2024: Game Changing Athletes

To be considered an elite athlete in a state loaded with them is not easily achieved. However, these players make it look easy with their ability to affect the game in a multitude of ways.    [player_tooltip player_id='532681' first='Carson' last='Sudbury'] || ATH || 5'10 || 175 || Bingham High School || 2024 Sudbury was one of the state's top offensive playmakers in 2022. He had over 1,345 yards from scrimmage, lining up at numerous positions. Sudbury can damage defenses through the air or on the ground. At running back, he runs hard and displays good vision. At receiver, he runs crisp routes and has good hands. He's hard to track down in the open field and always makes defenders miss. In addition, Sudbury is one of the state's shiftiest players and is a big play threat every snap.   [player_tooltip player_id='406964' first='Siona' last='Vailahi'] || ATH || 5'11 || 185 || East High School || 2024 Vailahi is the definition of a swiss army knife. He can play running back, wide receiver, defensive back, and even quarterback. The Leopards do it all athlete can break off big runs with his ability to zoom past defenders. Vailahi makes quick cuts to avoid tackles and quickly gets the edge on long runs. His short-area quickness makes him an exceptional player on both sides of the ball. He can take the top off defenses or hold receivers in check when lining up at defensive backs. Vailshi runs hard and has good vision on inside and outside runs.   [player_tooltip player_id='406966' first='Bo' last='Tate'] || ATH || 6'0 || 190 || Corner Canyon High School || 2024 Tate is a tackling machine. He can line up all over the field on defense and wreck offense game plans. Tate is lightning-quick and can make plays even when offenses try to run away from him. He hits like a runaway train, and offensive linemen have difficulty getting a hand on him. Tate is a great pass rusher and does an excellent job overpowering whoever tries to block him. His sideline-to-sideline quickness is elite, and he's exceptional in coverage. Tate is also a force to be reckoned with at running back, where his powerful frame makes him hard to bring down.   [player_tooltip player_id='406970' first='Luke' last='Bryant'] || ATH || 6'1 || 190 || Olympus High School || 2024 Bryant is an elite weapon for the Titans on both sides of the ball. His speed is matched by few players in the state, allowing him to separate on big plays. He can take the top off defenses and is a threat to score on every play. Bryant breaks ankles every time he touches the ball and is a threat to flip the field on every play. His ability to make something out of nothing is extraordinary. Bryant is also an outstanding defensive back, where his speed allows him to keep up with some of the state's top receivers.   [player_tooltip player_id='488339' first='Easton' last='Hicks'] || ATH || 5'11 || 180 || Riverton High School || 2024 Hicks ran wild for the Silverwolves in 2022. He rushed for over 1,00 yards and, in his final game of the season, caught eight passes for 113 yards. Hicks is also an elite returner; he had three touchdowns and constantly put Riverton's offense in a good position with a big return. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field is truly special. Hicks has great vision, and once he sees a crease explodes through it. He changes direction as quickly as any player in the state and has great body control to survive hard hits.   [player_tooltip player_id='406975' first='Quezon' last='Villa'] || ATH || 6'0 || 185 || Timpview High School || 2024 Villa is one of the only players in the state to throw for over 500 yards, rush for 950 yards, and over 300 yards receiving. He's also an explosive returner who took a kickoff 92 yards to the house in the 5A Semifinals. Villa is an elite runner who is tough to bring down between the tackles and on the outside. His ability to slow down and get back up to his top speed in a moment's notice is special. Villa can run any route as a receiver and does a great job adjusting to passes in the air. His short-area quickness is one of the many qualities that make him elite.   [player_tooltip player_id='478695' first='Brock' last='Thrall'] || ATH || 6'0 || 250 || Tooele High School || 2024 Thrall can play on both sides of the ball, dominating offenses at defensive end and leading the way in the rushing attack at fullback. He was also a strong running back, averaging 3.5 yards per carry. Thrall loves to hit and can go right through defensive linemen to get after quarterbacks. He does a great job setting the edge and is a strong tackler. Thrall does a great job widening holes as a lead blocker and can dish out pancakes. In addition, as a runner, he makes impressive jump cuts and can run over defenders fighting for every extra yard.

To be considered an elite athlete in a state loaded with them is not easily achieved. However, these players make it look easy with their ability to affect the game in a multitude of ways.