Cherry Creek’s 2023 Up-and-Coming Players
Coming off of their 10th overall state title win, Cherry Creek has zero intentions of slowing down anytime soon. With a history as prestigious as theirs, it should come as no surprise that there is a long line of talented…
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Continue ReadingComing off of their 10th overall state title win, Cherry Creek has zero intentions of slowing down anytime soon.
With a history as prestigious as theirs, it should come as no surprise that there is a long line of talented athletes in that program. Athletes who are itching for the opportunity to prove that they are worthy of having their names added to the Bruins’ legacy.
Among the heavy roster of underclass talent are four incoming sophomores who are putting in a lot of offseason work in order to increase their chances of being varsity stars.
Logan Brantley – SS/RB
This highly motivated player isn’t just eager for a defensive varsity spot, he’s hungry for it. The 6 foot, 180lbs strong safety’s best JV game was their win over Chaparral, in which he tallied three interceptions.
When asked if he considers himself a coverage safety or a box safety, Brantley’s response was, “I feel like coming down into the box and making some big hits is a momentum shifter because [the team] can’t rely on someone who’s not going to make the hit, and I’m going to come up and make the hit.”
Brantley is one of few players in his class that saw playing time on varsity last year. As a running back, he totaled nine carries for 45 yards over the course of five games.
Marté Russell – QB
Russell is a dual-threat QB who can truly sling it. His pocket presence can be described as calm and determined, while his throwing ability on the run is surgically accurate. He credits his calming demeanor in the pocket to the amount of practice that he puts in. Which explains why the in-coming sophomore looks like a three-year starter when the pocket collapses.
At 6 foot and 170lbs, the young quarterback is working towards his goal of earning the title of QB1 for the varsity squad. When asked about his expectations for the upcoming season, Russell responded with, “I want to do the best I can to prove that I can play in that varsity spot and lead the team to an undefeated season.”
Russell’s footwork, arm strength, and decision making are what enable him to be precise in the passing game. His ball placement on out routes, one of the most difficult and dangerous routes to throw, is absolutely phenomenal. Add his show-stopping running ability to the mix and defensives must respect his skills whenever he steps on the field. Expect nothing less than greatness from Russell’s future.
Blake Purchase – OLB/TE
It is important to note that when comparing this player to his brother, Myles Purchase Myles Purchase 5'11" | DB Cherry Creek | 2021 State CO , it is important to say that he is Myles’ younger brother. Simply because the 6’4, 205lbs player is far from little. The outside linebacker plays in a 3-4 defense that requires him to use his large frame as an edge rusher, a skill that he consistently works to sharpen.
For Purchase, he considers his performance against Grandview to have been his best of the season. He finished that match with a strip-sack that resulted in a touchdown and a 60-yard touchdown reception as a tight end.
Purchase’s goal for his sophomore season is simple, “I’m looking to take somebody’s [varsity] spot… this year, I want to just get on the field and show people what I can do.”
Arion Boyd – WR
Boyd is a 5-foot-8, 175lbs slot receiver with quick speed and reliable hands. In his first game against Doherty, he had multiple receptions and finished with two touchdowns.
When talking about his goals for the coming up season, Boyd stated, “for this coming up season, my biggest expectation is to show the coaches what I can really do in practice by competing against the varsity DB’s so I can get playing time on the field.”
The shifty slot receiver feels as if he has something to prove this season. Boyd’s largest motivator is being overlooked last season, which has put a chip on his shoulder. With the amount of hard work that he is putting in during the offseason, it is unlikely that he will be doubted again.