Week 1 Thursday Under the Radar Players You Need to Know

Week 1 got off to a strong start Thursday night, with several players delivering performances that deserve attention as the season continues. From defensive backs making plays on the football to quarterbacks producing through the air and on the ground, there were plenty of standout performances across the state. Several under the radar prospects also used the opening night of Week 1 to put their names on the radar with impressive individual efforts. These early performances can provide momentum as players look to build their recruiting profiles throughout the season. For more Colorado high school football coverage, rankings and evaluations, subscribe to Prep Redzone and use code DavisPRZ30 for money off your subscription.    Acevedo delivered a standout performance in the secondary, showing the ability to be a lockdown defender and a dangerous playmaker with the football in his hands. Acevedo came away with two interceptions and took both back for touchdowns, showing excellent ball skills and the explosiveness to turn defensive opportunities into points. He also contributed offensively with one reception for 23 yards and a touchdown, giving him three touchdowns on the night. His ability to impact the game on both sides of the football makes him an intriguing prospect to monitor. If Acevedo continues producing at this level, performances like this should help him draw increased attention and put his name on more recruiting radars.     Bischoff was a force on both sides of the football, having an impressive all around performance for his team. Through the air, Bischoff completed 8 of 16 passes for 105 yards and a touchdown while adding 141 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 15 carries. He also contributed defensively with 11 total tackles and an interception. His ability to impact the game as a passer, runner and defender showcases his versatility and competitive nature. Bischoff is an intriguing small school prospect who deserves attention after this performance. If he can continue producing consistently, he has an opportunity to establish himself as an under the radar name and generate more interest throughout the season.     Carter was one of the standout performers of Thursday night, turning in an eye catching performance on both sides of the football. The small school prospect carried the ball 22 times for an impressive 234 yards while also recording two interceptions defensively. Carter consistently kept the chains moving and showed the explosiveness to produce chunk plays throughout the game. He has the ability to make the first defender miss in space but can also lower his shoulder and finish runs with physicality. That combination gives him multiple ways to create yardage. Carter will look to build on this performance as the season continues and another strong outing could quickly make him a name to watch.     Lafrenierre may not have produced a massive statistical performance but his contributions were important in helping his team secure a narrow Week 1 victory. He finished with two receptions for 81 yards and a touchdown, showing the ability to make big plays when opportunities came his way. Lafrenierre showed an impressive catch radius and the confidence to go up and high point the football against coverage. He also possesses the speed needed to create separation and stretch the defense vertically. His ability to turn limited opportunities into explosive production is something to monitor moving forward. Lafrenierre will look to build on this performance and continue generating attention as the season progresses.     Wilkes delivered a breakout performance to help his team secure the Week 1 victory, completing 10 of 19 passes for 263 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. The freshman quarterback showed confidence throwing the football and demonstrated the ability to make throws to all areas of the field. Wilkes also showed good timing with his receivers, allowing him to consistently put the offense in position to make plays. Limiting turnovers will be an important next step as he continues gaining experience but his first two games have provided plenty of reason for optimism. With his arm talent and early production, Wilkes is quickly becoming an up and coming name to know in the 2030 class.     Xiong was explosive in his team's narrow Week 1 victory, carrying the ball 20 times for 143 yards and a touchdown. Xiong displayed strong vision throughout the game, identifying creases in the defense and quickly bursting through them to create chunk plays. His combination of speed and quickness allowed him to make the first defender miss while also giving him the acceleration to get north and south quickly for big gains. Xiong showed the ability to consistently create positive plays and keep the offense moving. As he continues building on this performance, he has an opportunity to emerge as an under the radar running back to watch. Another strong stretch of games could bring increased attention throughout the season.

Week 1 got off to a strong start Thursday night, with several players delivering performances that deserve attention as the season continues. From defensive backs making plays on the football to quarterbacks producing through the air and on the ground, there were plenty of standout performances across the state. Several under the radar prospects also used the opening night of Week 1 to put their names on the radar with impressive individual efforts. These early performances can provide momentum as players look to build their recruiting profiles throughout the season. For more Colorado high school football coverage, rankings and evaluations, subscribe to Prep Redzone and use code DavisPRZ30 for money off your subscription.