Matthews is another dual-threat QB on this list. Measures in at 5’11 165-pounds, he threw for 102/172 for 1230 yards, 59.3% completion rate, 14 TDs, 5 INT, 96 carries for 600 yards with 7 touchdowns. He has very good athletic ability due to very good balance, acceleration, speed, and change of direction. Pair that his very good throw power and release making him a monster. Matthews has good pocket presence. Uses his shifty feet to maneuver the pocket avoiding pressure. Very good scramble ability. Matthews has very good throw on the run and does a good job with off-platform throws. As a runner, he continues to thrive. Uses his balance and powerful legs to churn forward for extra yards including explosive juke moves. Look for a breakout season from him.

Matthews is an exciting dual-threat QB for Golden. The 5’11 165-pound QB went 102/172 for 1230, with a 59.3% completion rate, 14 TDs, 5 INT, 96 carries for 600 yards with 7 touchdowns. Matthews has very good athletic ability due to very good balance, acceleration, speed, and change of direction. Very good release with very good throw power and good touch. He goes through his progressions and finds the open man. Good pocket presence. If no one’s open, he’ll use his very good scramble ability to gain yards on the ground. Matthews gains yards after contact by bouncing off defenders. I can’t wait to see how he does his senior year.

Matthews opened his season with a strong showing, throwing for 210 yards and three touchdowns while completing nearly 70% of his passes. His efficiency kept the offense moving at a high pace, and he displayed excellent timing with his receivers. Matthews showcased the ability to make every throw on the field, working the short game and hitting deep routes in stride. Leading his team to victory, he set the tone for what could be a breakout season. With Brighton up next in Week 1, Matthews will have the chance to prove his consistency against a defense known for giving up big plays.

A true dual threat quarterback, Matthews brings a dynamic skill set to the field. He rushed for 1,099 yards and 10 touchdowns while also passing for 1,523 yards with 16 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Matthews possesses great vision in the run game, setting up blocks effectively and capitalizing on perimeter opportunities for chunk yardage. As a passer, he keeps defenses honest with his ability to push the ball downfield on intermediate and deep throws. Once he breaks into the second level, his speed is deceptively faster than his recorded 4.9 second 40 yard dash suggests. With his blend of athleticism and arm talent, Matthews could be a sleeper prospect who surprises many this season.

A sophomore sensation, Matthews bulldozed his way to 1,099 rushing yards on 204 carries, averaging 5.4 yards per carry. His season highlight came with a blistering 79-yard sprint against Riverdale Ridge, one of six 100-yard performances that defined his campaign. With 10 touchdowns under his belt, Matthews’ blend of patience and burst made him Golden’s offensive heartbeat.

The #2 sophomore rusher goes to Golden’s QB Thatcher Matthews Thatcher Matthews 5'11" | 165 lbs | QB Golden | 2027 State CO . Matthews is a dual-threat QB who punishes the defense with his legs when they least expect it. Measuring in at 5’11 165-pounds, he went 112/221 on 1523 yards with 16 TDs, 8 INT, 204 carries for 1099 yards, and 10 touchdowns. Matthews has very good athletic ability due to very good acceleration, speed, change of direction, and good balance. He has a good release with a big arm to launch it downfield. Matthews has good ball placement, especially with contested catches. Putting it only where his WR can make a play. Fits the ball in tight windows. He stays poised under pressure. Matthews steps up in the pocket, not relying on pure arm strength, but technique too. Good throw on the run, and good touch on deep balls. He’s an electric runner. Makes himself smaller to run through the OL. Matthews is a mixture of a weaver & power. He runs through defenders with his physicality. Or he’ll use dynamic juke moves to break some ankles. Once he’s out in space, he uses his home run speed to run into the endzone. Keep an eye on him as he develops more as a passer.

Thatcher Matthews Thatcher Matthews 5'11" | 165 lbs | QB Golden | 2027 State CO embodies versatility at its finest. Standing 5’11 and weighing 165 pounds, Matthews threw for 1,523 yards and 16 touchdowns while rushing for 1,099 yards on 204 carries. His speed translates off the field, too, with an 11.5 in the 100-meter dash and 24.6 in the 200-meter dash. When Matthews is on the field, defenses are left scrambling to adjust.

Matthews put on a commanding performance for Golden, showing impressive versatility as he led his team on both the ground and through the air. Matthews completed 15 of 20 passes for 200 yards, demonstrating accuracy and control in the pocket. His efforts were highlighted by two touchdown passes that kept Golden competitive in a hard-fought game. Not just content with his passing success, Matthews also showcased his dual-threat ability with an impressive 18 carries for 128 yards, adding two more touchdowns on the ground. His rushing performance was a display of grit, continually pushing through defenders to extend plays and keep Golden’s hopes alive. Matthews’ ability to adapt and excel in both facets of the game underscored his value as a playmaker and his essential role as the team’s leader. His standout performance exemplified his versatility and determination, proving to be a consistent offensive weapon capable of carrying his team under pressure.