Oops, They Did It Again! Top 2023 Returning Playmakers Part One
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Just like when Britney Spears sang the lyrics “Oops!… I Did It Again” for the first time more than two decades ago, the United States will be once again be sent into a frenzy but this time coming in the…
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Continue ReadingJust like when Britney Spears sang the lyrics “Oops!… I Did It Again” for the first time more than two decades ago, the United States will be once again be sent into a frenzy but this time coming in the form of high school football. More specifically, the amount of big time high school football players in the state of Colorado this upcoming fall is enough to make local fanatics dizzy in the head. Although plenty of statistical leaders have graduated and are off to much greener pastures, don’t forget about the surplus of talent that engulfs the Denver Metro Area and its surrounding areas heading to a gridiron near you. Without further ado, who’s ready to find out who is among the top returning playmakers heading into 2023?
rnOne sheer glimpse at Ramirez’ numbers from 2022 and you are almost guaranteed to start drooling! After finding the end zone a whopping 30 times which led all Colorado running backs, Ramiriez has some big shoes to fill from last years’ campaign. Not only does the Roosevelt product possess impressive lateral speed and quickness when hitting the hole, but he is also prone to shed a few tackles with his tremendous center of gravity. If the flashy Ramirez isn’t on your radar yet, then get with the program!
#1 RB in Colorado @XavierR56782132 throwing some weight around after track practice. #mr2k pic.twitter.com/9eaJFITEcu
— Roosevelt Football (@RooseveltRFTB) March 7, 2023
Although Lumpkin does not tower over opposing defensive backs at six-feet tall, it is his majestic route-running that really makes him stand out from the crowd. In fact, it is his first step off of the line of scrimmage that usually gives him an edge on cover corners, as not many wideouts across the state know how to get open with such ease like Lumpkin. One element of Lumpkin’s game that will make plenty of college scout’s raise their eyebrows is his ability to make magic with yards after the catch. If the shifty wideout gets loose, then lookout!
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Liberty – 14
Sierra – 12My phone shut off randomly and I missed a GREAT toe-drag catch by Sierra’s Micah Lumpkin at the buzzer from five yards out. It was set up by this huge play my Lumpkin, too #copreps pic.twitter.com/YEAL4f4UG9
— Luke Zahlmann (@lukezahlmann) September 9, 2022
Ryland Reetz
Ryland Reetz
rnAn intriguing quarterback prospect reigning from Estes Park High School, Reetz is a type of field general that displays ideal athletic ability, great leadership skills, and a type of resiliency that few players from around the state happen to possess. Simply put, the Bobcats standout’s potential is through the roof in large part due to steady throwing mechanics and his overall football IQ at the quarterback position. Towering at 6’6″, Reetz dotted up opposing defenses for 31 touchdowns and amassing over 2,700 yards. Is it crazy to say that Reetz’ ceiling could be even higher this fall?
— Ryland Reetz (@RylandReetz) April 7, 2023
A first-team All-State defensive back for the Eagles, Guthrie has transformed himself into the heart and soul of the Heritage defense. A year ago, it was Guthrie that recorded 117 tackles, 12 PBU’s, 3 INT’s, and 9 tackles for loss. Without a doubt, one look at this young man’s stat line and it is hard to not be impressed. Clearly, Guthrie is a do-it-all type of defensive back that has enough speed to play at the next level. Whether it’s staying one step ahead of the enemy thanks to exceling in play recognition or coming from his safety spot to stop the run, there is no doubt that Guthrie is going to be an exciting name to watch in 2023.
Updated Junior Season Highlights ⬇️
6’1, 190LB, Safety
💥117 tackles, 3 INT, 12 PBU’s, 9 TFL’s💥
➣ All-Colorado Team
➣ League Special Teams Player of the Year
➣ 1st Team All-League Defensive Back
➣ Academic All-State
https://t.co/pSJvjE60uF— Rex Guthrie (@rex_guthrie) February 19, 2023
Highlights
Last and certainly not least is the ferocious D.J. Crowe out of Denver East High School. A dominant fixture on the defensive line for the Angels, Crowe will be a junior this fall and possesses plenty of raw talent that could serve him well in the future. With big mitts at the line of scrimmage, Crowe often uses his quick hands to bat balls down and has also showcased himself as a tremendous run stopper. Above all else, the most jaw dropping element of the Denver East rising star’s game is his knack to get to the quarterback. In 2022, Crowe was a specialist in racking up the sacks, as he finished the season with 14.5 sacks as a sophomore. Need I say more?
Had a great sophomore season looking to produce and start working now!! @PrepRedzone @Leabre_Mcneal @CoachRuemp https://t.co/8iPmK2zMBh
— DJ Crowe3 (@DJcrowe0) December 22, 2022