Crystal Ball: 10 Offensive Players Ready To Erupt In 2024

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 high school football season ended in New Mexico about a month ago. &nbsp;But we're already looking forward to the 2024 campaign. Here are 10 Offensive Players Ready To Erupt In 2024:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1119160' first='Soren' last='Annon'], St. Michael's</strong>: Annon was the Horsemen's leading rusher this past season and helped lift his team to the 3A state championship. With [player_tooltip player_id='275066' first='Matthias' last='Duran'] graduating, Annon could take on a larger role in 2024 in terms of carries. He averaged about 9 yards per carry as a junior. He could be headed for a huge senior season. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='613752' first='JJ' last='Arellano'], Rio Rancho</strong>: Arellano proved in 2023 that when he stays healthy, he's a dynamic dual threat QB, throwing for over 1,700 yards and 18 TD as he helped lead the Rams to the 6A semifinals. He'll be a senior in 2024, so it's officially go time for Arellano. He was offered by New Mexico Highland son Dec. 9, so college coaches are already taking notice.  </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='611107' first='Michael' last='Beck'], Farmington</strong>: Beck is quietly developing into one of the best wide receivers in the state. Last season he had over 70 receptions for 1,100+ yards, including 9 catches against La Cueva in the regular season finale. He'll have a new QB throwing him the ball in 2024 but Beck is primed for a big year. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='851898' first='Gage' last='Conway'], Albuquerque Academy</strong>: Conway certainly looks the part of a potentially prolific QB. He's 6-foot-5 with a strong throwing arm. He has the physical tools, so now he just needs to learn how to play QB in terms of managing the game and decision-making. When he does, watch out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='613060' first='Andres' last='Lazos'], Grants</strong>: Lazos isn't a big guy (listed at 5-foot-3, 120 pounds) but he's extremely quick and knows how to elude would-be tacklers. He utilized those skills to rush for nearly 1,300 yards as a junior in 2023&nbsp; as Grants made remarkable improvement to earn a spot in the 4A playoffs. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1119612' first='Landon' last='Griego'], Atrisco Heritage</strong>: [player_tooltip player_id='275207' first='Dean' last='Marquez'] was expected to be Atrisco Heritage's starting QB in 2023 but injuries kept him off the field. Griego stepped into the role and enjoyed a solid season by throwing for 1,611 yards and 17 TD. With a year of experience under his belt, Grioego's numbers should increase next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Isiah Ocampo, Socorro</strong>: Ocampo took over as Socorro's QB in 2023 and quickly proved he belonged in the role as he emerged as a dynamic dual threat QB. He passed for 2,069 yards and rushed for 1,152 yards, becoming one of the few QBs in the state to join the 2,000-1,000 club. With most of Socorro's key offensive weapons returning in 2024, Ocampo's numbers could go through the roof. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='853710' first='Evan' last='Salazar'], Taos</strong>: By Taos' standards, the 2023 record of 4-7 may have been a slight disappointment but Salazar showed as the Tigers' sophomore QB that he has the potential to become an elite dual threat QB. Salazar threw for 1,711 yards and 16 TD while rushing for close to 500 yards. Taos lost three games by seven points or less in 2023. Reverse that trend in 2024 and the Tigers could have a big season. &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='613159' first='Cannon' last='Walton'], Raton</strong>: When your older brother is the state's all-time leading rusher, expectations are going to be high. Walton had a solid 2023 campaign with 780 rushing yards and 13 TD and now looks to cap his career with a great senior season. &nbsp;He had a season high 173 yards on 25 carries against St. Michael's in the 3A quarterfinals. &nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1142363' first='Francisco' last='Winnikoff'], Las Cruces</strong>: Watch out for the Bulldawgs in 2024. Most of their key offensive weapons return, including Winnikoff, who caught 55 passes for 983 yards and 9 TD and earned First-team all-district honors. He'll combine with rising senior [player_tooltip player_id='615455' first='Nate' last='Libby'] to form one of the best WR duos in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/Sisco2x__/status/1732106312534700259?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Sisco2x__/status/1732106312534700259?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p> </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:embed {"url":"https://twitter.com/j1arellano/status/1727883557983723589?s=20","type":"rich","providerNameSlug":"twitter","responsive":true} --> <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/j1arellano/status/1727883557983723589?s=20 </div></figure> <!-- /wp:embed -->