Onto the Next: Round 2's Offensive Ballers

Last article, I talked about standouts from eliminated teams. Today I will be doing the opposite, talking about some offensive players that made impacts on advancing teams. The playoffs are an exciting showcase of the Colorado talent that all recruiters need to take a gander at.   I'm sure everybody has been hearing about the Stock Up Showcase by now. Remember to sign up, it's like an NFL combine but at the high school level !! I hope to see you there!    Lovett showed out, accounting for 6 receptions, 98 yards and 2 touchdowns. The 6'0 180-pound junior was a crucial part in Cherry Creek's performance. The playmaker has very good athletic ability due to elite acceleration, very good change of direction, and speed. He has very good release at the line of scrimmage. Using his very quick feet to out maneuver the defensive back. Whether it's against off coverage or the press jam, Lovett is winning. Very good separation quickness due to his athletic ability and mental processing. He's a smooth and fluid route runner. Very good ball tracking. Lovett has very good catching, and body control. One play he adjusted his body to a lower thrown ball, and kept his hands underneath to secure the catch. Textbook. After the catch, he uses his home run speed to run past everyone. Great job by the junior.     ALH is the other side of the coin in this dynamic receiving duo for Cherry Creek. The speedster sophomore accounted for a season high night in receptions and yards. Accounting for 7 receptions and 103 yards, he was a consistent target all night. Landrum-Hamilton has very good athletic ability due to very good acceleration, speed, change of direction, and good jumping. He has a very good release at the line of scrimmage. He launches off against the DB, using his very good athletic ability and mental processing achieving very good separation quickness. During the scramble drill, he finds an open pocket in the zone allowing the easy completion. Landrum-Hamilton fights through contact during the route. He has very good ball tracking skills. Very good catching. His very good body control stands out to me. He jumps up to make the catch, but maintains 2 feet in bounds on the sideline. ALH even gets his hands dirty, demonstrating his good blocking ability. Phenomenal all-around receiver.     The Broomfield Senior accounted for 6 of the 7 touchdowns scored. The 6'2 185-pound QB threw for 14/18 for 222 yards and 4 touchdowns. On the ground, he carried the ball 5 times for 23 yards and 2 touchdowns. He has very good athletic ability due to very good speed, acceleration, and change of direction. He made defenders break their ankles. Jackson has a good over the top release with good throw power. He has a very good throw on the run. Throws bombs downfield while scrambling away from pressure. He has very good ball placement skills. Leading his wideouts with the ball, or throwing it right above their head to make the catch. Darien's good mental processing was on full display. He stood tall in the pocket, going through his progressions. If no one was open, he'd run for a first down. Jackson is a great model of a dual threat QB, and the next defense he plays will have to account for his dynamic running ability.     Urrutia led the way for Thompson Valley against Holy Family. The 5'7 165-pound running back ran 19 times for 118 yards and 1 touchdown. Through the air, he had 2 receptions for 35 yards. Urrutia is a speedy elusive back. He has very good athletic ability due to elite change of direction, very good speed, and acceleration. Once the ball is in his hands, he is a home run threat, using his speed to run past the 3rd level of defense. He uses his good vision and chooses the correct hole to run through. If that is covered, Urrutia drives his leg into the ground, pivots and goes. Urrutia has very smooth and fluid cuts to maneuver around defenders. Gives the illusion of gliding. He also has the versatility to line up in the slot as a receiver. He has very good catching, paired with very good ball tracking skills. Urrutia makes good use of his body adjustments to torque his body allowing him to make the catch. Great job by the senior who deserves more eyes on his play. He's a weapon.     Kalsbeck was a dominant force throughout the regular season, at both running back and outside linebacker. This playoff game was no different. The 6'2 210-pound junior carried the ball 15 times for 127 yards and 2 touchdowns with 2 receptions for 21 yards. On the defensive side, he had 8 total tackles (6 solo, 2 assisted), 1 TFL, and 1 QB hurry. Kalsbeck has very good athletic ability due to very good speed, acceleration, balance, and good change of direction. Defenders launch himself at his legs, and he still stands up, taking multiple hits per rush. Kalsbeck even hurdled over a defender into the endzone. He demonstrated very good vision to identify the correct hole. If it wasn't there, he'd use his good change of direction driving with his foot to jump out of the way. Kalsbeck has a good stiff arm too. On the defensive side, he's a sure-fire tackler. When the ball carrier gets inside his vision, he attacks not allowing them from his grasp. Landon is an exciting 2-way player, who will continue to grow into next year. I'm excited to see his next performance in the playoffs.

Last article, I talked about standouts from eliminated teams. Today I will be doing the opposite, talking about some offensive players that made impacts on advancing teams. The playoffs are an exciting showcase of the Colorado talent that all recruiters need to take a gander at.