Look in the Box: 2024 D1 Defenders

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For those new to the Prep Redzone Colorado scene and interested in a subscription, use code <strong>WESLEY30</strong> for 30% off your first subscription!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Recruiting has changed significantly in the last few years, impacting how high school prospects are recruited. The existence of the transfer portal has altered the way college coaches scout many athletes, but the portal does not change the fact that there is legitimate Division I (FBS and FCS) talent at the high school level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Colorado is known for producing talented offensive linemen year after year, but there are players in every position who possess the potential to be elite. For the coaches in search of the next impactful defender from the class of 2024, looking into the Box State will result in finding gems that will significantly increase any recruiting class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cherry Creek is a well-known program that produces talented athletes for every level of the college stage. Linebacker phenom <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='251220' first='Angelo' last='Petrides']</strong> is arguably the best linebacker in the class and one of the top in the state. Petrides played an integral role on both championship-winning defenses as a do-all linebacker during his previous two seasons with the Bruins. Petrides will be joined by fellow 2024 teammate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='146052' first='Exodus' last='Johnson']</strong>, a monstrous defensive tackle with a limitless ceiling. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":561009,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/26-Jake-Stonebraker.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-561009" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='143646' first='Jake' last='Stonebraker'] at the Prep Redzone CO Stock Up Showcase</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Over at Douglas County is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='143646' first='Jake' last='Stonebraker']</strong>, an outstanding linebacker who has already snagged two big-time offers from Colorado and Kansas State. Another linebacker with legitimate D1 potential is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='381201' first='Omari' last='Bursey']</strong> from Legacy. Bursey popped up on the radar during the offseason heading into his junior year and has continued to raise his stock value with each opportunity. Between his advanced skills as an athlete and his high academics, Bursey is a must-add to every recruiting board. Pine Creek's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='251217' first='Mason' last='Miller']</strong> is a very talented athlete with unstoppable potential. He is a two-way starter who could easily be recruited as a linebacker or a running back, which would explain the significant amount of attention he has received from D1 programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another must-know 2024 defender is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='251219' first='Jackson' last='Cowgill']</strong>, who is a great defensive end for the Erie Tigers. Not only does Cowgill have the size, strength, and speed to play at the highest level, but he also possesses a football IQ that could give rookies in the league a run for their money. <strong>Jordan Ochoa</strong> from Castle View is another impressive defensive end who has found himself on the radars of a few Power 5 programs. Ochoa's ability to cause chaos and disruption in the backfield will surely land him on a roster where he can showcase his talents on Saturdays in the fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":624806,"sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2023/01/Brent-Harris-Broomfield-2024-DBATH.jpeg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-624806" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='514391' first='Brent' last='Harris'] during pregame warmups for the 2022 4A State Championship game.</figcaption></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For Eaglecrest, producing top-tier talent almost seems customary. Defensive backs <strong>Cam Chapa</strong> and <strong>Cory Jackson</strong> are two must-know players. Chapa is a safety who can fly around the field and be a standout playmaker in any defensive scheme, while Jackson is a lockdown corner with impeccable technique. Another standout defensive back is Broomfield's <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='514391' first='Brent' last='Harris'],</strong> who not only has the skill set needed to play at the D1 level but also possesses the mental fortitude to know that the job is not done, making him one of the more determined and hardest-working players on the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->