2023 Rankings: Movement in the Top 20

<span style="font-weight: 400;">The <a href="https://prepredzone.com/colorado/rankings/2023-rankings/">preseason rankings</a> have been updated for the class of 2023, which has brought along some significant changes. This update has added 85 new names to the rankings, bringing the total to 285 ranked players!</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">Ranking slots are not set in stone, making it possible for players to elevate their standings. Player rankings are based on various factors, including on-field performances and recruiting.</span> <span style="font-weight: 400;">This article will examine seven significant changes made to the top 20 of the 2023 rankings.</span> &nbsp; <span style="font-weight: 400;">The first significant change starts with Cherry Creek defensive lineman </span><b>[player_tooltip player_id="150256" first="Chase" last="Brackney"]</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Brackney has a jump up to land sixth overall, second among the position group. The 6-foot-4, 280lbs defensive end is an absolute monster who brings excellent power and versatility to the defensive front. Brackney is heading into his senior year as a reigning state champion who has given his verbal commitment to continue his football career at Iowa.</span> https://twitter.com/ChaseBrackney2/status/1493410737863204866?s=20&amp;t=i80j0BxTOA3mIGRw1g6cLw &nbsp; <span style="font-weight: 400;">The next big change to the top ten comes by way of another Cherry Creek player, </span><b>[player_tooltip player_id="62213" first="Logan" last="Brantley"]</b><span style="font-weight: 400;">. Previously listed as the second-ranked linebacker, Brantley has moved over to the top of the defensive back list because he is a hybrid strong safety. He has the versatility needed to line up at nickel and cover the slot, Assist the box and play against the run, and drop back into deep coverage and defend against the pass. His ability to move between assignments easily makes him an elite strong safety. Brantley recently announced his verbal commitment to play for Kansas.</span> https://twitter.com/LoganBrantley4/status/1542931242189877248?s=20&amp;t=i80j0BxTOA3mIGRw1g6cLw &nbsp; <b>[player_tooltip player_id="43841" first="Hayden" last="Moore"]</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> from Regis Jesuit is the second-ranked linebacker who has made the jump to 12th overall. He is an outside linebacker with the skills of an interior backer and an edge rusher. His ability to be a disruptive defender against any offensive scheme is built on his phenomenal athleticism, strength, and physicality. Moore is a hard-hitting linebacker with elite potential who has committed to continue his career as a Nebraska Cornhusker.</span> https://twitter.com/HMOORE3405/status/1539371068552630272?s=20&amp;t=i80j0BxTOA3mIGRw1g6cLw &nbsp; <b>[player_tooltip player_id="215284" first="Jazel" last="Riley IV"]</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is a showstopping dual-threat quarterback who has jumped into the top 20 and landed at 17th overall. His popularity has rapidly grown during the past few months, yet he is still a major sleeper as a recruit. He is an accurate passer with phenomenal arm strength. His outstanding pocket presence and abilities as a runner make him an extremely problematic opponent for defenders. Riley IV is a top-tier athlete who has moved up to claim the second-ranked QB spot, making him a steal for whichever program is fortunate enough to land his commitment.</span> https://twitter.com/iv_jazel/status/1541217001770606592?s=20&amp;t=i80j0BxTOA3mIGRw1g6cLw <span style="font-weight: 400;"> </span> <b>[player_tooltip player_id="288459" first="Rocky" last="Shields"]</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is a defensive lineman at Columbine whose rankings debut has landed him at third among the position group and 18th overall. The 6-foot-3, 250lbs big-man can lineup as a defensive end or tackle. He brings unstoppable power and determination to the front, helping him solidify his spot as a top defensive lineman. Shields has close to 10 Division I offers, including Air Force, Army, Eastern Washington, and Utah State.</span> https://twitter.com/isthatrocky/status/1540832232717225984?s=20&amp;t=i80j0BxTOA3mIGRw1g6cLw &nbsp; <b>[player_tooltip player_id="303218" first="Russ" last="Woodward"]</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is a lineman from Evergreen who is also making his rankings debut as a top 20 player, landing the 19th overall spot. Woodward is a two-way lineman who is just as dominant on the defensive front as he is on offense. His 6-foot-6, 240lbs frame makes him a massive lineman with dominant strength. Woodward holds several offers, including Eastern Washington, Sioux Falls, South Dakota Mines, and Chadron State.</span> https://twitter.com/RussWoody3/status/1534356148861771781?s=20&amp;t=i80j0BxTOA3mIGRw1g6cLw &nbsp; <span style="font-weight: 400;">Valor Christian’s </span><b>[player_tooltip player_id="189119" first="Brody" last="Bliek"]</b><span style="font-weight: 400;"> is another defensive lineman who has jumped onto the top 20 list, landing the 20th overall spot and moving up to fourth among the position group. The 6-foot-3, 270lbs defender is an explosive athlete with great strength and techniques. His ability to line up at any position on the line makes him an ideal prospect for any program looking to add an explosive athlete to the defensive front. Bliek holds several offers, including Northern Colorado, Sioux Falls, and Augustana.</span> https://twitter.com/BliekBrody/status/1536908699142340611?s=20&amp;t=i80j0BxTOA3mIGRw1g6cLw &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 14pt;"><a href="https://prepredzone.com/colorado/rankings/2023-rankings/">Click here for the full 2023 rankings list.</a></span>