Top Offensive Playmakers to Watch for at the PRZ Prospect Tour
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On Saturday afternoon, some of the best players in the state of Colorado will put their skills to the test in a variety of drills, testing, evaluations, and specific position coaching in the days following the event. As we are…
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Continue ReadingOn Saturday afternoon, some of the best players in the state of Colorado will put their skills to the test in a variety of drills, testing, evaluations, and specific position coaching in the days following the event. As we are less than 24 hours away from the highly anticipated event, let’s take a look at some offensive playmakers who will be in attendance that might make a name for themselves and raise a few eyebrows in the process. It is time to get down to business!
QB Bekkem Kritza Bekkem Kritza 6'4" | 180 lbs | QB Santa Margarita Catholic | 2025 CA 6’4″ 180 Fairview
Class of 2025
2021 Stats: 268/413, 3,192 Yards, 64%, 319.2 YPG, 22 TD’s, 8 INT’s, 98.0 QBR
Best Attribute:
Able to make throws within the pocket and on the run, Kritza is one of the more talented signal callers in the Centennial State. Kritza displays excellent vision down the field, often showcasing his ability to throw open receivers before their routes even break. Paired with good footwork and a cannon for an arm, the soon-to-be sophomore has great awareness for stepping up in the pocket when it collapses, using his legs and escapability to keep plays alive.
The @TeamFullGorilla get on the board with a @stretch2025 to @LandenLoomis08 Touchdown Pass. #Brandid👌🏽 @Pylon7on7 | @ColoHSFootball pic.twitter.com/xapDKk20Cc
— BRANDID SPORTS (@BrandidSports) March 19, 2022
@stretch2025 season may have ended unexpectedly but no doubt he made a name for himself in only his freshmen year. From when I first broke down his film last year, to the end of this year he’s made HUGE strides in his game. Super proud, and looking forward to more! #PMCfam pic.twitter.com/pHIXtQzqRv
— Simon Villanoz (@simon_villanoz) November 12, 2021
WR Brandon Hills Brandon Hills 5'9" | 150 lbs | WR Vista Ridge | 2023 State CO 5’9″ 150 Vista Ridge
Class of 2023
2021 Stats: 69 REC, 1,069 Yards, 15.5 AVG, 13 TD’s
Best Attributes:
An athletic wideout reigning from Colorado Spring, Hills has quick-twitch ability that can translate into blowing the top off any defense he faces. A two-sport athlete that also uses his speed in track and field, Hills is a phenomenal route runner and has a large list of different routes that he can run within his tree. Although undersized at 5’8″, the Vista Ridge pass catcher makes up for it with his outstanding ability to find the soft spots in the defense.
https://twitter.com/BebeHills5/status/1514427816116334594
OL Carson Caplan Carson Caplan 6'3" | 285 lbs | OL Pine Creek | 2024 State CO 6’2″ 280 Pine Creek
Class of 2024
2021 Stats: N/A
Best Attributes:
Awarded as a watch list nominee among offensive lineman in the class of 2024, Caplan has a sturdy base that provides him with great balance in both the passing and running game. Weighing in at 280 pounds, Caplan plays the majority of his snaps at the guard positions. Caplan contains the flexibility, size, and nastiness to play football at the next level.
Final Sophmore year highlights. Started Left Guard every game of the season on Varsity. Great season 10-3 @SixZeroAcademy @AndyWangCU @BrandonHuffman @Lee_Wilbanks @Rivals @Coach_TerryHeff @maeubanks @OLCoachHiller @PrepRedzoneCO @CoPreps @coachwes_23 @coachryanhansen pic.twitter.com/UnnXJpWuzy
— Carson Caplan (@caplan_carson) December 6, 2021
Locked 🔒 @SixZeroAcademy @GroundupSP @PrepRedzoneCO @CoPreps @coachwes_23 @Coach_TerryHeff @OLCoachHiller @KyleDeVan68 @CoachChadSavage @BenjaminRohaly @TimBrandon5 @bangulo @Lemmingscouting @TheUprzng @coachryanhansen @CoachJayLong @Coach_G_Magana @TheUprzng pic.twitter.com/wbW7ThVfwj
— Carson Caplan (@caplan_carson) March 5, 2022
WR/TE Zachariah Smith Zachariah Smith 6'7" | 260 lbs | TE ThunderRidge | 2024 State CO 6’7″ 245 ThunderRidge
Class of 2024
2021 Stats: N/A
Best Attributes:
Listed as a wide receiver/tight end, Smith is a towering receiving threat that is able to strike fear into anyone lining up across from him. Sometimes lining up as an extra offensive lineman in jumbo packages, Smith is an all-around talented tight end that has soft hands and is fearless when it comes to throwing downfield blocks.
