospect Prep Redzone 2022 Ranking: #4 OL, #6 Overall 2021 Stats: N/A Commitment: Michigan Scouting Report: Another big man up front, offensive tackle [player_tooltip player_id="22675" first="Connor" last="Jones"] out of Palmer Ridge will also be taking his talents to the Big Ten Conference. Jones is a behemoth of a lineman, towering at 6’7" and weighing in at just under 300 pounds. The soon to be high school graduate represents a strong offensive lineman 2022 class where size reigns supreme. Jones does a fantastic job in both run and pass blocking and rarely gets called for penalties, showcasing his strict discipline. The future Wolverine is primed to be an important anchor within the Michigan offensive line, and should gel with the fresh faces in that positional room. https://twitter.com/77ConnorJones/status/1473485377046343687   WR [player_tooltip player_id="22672" first="Grant" last="Page"] 6’3" 190 Fairview Player Rating: Three-Star Prospect Prep Redzone 2022 Ranking: 2021 Stats: 39 REC, 473 Yards, 12.1 YPC, 94.6 YPG, 2 TD’s Commitment: Colorado Scouting Report: Despite being banged up for more than half the season and only suiting up in five games, Page still made his presence felt in 2021. The future Buffalo nearly averaged 100 yards per contest and still reeled in 39 catches on the campaign. After bolting Nebraska during the early signing day process and choosing to stay home in Boulder to the joyful dismay of CU faithful, Page will try to lead by example in influencing local kids to play their college ball back home. Page has insanely quick feet off the line of scrimmage and has a knack for running crisp, solid routes. Additionally, Page has big play ability, catching 26 touchdowns during his Fairview career. https://twitter.com/CUBuffsFootball/status/1471119007818395657   QB [player_tooltip player_id="22726" first="Keegan" last="Patterson"] 6’0" 180 Longmont Player Rating: Three-Star Prospect Prep Redzone 2022 Ranking: #1 QB, #29 Overall 2021 Stats: Passing: 264/397, 3,609 Yards, 328.0 YPG, 28 TD’s, 12 INT’s Rushing: 186 CAR, 846 Yards, 4.5 AVG, 20 TD’s Commitment: USC Scouting Report: Mr. Patterson is as cool as a cucumber. The Longmont signal-caller showed off his freakish athletic ability a season ago, passing and rushing for a combined 48 touchdowns. Patterson demonstrates why he was ranked as the top quarterback in the state, with precise passing attributes and the awareness to get the job done with his legs. After completing 66% of his passes, Patterson drew much attention from around the nation. If Patterson can fine tune is mechanics and footwork, he should find success at the college level. The dual-threat operator is heading to the beaches of Southern California, where he hopes he will be given the keys to the shiny Lamborghini in the next few years. https://twitter.com/keeganp_3/status/1488011698405449728 <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11381089/618831073df5ff0664e1597f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   OL [player_tooltip player_id="22669" first="Braden" last="Miller"] 6’7" 290 Eaglecrest Player Rating: Three-Star Prep Redzone 2022 Ranking: #3 OL, #5 Overall 2021 Stats: N/A Commitment: Michigan State Scouting Report: Miller is a massive human being, and that works to his advantage when playing the game of football. Eaglecrest’s best player from last season will be the third and final offensive lineman in Colorado to pack his bags to play in the oldest Division I athletic conference in the United States. Miller’s game revolves around his strong and sturdy base, providing him with enough balance to push back defensive lineman and switch off his blocks to other rushers when needed. The soon-to-be Raptors alumni includes a great use of his hands to his overall game, rarely ever getting his paws caught outside of the shoulder pads. With more time and experience, Miller’s skill should flourish under Mel Tucker in East Lansing. https://twitter.com/b_miller_34/status/1471189412809641984   TE [player_tooltip player_id="22676" first="Jade" last="Arroyo"] 6’3" 220 Highlands Ranch Player Rating: Three-Star Prep Redzone 2022 Ranking: #1 TE, #12 Overall 2021 Stats: 43 REC, 655 Yards, 15.2 AVG, 7 TD’s Commitment: Brown Scouting Report: On December 10th, 2021, Arroyo’s recruitment was wide open after de-committing from CSU. Before you knew it, the #1 TE was on the market, and it didn’t take long for his talents to end up elsewhere. About a month later, Arroyo found himself committed to Ivy power Brown University, wear he will be putting on the seal brown, cardinal red, and white with pride each Saturday. After mainly being a blocking tight end in his first couple high school seasons, Arroyo developed a receiving side to his game, making him even more lethal for defenses to try to stop. The Highlands Ranch tight end is about as balanced as it gets, but can definitely improve his footwork with his route running and locating his blocking assignments. Arroyo would benefit by putting on an extra 20-25 pounds as well, providing him a better opportunity to compete against the best of what the Ivy league has to offer. https://twitter.com/JadeArroyoo/status/1487870242432774144 <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11620715/618185b5bd6a6f04c084732e" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   OL [player_tooltip player_id="22677" first="Jake" last="Maikkula"] 6’5" 265 Valor Christian Player Rating: Three-Star Prep Redzone 2022 Ranking: #2 OL, #4 Overall 2021 Stats: N/A Commitment: Stanford Scouting Report: It is hard to not go wrong when choosing between the top rated offensive lineman in the 303, and many have Maikkula on the top of their lists. Reigning from Valor Christian, the future Stanford Cardinal has all of the intangibles to be a great college football player. At the high school level, the earthshaking tackle is intimidating just to stand next to; none the less line up across from. Maikkula’s greatest strength is his impressive mobility and lead-blocking