2023 Rankings Risers: Primetime Players

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These four players took their games to new heights in 2022 and made mesmerizing plays each week they took the field. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Ezra Harris || QB || 6'1 || 195 || Stansburry High School || 2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harris led the state in total touchdowns with 50. The dynamic signal caller threw 39 touchdowns and rushed for 11 as he diced up defenses. Harris is comfortable delivering downfield strikes from the pocket but is also exceptional at making things happen when plays break down. He's tough to tackle in the open field, and in the designed quarterback run game, he does some of his best work. In addition, he has good accuracy at every field level and can make off-platform throws. Harris totaled 3,739 yards and is truly one of the state's best players, regardless of position. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532650' first='Crew' last='Erickson'] || WR || 6'2 || 190 || Wasatch High School || 2023&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Erickson was dominant on the outside, hauling in 141 receptions for 1,829 yards. Both these marks led the state, and Erickson finished second in receiving touchdowns with 18. The lengthy receiver makes contested catches look routine. He easily adjusts to the ball in air and has hands sticker than glue. Erickson is also an elite athlete who can rise up over the top of defensive backs for memorable highlight plays. His top-end speed is something to be reckoned with, and his footwork is outstanding. Erickson is an elite route runner who can make plays over the middle of the field, in the screen game, and explosive ones. The future Southern Utah Thunderbird isn't done making plays in his home state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='532637' first='Brandon' last='Arveseth'] || OL || 6'1 || 285 || Farmington High School || 2023&nbsp;</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Arveseth helped Farmington have an outstanding season in which they reached the 6A semifinals. While protecting the blindside, Arveseth shut down pass rushers and opened holes for all 48 minutes. He plays with great technique and leverage, allowing him to dominate his one-on-one matchups. Arveseth has a strong punch that shocks every defensive end he battles. This violent punch helps him blow defensive linemen off the ball. The 6'1 linemen possess excellent leg drive and always plays through the whistle. He's tenacious at the point of attack and has smooth feet in pass protection. Arveseth is a dominant force on the field, and the Phoenix would not have enjoyed the same success without him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='406949' first='Micah' last='Beckstead'] || RB || 5'11 || 210 || Timpview High School || 2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beckstead was unstoppable all year, rushing for 1,960 yards to lead all backs in Utah. He also added 17 touchdowns on the ground as he helped lead the Thunderbirds to the 5A State championship game. Beckstead is a game-changing back with elite vision to maximize each carry. He's a home run back who rushes for over 20 plus yards at numerous points in a single game. In addition, Beckstead is a powerful back who easily shakes off arm tackles and multiple defenders. He never wears down no matter how many carries he gets and is also an asset in the screen game. As one of the state's best running backs, Beckstead's 2022 season won't soon be forgotten.&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->