Colorado Prospects to Know: Part I

I looked at some of Colorado's top prospects from my initial 2023 travels. Stay tuned as I continue my trek around the country evaluating some of the nation's best players.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>   [player_tooltip player_id='232189' first='Aiden' last='Knapke'] 5'11” 190 safety from Cherry Creek HS, CO possesses all the tools to make an impact at the next level. Class of 2025 with quick reflexes, great range & a hard-hitting style of play. Smart player who can dominate as both run and pass defender. 3.3 GPA. Runs the sprints in track.   You gotta love [player_tooltip player_id='232186' first='Brock' last='Kolstad'] 6' 220 Boulder Fairview HS at linebacker. A throwback who can hit like a ton of bricks, runs well, and goes at 100% on every down. Very athletic, very motivated, and very good. No doubt a big-time talent. 330 bench. All conference at linebacker. Dad played for Yale.   No doubt one of the better all-around athletes in Colorado is 2024 wide receiver/safety [player_tooltip player_id='503779' first='CJ' last='Reese'] 6‘3“ 200 Highlands Ranch Thunder Ridge HS. Excellent length, 4.5 speed, and outstanding ball skills. 3.0 GPA and has a 38-inch vertical jump. Can play for anyone.   Another very impressive linebacker to come from Littleton Columbine HS is [player_tooltip player_id='381202' first='James' last='Cillessen'] 6' 220 in the 2024 class. Also plays running back but I was impressed with his ability at linebacker. All-state and defensive MVP in 2022. He can hit, plays the game on his feet and make plays from sideline to sideline. A violent hitter with superior strength and technique perfectly suited for the inside linebacker position. Dad played guard at Air Force. 4.1 GPA. Dynamic performer with big-time skills. Plays like an all-star.   It's a great year for linebackers in Colorado and one you're going to love is [player_tooltip player_id='296706' first='Kai' last='Goetze'] 6'3” 230 of Colorado Springs Pine Creek HS, class of 2024. Great size, instincts, hitting ability, and leadership skills. On offense, he shows big-time skills at tight end. Has soft hands, can catch the ball in traffic, and is an outstanding blocker. 3.0 GPA.   A 2026 Colorado prospect to watch is running back/linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='283705' first='Landon' last='Kalsbeck'] 6'1” 195 Littleton Dakota Ridge HS. Physical, aggressive, tough with excellent vision, balance, and burst. Very impressive sophomore to be. No doubt shows power 5 ability. 4.2 GPA. Rising star who should have a ton of offers within the next year or two.   [player_tooltip player_id='232168' first='Carter' last='Daniels'] 5‘11“ 180 Highland Ranch Mountain Vista HS, is a very talented running back/linebacker who can run and is a big-time playmaker. Reads well, plays the game on his feet, and can hit. Runs with power, good vision, balance, and strength. 3.0 GPA and already at two-time all-conference selection on defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='277534' first='Charlie' last='Eckhardt'] 6'2“ 190 Centennial Arapahoe is really impressive at both wide receiver and free safety. An all-state performer who is tough, physical, and fast. Can run a 4.5, shows excellent ball skills, and just seems to do everything with ease. Natural athlete with a great attitude and work ethic. 4.0 GPA.   [player_tooltip player_id='146076' first='Will' last='Rosenmeyer'] 6‘1“ 165 Highlands Ranch Rock Canyon HS, is one of the hardest-hitting and most physical defenders in the state. Shows good length, quick feet, smarts, and also excels in press coverage. Runs a 4.6 and has a 33-inch vertical. 3.0 GPA. All conference and runs the sprints in track. Very impressive player with big-time skills.   [player_tooltip player_id='271172' first='Solomon' last='Latimer'] 6'2“ 175 Colorado Springs Daugherty HS is one of the more talented wide receivers in the Midland region. Catches everything within his frame and can make the difficult Tkachuk routine. Excellent length, excels at high pointing, and does a good job creating space. Runs a 4.6. High jumps 6‘2“ and runs the hurdles in track. Big time athlete.   One ball player who really stood out was defensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id='232187' first='Kafui' last='Fiadonu'] 6'3” 250 Littleton D'Evelyn HS. Physical, athletic with a great burst. Very quick off the edge, shows good body control, and excellent closing speed.   [player_tooltip player_id='696906' first='Jordan' last='Ochoa'] 6‘4“ 220 Castle Rock Castleview HS, can play both tight end and defensive end. You have to be impressed with the way he runs, comes off the ball, uses his hands, and his closing speed. Loves to mix it up and possesses a world of talent. Runs a 23.3 200 m. An all-conference memeber in the class of 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='547607' first='Chase' last='Riehle'] 6' 195 running back from Colorado Springs Banning Lewis, is one of the top running back prospects in Colorado. The class of 2025 prospect runs with power, has excellent vision, balance, and elite moves. Also shows a very good pair of hands. Shows division one skills. First team all-conference and honorable mention all-state.   [player_tooltip player_id='283655' first='Jeremiah' last='Hoffman'] 6'1” 175 Severance HS is one of the premier wide receivers in Colorado. Also one of the better all-around athletes in the state who also excels in basketball and baseball. Shows a strong pair of hands, 4.47 speed, runs precise routes, and creates separation after the catch. No doubt a big-time talent. 3.2 GPA. All conference. Class of 2025.   [player_tooltip player_id='212251' first='Kobe' last='Dooley'] 5'9” 160 is a super fast wide receiver from Colorado Springs Vista Ridge in the 2026 class. Fun to watch, he can create separation in the blink of an eye, can stretch a defense with his speed, and catches everything within his frame. All conference in 2022. 3.3 GPA & a member of the class of 2026. A rising star with all the tools.

I looked at some of Colorado's top prospects from my initial 2023 travels. Stay tuned as I continue my trek around the country evaluating some of the nation's best players.