Nice TD over the middle today at 7v7 at the Academy of Charter Schools pic.twitter.com/W9h16gWA7Q
— Zach Smith (@Zachari68893966) July 15, 2021
RB Jordan Niesent Jordan Niesent 5'10" | 175 lbs | ATH Poudre | 2023 State CO 5’10″ 175 Poudre
Class of 2023
2021 Stats: Rushing: 44 CAR, 175 Yards, 4.0 AVG, 1 TD
Receiving: 10 REC, 89 Yards, 8.9 AVG, 3 TD’s
Best Attributes:
A do-it-all back that is a ferocious runner and pass catcher out of the backfield, Niesent is rated as the eighth-best running back in the entire state according to Prep Redzone. Niesent’s vision with the rock in his hands is superior, as his quick feet helps him find holes in a timely manner. The upcoming senior should be the main workhorse in the Impalas backfield, as the Poudre product is considered one of the best backs in the state entering 2022.
Had a great visit @GeorgiaStateFB! Thank you to @zconowal31 and @TCO7v7! @_thehannahb @SixZeroAcademy @PoudreFootball pic.twitter.com/uTEDrG7ETm
— Jordan Niesent⁵ (@NiesentJordan) April 3, 2022
QB Blake Palladino Blake Palladino 6'3" | 195 lbs | QB Dakota Ridge | 2024 State CO 6’3″ 196 Dakota Ridge
Class of 2024
2021 Stats: 89/159, 1,242 Yards, 56%, 138.0 YPG, 11 TD’s, 5 INT’s, 91.2 QBR
Best Attributes:
Palladino has a rocket for an arm with a strong ability to throw the deep ball effectively and accurately. While slightly unproven, no one can deny that the talent is for surely there, as the Dakota Ridge signal caller could be poised for a breakout year in 2022. Palladino throws a tight spiral that makes it easier for his receivers to catch the ball, and also has extreme athleticism for someone his stature.
Great Experience, Team & Coaches! Thanks @ODFBall 4 Moving Me Up w/Jrs. & 4 Team Captain Honors! Played 2 Qtrs 11/17 193yds 3TDs @EdOBrienCFB @PrepRedzoneCO @bangulo @BrandonHuffman @adamgorney @GregBiggins @AllenTrieu @clintbrew247 @SWiltfong247 @HighImpactFoot1 @sedbonner13 pic.twitter.com/3XBOHqA1hZ
— Blake Palladino (@PalladinoBlake) January 4, 2022
https://twitter.com/FanVuSports/status/1442523835589292038
OL Ethan Thomason Ethan Thomason 6'8" | 325 lbs | OL Rocky Mountain | 2023 State CO 6’8″ 305 Rocky Mountain
Class of 2023
2021 Stats: N/A
Best Attributes:
One of the most highly touted lineman in the state, Thomason is drawing the right kind of attention thanks to his larger than life frame and nimble athleticism for someone of his position. Playing at offensive tackle, Thomason inhibits an extremely swift first step when the ball is snapped, giving him a considerable advantage over his blocking assignment. An elite pass protector and a mammoth blocker, Thomason is a natural at using his inside arm to be alert of inside pressure while keeping his eyes locked on any outside rushing presence.
