2023 Rankings: Eight Stock-Risers
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Even though the players from the class of 2023 have closed the chapters on their high school football careers, highlighting their accomplishments by showing continued appreciation for what they gave to the sport remains a current focus.
When a player’s high school journey begins, their path to a college roster is determined by the amount of hard work and dedication they are willing to give to the process. Some players show signs of top-tier potential early as underclassmen, while others bloom a tad later.
Since it is less about where they start and more about where they end up, this article will close out the coverage of the senior rankings by looking at eight players from the class of 2023 who completed their prep years as significant stock risers.
Warren finished his high school career as the second-ranked defensive back after starting sixth in the group. He is a smart player with a very high football IQ and the versatility needed to play as a safety or cornerback. Warren is a coach’s son who developed under a successful program before his high school career, where he won four state championships en route to becoming a top in-state pickup for Northern Colorado.
Lettis is perhaps the biggest “you heard it here first” prospect who landed on the radar during an offseason pad camp during the summer heading into his freshman year. He was Erie’s leading receiver for the two years he started on varsity, as well as when he was on the freshman and junior varsity teams. He has track speed and impeccable hands that mix perfectly with his size and frame, making him a problematic receiver for secondaries to cover. Lettis is the fourth-ranked receiver taking his talents to the Western Athletic Conference to play at Southern Utah.
Highlights
Witherspoon came into the season as a prospect with some steam and ended the year as one of the better receivers in the state. He is a big and physical player with excellent athleticism and explosive acceleration, giving him phenomenal run-after-catch abilities. Witherspoon is another top-ranked player who will be staying in-state to join the UNC Bears in Greeley to represent Colorado in the Big Sky.
Highlights
Keeler is an absolute stud who is still one of the more underrated players in the class. The 4A defensive player of the year and state champion was a total nightmare for offensive lines for the entire season. Keeler chose to stay local and join Colorado State in Fort Collins with the determination of earning the respect he rightfully deserves.
Highlights
Pratz is another exciting player who is staying in-state to play at UNC. The speedy receiver was an under-the-radar player who quietly turned himself into a head-turning sleeper. He first emerged on the scene as a potential prospect at a camp during the offseason just before his junior season. Since then, Pratz has continued to increase his stock value, making him a player to be excited to watch in the Big Sky.
Toppin is an impressive athlete who stood out on both sides of the ball. His height, athleticism, and phenomenal instincts made him a ball-hawking safety. His big frame, breakaway speed, and ability to play the ball in the air give him an advantage as a receiver who can threaten every level of the secondary. Toppin is listed as a defensive back, but he is capable of making a name for himself on either side of the ball while playing in the RMAC with Black Hills State.
Duda had an outstanding season as the featured running back for Rock Canyon. He is a powerful one-cut running back with good vision and impressive acceleration. He plays with excellent pad level and physicality, giving him the leverage advantage as a runner and pass blocker. Duda is heading to Western Colorado as one of many talented players to remain in-state and join the RMAC.
Thomas was quietly one of the more impressive safeties in the class last season. He is technically sound and does a fantastic job of getting out of his breaks quickly and coming downhill to make plays on the ball. His physicality and competitive mentality enable him to fly around the field and deliver devastating hits and disrupt pass attempts. Thomas is one of few defensive backs to stay home for college and join the Fort Lewis program.