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Turning the Tide: Colorado 5A Darkhorse Backs Ready to Erupt

Turning the Tide: Colorado 5A Darkhorse Backs Ready to Erupt
Robert Davis
Robert Davis November 10, 2025 @ 08:03 PM
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In this article:

Tommy Thiesen
Tommy Thiesen 5'7" | RB | 2026
CO
Chase Hanosh
Chase Hanosh 5'7" | 165 lbs | RB | 2026
CO
Chris Blanks
Chris Blanks 6'0" | 185 lbs | RB | 2026
CO
Jayden Tackitt
Jayden Tackitt 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB | 2026
CO
DaKari Releford
DaKari Releford 5'9" | 174 lbs | RB | 2027
CO
Dante Dupuch
Dante Dupuch 5'6" | 160 lbs | RB | 2026
CO
<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today we will be taking a look at some backs that are looking to send waves in the second round. These are the backs that I feel will turn some heads if they are able to get going early. If you are new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a 30% discount off of your first subscription. If you are returning and want 30% off of the monthly subscription use code: DavisPRZ30 for a discount</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1113001"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6912996669dac"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Arapahoe's offense will rely heavily on Tackitt to set the tone early as they look to keep pace with Fairview's high-powered attack. Tackitt has been a steady contributor all year, rushing for 650 yards and seven touchdowns while showing the ability to grind out tough yards between the tackles. His physical running style and patience allow him to keep drives alive and control the game's tempo. After last week's shootout, Arapahoe needs Tackitt to slow things down and establish balance on offense. He's a back who thrives when the game becomes a battle of endurance and his performance could determine how long Arapahoe stays in contention against a dangerous opponent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2044073"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6912996669e65"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thiesen is one of Erie's most underrated weapons and the kind of back who can shift momentum in an instant. The senior rushed for 617 yards and five touchdowns this season, bringing a quick hitting style that complements Erie's offensive rhythm. Against a deep and disciplined Valor Christian defense, Thiesen's ability to find small openings and create explosive plays will be crucial. His acceleration and field vision make him dangerous when he gets into space and Erie's offense often feeds off his energy. Expect Thiesen to be a key factor in sustaining drives and giving Erie the balance it needs to challenge one of the state's premier programs.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1371842"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6912996669ef5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hanosh has been one of the quiet forces behind Valor Christian's offensive success this year. With 984 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns, he's showcased the kind of consistency and explosiveness that make him difficult to contain. Hanosh runs with a smooth combination of power and agility, often breaking off big gains once he finds a crease. As Valor faces off against Erie, expect him to be a focal point in the game plan. His ability to hit the second level quickly and wear down defenses gives Valor a steady advantage in time of possession. Hanosh may not be the flashiest name, but he's built for playoff football and could have a breakout performance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["777636"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6912996669fb3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">For Mullen, Dupuch represents reliability and toughness in the backfield. The senior back has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark for the second consecutive season, a testament to his consistency and work ethic. Dupuch runs with a blend of patience and strength, allowing him to find small gaps and turn them into big gains. Facing a formidable Pine Creek defense, he'll be leaned on to keep the offense balanced and the defense honest. His ability to pick up chunk yardage on early downs will be vital for Mullen's success. Dupuch's leadership and steady production have made him the heartbeat of this offense, and he'll look to deliver another strong outing when it matters most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1308273"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691299666a023"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Blanks is the type of back who thrives on contact and embraces the physical side of the game. With 842 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns this season, he's proven himself as a dependable chain mover capable of controlling the pace. Blanks' physicality and hard nose style makes him difficult to bring down on first contact and his ability to run through defenders wears out defenses over time. He excels at finding tough yards in short situations, giving his offense the ability to sustain long drives. As the playoffs progress, Blanks' ability to make the first defender miss and being a reliable back makes him someone to watch for.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["814079"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-691299666a080"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Few players have been able to standout like Releford. The Fountain-Fort Carson standout has put together a dominant season, rushing for 1,544 yards and 20 touchdowns while powering one of Colorado's most balanced offenses. Releford is able to attack on every carry showing intensity and purpose. Despite being undersized, he plays with tremendous strength and vision, consistently breaking tackles and extending plays. Facing nationally ranked Cherry Creek, he'll need to bring his best performance yet. Releford's determination and quick cuts through tight lanes give him the ability to spark momentum at any time. His effort and production make him one of the key players you will need to watch for in this game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->

Today we will be taking a look at some backs that are looking to send waves in the second round. These are the backs that I feel will turn some heads if they are able to get going early. If you are new and looking to subscribe use the code: Davis30 for a 30% discount off of your first subscription. If you are returning and want 30% off of the monthly subscription use code: DavisPRZ30 for a discount

Jayden Tackitt

Jayden Tackitt

CO
RB
HEIGHT 5'10"
WEIGHT 180
POS RB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Jayden
Tackitt RB
Class
2026
Height
5'10"
Weight
180
HS
Arapahoe
|
CO
Turning the Tide: Colorado 5A Darkhorse Backs Ready to Erupt
Arapahoe’s offense will rely heavily on Tackitt to set the tone early as they look to keep pace...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Jayden Tackitt

Instagram Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Arapahoe
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Tommy Thiesen

Tommy Thiesen

HEIGHT 5'7"
POS RB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Tommy
Thiesen RB
Class
2026
Height
5'7"
HS
Erie
|
CO
Turning the Tide: Colorado 5A Darkhorse Backs Ready to Erupt
Thiesen is one of Erie’s most underrated weapons and the kind of back who can shift momentum in...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Tommy Thiesen

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Erie
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Chase Hanosh

Chase Hanosh

CO
RB
HEIGHT 5'7"
WEIGHT 165
POS RB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Chase
Hanosh RB
Class
2026
Height
5'7"
Weight
165
HS
Valor Christian
|
CO
Turning the Tide: Colorado 5A Darkhorse Backs Ready to Erupt
Hanosh has been one of the quiet forces behind Valor Christian’s offensive success this year. With 984 rushing...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Chase Hanosh

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Valor Christian
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Dante Dupuch

Dante Dupuch

CO
RB
HEIGHT 5'6"
WEIGHT 160
POS RB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Dante
Dupuch RB
Class
2026
Height
5'6"
Weight
160
HS
Mullen
|
CO
Turning the Tide: Colorado 5A Darkhorse Backs Ready to Erupt
For Mullen, Dupuch represents reliability and toughness in the backfield. The senior back has surpassed the 1,000-yard mark...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Dante Dupuch

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Mullen
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

Chris Blanks

Chris Blanks

CO
RB
HEIGHT 6'0"
WEIGHT 185
POS RB
CLASS 2026
View Player
​
Chris
Blanks RB
Class
2026
Height
6'0"
Weight
185
HS
Grandview
|
CO
Turning the Tide: Colorado 5A Darkhorse Backs Ready to Erupt
Blanks is the type of back who thrives on contact and embraces the physical side of the game....
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

Chris Blanks

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Grandview
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

DaKari Releford

DaKari Releford

CO
RB
HEIGHT 5'9"
WEIGHT 174
POS RB
CLASS 2027
View Player
​
DaKari
Releford RB
Class
2027
Height
5'9"
Weight
174
HS
Fountain-Fort Carson
|
CO
Turning the Tide: Colorado 5A Darkhorse Backs Ready to Erupt
Few players have been able to standout like Releford. The Fountain-Fort Carson standout has put together a dominant...
Written by Robert Davis
Read more at PrepRedzone.com
Prep Redzone

DaKari Releford

Twitter
State: Colorado
School: Fountain-Fort Carson
Subscribe below to view this player's evaluation

Highlights

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