2026 1A Offensive Weapons Ready to Make a Leap

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023 Colorado Class 1A receiving yardage leaders consisted of upperclassmen at the top 13 spots, with 11 of those being Seniors. While we enjoyed watching those superb athletes make great plays down the field, their departure to the next level opens the door for Sophomores to step it up in their Junior seasons this next year. What's even more impressive about these players is that more often than not, the better athletes at these smaller schools are asked to play both ways, often being asked to do more with less resources than many bigger schools. We will examine the top 5 2026 1A receiving leaders in this article, reviewing how they performed from 2023 and how their potential to produce even more for their teams next year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1311126' first='Aaron' last='Tena']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"170","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Wray","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Aaron had 491 receiving yards on 25 catches, including 6 TDs for the Eagles in his Sophomore season, leading the team in all categories. As the Eagles' primary receiving option, he showed that he can run a wide variety of routes lining up wide, in the slot and in tight. Aaron has a very good release, showing good burst off the line and ability to fight through contact using his hands and arms. His good quickness and speed allows him to often separate at the top of routes and also break away to gain yards after catch. Aaron has very good hands and concentration to make over the shoulder catches, catches across the middle of the field, contested catches and keeps his feet in bounds along the sideline as well. With Junior QB u003ca href=u0022https://prepredzone.com/player/casey-midcap/u0022u003eCasey Midcapu003c/au003e returning for his Senior year, we can only expect Aaron to take a big step forward in his development keeping that continuity.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66345c46a4f35"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18812063/65851d782aa7ac06d42a23c6' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66345c46a50c2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Azariah Hurtado","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'0u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"143","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Monte Vista","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Last season Azariah had 342 receiving yards on 20 catches, and 8 TDs leading the Pirates in all categories and having the most receiving TDs on this list. He uses his length and long strides to separate from defenders regularly and makes explosive plays after the catch using his very good speed and athleticism. Azariah has good body control that allows him to jump and catch while running, then quickly turn his head around and keep running downfield. He has very good hands and concentration to make catches over the shoulder, keeps the ball secure through ground contact and high points the ball away from defenders. Azariah has very good field vision and eats up yards after the catch using good field vision, knowing how to use blockers downfield and understands how to use angles to beat defenders. His skills translate well to the defensive side of the ball at DB where he had 5 INTs returning 2 for TDs. With a good core of the offense returning next year, that continuity should help Azariah continue go grow and take a step forward in his Junior year.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-66345c46a5112"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18333166/65280e6190eeb1025c497960' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6637ba355d83e"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Ty Cole","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"150","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Platte Canyon","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Ty had 312 receiving yards on 13 catches for an eye-popping 24 yards per catch, and led the Huskies with 4 receiving TDs. Additionally, he had 4 punt returns for 151 yards for an incredible 37.8 yard average. On a 65-yard TD catch against Clear Creek he showed explosive speed to separate from the defender on a go route. Ty then used good concentration to adjust to the slightly underthrown pass, and then displayed very good speed to break away from two defenders for the long TD run. On another highlight video where he was lined up tight, he used a good plant step to manipulate the primary defender, and then showed the ability to identify leverage, running to the open area of the field, and kept his feet in bounds to make the catch near the sideline. With 2 Seniors departing the team, look for Ty to take a big step forward next year as he looks to be the team's primary receiving option.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6637ba355d8e2"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18078494/652541f323478016dc9886e4' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6637ba355d903"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6637ba355d91a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"[player_tooltip player_id='1563261' first='Austin' last='Collins']","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"null","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"140","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2410","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Wray","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Austin showed much versatility for the Eagles as he had 650 all-purpose yards. This included 309 receiving yards on 17 catches for 2 TDs, 190 rushing yards, and 122 punt return yards on 7 returns. Additionally, he threw for 104 yards and 2 TDs on 6 passing attempts. To show even more versatility, Austin made 5o tackles and 4 INTs from the Safety position. Austin was 2nd on the Eagles in receiving yards, trailing only his teammate we covered earlier in this article, [player_tooltip player_id='1311126' first='Aaron' last='Tena']. We can only expect Austin to produce even more next year as the Eagles QB is returning for his Senior season and a Senior WR will be departing. We hope to see film on Austin in his Junior year to share with the community.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6637ba355d9ae"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kelby Mondragon","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2026","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'7u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"135","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2408","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Del Norte","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Kelby was the primary weapon for the Tigers as he led the team in all-purpose yards. He led the team in rushing with 357 yards, was 2nd with 201 receiving yards, then added 158 yards on kick returns and 185 yards on punt returns. His punt return average was 18.5 which included an 86 yard TD return. Kelby showed good vision to find running lanes and use blockers downfield when getting to the 2nd level. He provided very good production receiving out of the backfield as well and had good awareness to give the QB a quick target when pressured. Kelby's solid speed, good quickness to make defenders miss, and very good competitive toughness to fight through defenders helped him to gain extra yards. He plays bigger than his size as he does not go easily, and will only get better as he grows and builds on his frame. Look for Kelby to take a leap next year as he has 4 Sophomore Offensive Linemen returning to the Tigers with him.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6637ba355da59"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/17658770/64f310e0478cb512744e1e05' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6637ba355da78"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6637ba355da8e"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>For the next article in this series, we will cover the 2026 grad year receiving leaders from class 2A. There is one that stands out above the crowd and a few others that we will be covering for the first time. If you enjoyed this article and think others may enjoy it as well, please share it on your social media accounts, and then follow us on Twitter. Keep up with our year round reporting and maximize your access by subscribing to our premium services. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->