when a play reaches the second level of the defense. Maikkula can pack a punch with his hands when his body collides with a defender, and has the ability to shut down one side of a defense’s rushing attack by picking up multiple blocks. Maikkula also possesses the flexibilty to play both tackle positions. https://twitter.com/JakeMaikkula/status/1421657380165722120   DE/TE [player_tooltip player_id="58932" first="Nunie" last="Tuitele"] 6’4" 230 Regis Jesuit Player Rating: Three-Star Prep Redzone 2022 Ranking: #1 DL, #7 Overall 2021 Stats: 63 Tackles, 7.0 TPG, 18.0 TFL, 12.0 Sacks Commitment: Cal Scouting Report: Not only does the future Cal Bear defensive lineman have the coolest name among class of 2022 participants, but Tuitele’s demeanor can instill fear even in Michael Myers. Tuitele’s brand of play can attest to that, as his reckless ability to blow up and destroy opposing quarterbacks and ball carriers is why he is rated the #1 defensive lineman in the state. Arguably Regis Jesuit’s most productive defensive playmaker, Tuitele excells at his weak-side position through his first step quickness off the ball, gaining a speed advantage. Tuitele also uses his powerful physique to push back blockers, which collapses the pocket and gives the offense no time to work with. Mr. Tuitele is a bonafide defensive disrupter, and the Pac-12 should officially be put on notice. https://twitter.com/CalFootball/status/1471302290602487811 <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/6097481/6161264306622d052c9f4ba0" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>   RB [player_tooltip player_id="166903" first="Bryce" last="Vaz"] 5’9" 180 Legend Player Rating: N/A Prep Redzone 2022 Ranking: #3 RB, #27 Overall 2021 Stats: 274 CAR, 1,716 Yards, 6.3 AVG, 132.0 YPG, 24 TD’s Commitment: Northern Colorado Scouting Report: The second leading rusher among eligible participants in Colorado, [player_tooltip player_id="166903" first="Bryce" last="Vaz"] of Legend High School is a Tasmanian Devil. The name of the speedsters game is his vision and quickness when the ball is in his hands. Vaz is decisive when he sees a hole he wants to run through, and can also make a man miss with a juke or two when in the second-level. The Titans leading rusher displays great pass catching abilities out of the backfield as well, and isn’t afraid to get his hands dirty by throwing a block in pass protection. The swift tailback will no doubt provide some electricity for Coach McCaffrey’s Northern Colorado backfield. https://twitter.com/UNC_BearsFB/status/1471131509000216580 <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11462843/617ee3a4578e990efc144843" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> WR [player_tooltip player_id="43837" first="Ky" last="Oday"] Jr. 5’11" 170 Cherry Creek Player Rating: Three-Star Prep Redzone 2022 Ranking: #2 WR, #16 Overall 2021 Stats: 31 REC, 578 Yards, 18.6 AVG, 7 TD’s Commitment: Colorado State Scouting Report: First year CSU head coach Jay Norvell was not messing around in continuing to pursue Oday Jr. despite the coaching change in Fort Collins, and it most definitely paid off for the Rammies. The go-to wideout for the Bruins a year ago in their quest for a third straight 5A state championship, Oday Jr’s most prized attribute is his route running. Since Oday Jr.’s frame is not as large as other receivers, the 5’11’ pass catcher must rely on his capability to find the soft spots in defenses and then blow the top off of them by using his track-like quickness. Oday Jr. would benefit by working on the strength of his hands, but by no means does this mean he cannot go up and pinpoint the football in tight coverage. https://twitter.com/KyOdayJr/status/1471131258654629889 https://twitter.com/KyOdayJr/status/1465347811155660806 OLB/FS [player_tooltip player_id="153680" first="Bryce" last="Johnson"] 6’2" 205 Lutheran Player Rating: N/A Prep Redzone 2022 Ranking: #7 DB, #62 Overall 2021 Stats: 75 Tackles, 5.8 TPG, 14.0 TFL, 2 INT’s, 4 PD’s Commitment: South Dakota State Scouting Report: A majority of defensive backs do not often make big time plays behind the line of scrimmage, but the Lutheran standout is not like many DB’s. Believe it or not, Johnson is able to lineup at many different spots on defense, giving the offense many unique looks pre-snap. Johnson is not afraid to come up from his safety position and even play outside linebacker to be a contributing factor in the run game, often times when the offense least expects it. In pass coverage, Johnson uses his height to his advantage, reaching his long arms into the sky and disrupting the pass from reaching the receiver’s grasp. The Lion’s top secondary playmaker does a tremendous job in keeping his hips square and staying on the balls of his feet, helping his closing speed on any type of play. https://twitter.com/brycejohnson2FB/status/1486712447247417346 https://twitter.com/brycejohnson2FB/status/1480381541377323009   LB [player_tooltip player_id="22680" first="Jordan" last="Norwood"] 6’1" 200 Valor Christian Player Rating: Three-Star Prep Redzone 2022 Ranking: #1 LB, #15 Overall 2021 Stats: 78 Tackles, 5.6 TPG, 10.0 TFL, 1.5 Sack Commitment: Liberty Scouting Report: Norwood has tremendous size and speed at the linebacker position, as he is a blazing torpedo when activated for destruction. One of the Eagles’ leaders on defense, Norwood was known to make clutch tackles at the most opportune time. Third on the team in tackles for loss, Norwood’s play recognition and overall football IQ at his position his miles above the rest. Norwood’s speed helps him out on the edge making tackles and in pass coverage when lined up with a receiving threat. There is no question that Liberty will be upgrading their linebacker room by having the ecstatic Norwood onboard. https://twitter.com/Norwood_Jordan3/status/1426374333912522758 <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11198236/61b03be7386d9a07dc1f316e" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>