Fort Collins (Colo) Rocky Mountain OL Ethan Thomason with a couple of wins early in OL-DL one on ones @polynesiabowl pic.twitter.com/UjUojUACAN
— Greg Biggins (@GregBiggins) March 27, 2022
OL Ben Lastrella Ben Lastrella 6'2" | 280 lbs | OL Cherry Creek | 2023 State CO 6’2″ 265 Cherry Creek
Class of 2023
2021 Stats: N/A
Best Attributes:
The last lineman on the top offensive players to watch and certainly not the least, the hefty Cherry Creek Bruin is poised to have a terrific senior season. Lastrella excels at getting to the second level and punishing defenders in his wake. Currently playing as a guard, Lastrella shines when he is able to use his strong lower half in the running game. The massive hog mollie up front may be at his best when he is readjusting blocks and creating gigantic holes for his halfbacks to run through.
QB Benjamin Noblitt Benjamin Noblitt 6'1" | 195 lbs | QB Vista Ridge | 2025 State CO 6’1″ 280 Palmer Ridge
2021 Stats: N/A
Best Attributes:
Noblitt possesses tremendous size for a 2025 dual-threat quarterback, and also has a high release that gives him an added dimension of height on his passes. Noblitt also demonstrates good accuracy when throwing on the run. One of his biggest strengths is his touch, as the 2025 graduate can fire the ball into tight windows while also easing off with a soft delivery when having to float the pigskin over the outstretched arms of defenders.
Every day📈@SixZeroAcademy @ZekiWacker @PRFBOfficial @Coach_Grob @coacharmentrout @QBHitList @PlaymakerCorner @simon_villanoz @PrepRedzoneCO @CoachReedLive @ColinMagnusson @CoachJayUConn @MissKYUS2011 @griffin_conant4 @CoachScottRob @AllenTrieu @BrianDohn247 #DungeonFamily pic.twitter.com/sbcjfdzwWH
— Benjamin Noblitt QB (@BenNoblitt) April 10, 2022
In order to succeed, your desire for success must be greater than your fear of losing. @SixZeroAcademy @PalmerRidgeFB @coacharmentrout @Coach_Grob @karlmfalk @simon_villanoz @FairchildQB @QBHitList @CoPreps @PrepRedzoneCO @PlaymakerCorner @k_dorrell @CoachChev6 @DarianLH3 pic.twitter.com/WrQGvSawVG
— Benjamin Noblitt QB (@BenNoblitt) November 7, 2021
RB Brycen Mhlanga Brycen Mhlanga 5'11" | 205 lbs | RB Littleton | 2023 State CO 5’11″ 215 Littleton
Class of 2023
2021 Stats: 134 CAR, 943 Yards, 7.0 AVG, 94.3 YPG, 7 TD
Best Attributes:
Another quality running back in the class of 2023, Mhlanga has a great center of gravity that allows him to bounce off tacklers and reach the second level with ease. At 215 pounds, the Littleton halfback also isn’t afraid to throw a chip block in pass protection. Mhlanga showcases next-level patience at the line of scrimmage, as his fluid jump cuts are precise enough to give him extra yardage on almost every carry.
🌟College coaches🌟 check out my Jr. SZN offensive highlights🦍
5’11” 205 |RB/OLB|
137 Carrie’s,
1,000 rushing yards,
105 receiving yards,
8 touchdowns,— Brycen Mhlanga (@BrycenMhlanga) January 26, 2022
WR Aidan Lauer Aidan Lauer ATH Littleton | 2023 State CO 6’2″ 160 Littleton
Class of 2023
2021 Stats: 17 REC, 286 Yards, 16.8 AVG, 6 TD’s
Best Attributes:
Lauer experienced a very productive 2021, as six of his 17 receptions managed to reach pay dirt. The second Littleton Lion on this list, the class of 2023 receiver is your prototypical possession guy with a little pizazz sprinkled on top. Like most possession wideouts, secures the football with the softest of hands and rarely drops a pass that is headed his way, but is also displays sneaky speed at the intermediate levels. As a receiving threat and even as an underrated blocker, Lauer’s numbers and overall impact should blossom in 2022.