The Top Players from the U.S. National Team Denver Regional
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The U.S. National Football Team (USNFT) hosted the U.S. National Denver Regional at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park this past weekend. The event brought in middle school and high school talent from all across the state, as well as a few…
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Continue ReadingThe U.S. National Football Team (USNFT) hosted the U.S. National Denver Regional at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park this past weekend. The event brought in middle school and high school talent from all across the state, as well as a few dedicated athletes from outside of Colorado.
The U.S. National Regional events provide athletes with the opportunity to train and compete under the guidance of college and high school coaches while being evaluated for an opportunity to earn a spot on the national team. “We’re trying to get everyone better,” explained USNFT general manager Aaron Ingram, “we want them to leave here as better football players, better men, and better women. We’re also trying to build the best possible team to go play internationally.”
The USNFT has been hosting the Denver Regionals for five years now, allowing Colorado athletes to showcase the talent that the box state has to offer. “The great thing about Colorado is you know there are some good ones when we’ve seen a bunch of familiar faces who have played for us in the past, so you know the talent is there,” expressed Coach Ingram.
Two overall MVPs were selected at the end of the two-day event and awarded a gold chain and football which were accompanied by a scholarship to the USNFT Summer Training Camps. One selection goes to a high school player, while the other one is reserved for a middle school athlete.
It came as no surprise that 2022 offensive lineman Connor Jones Connor Jones 6'7" | 290 lbs | OL Palmer Ridge | 2022 State CO (Michigan commit) was named the high school MVP of the regionals. The 6-foot-7 Palmer Ridge offensive lineman put on a performance during the event that was nothing less than dominant.
There were also a lot of future high school stars at the USNFT regionals, but only one would walk away with the middle school MVP award. For 2025 wide receiver Xavier Neto, the MVP gold chain and football were well earned. Neto stood out in every rep he took and really shined during competitions, proving that Colorado produces generational talent.
In addition to the MVP selections, one player from each position was awarded a silver chain that solidified them as the top player in their position group throughout the event. Some players we instant standouts, while others fought their way into the spotlight.
Jayden Allen Jayden Allen 5'10" | DB Fountain-Fort Carson | 2022 State CO | Fountain-Fort Carson | 5’11”, 175lbs | 2022 DB
Allen quickly stood out during the early moments of the first day and never looked back. He displayed pure lockdown talent with a fighter’s mentality and the hunger to dominate every chance he got. However, rarely falling short in competitions is not what made Allen an instant standout. It was the little things that he did flawlessly, like how fluid his movements were and how well he responded to coaching. Allen is a must-know player with elite potential.
Tai Faavae Tai Faavae 5'11" | 195 lbs | LB Fountain-Fort Carson | 2023 CO | Fountain-Fort Carson | 6’0”, 205lbs | 2023 LB
Faavae, who also goes by Tai, is no stranger to the USNFT. He continues to impress onlookers with every appearance he makes. Faavae is a linebacker who moves extremely well in every direction, including coming downhill to stop the run or dropping back into coverage. He is just as much of a show stopper as a running back as he is at the linebacker position. Faavae has a high football IQ, which can be seen in every rep that he takes.
Justis Laulu Justis Laulu 6'3" | 295 lbs | DL Vista Ridge | 2022 State CO | Vista Ridge | 6’3”, 300lbs | 2022 DL
Laulu is the real deal. He is a big, strong, and fast athlete who can apply pressure from the interior and the edge. He has dominating power, a tenacious motor, and the athleticism needed to run down mobile quarterbacks. By the end of day two, Laulu took the coaching he was given and put it to excellent use. Laulu impressed the college coaches so much that he left the event with an offer from Colorado Mesa University, his third collegiate offer so far.
Ethan Thomason Ethan Thomason 6'8" | 325 lbs | OL Rocky Mountain | 2023 State CO | Rocky Mountain | 6’8”, 305lbs | 2023 OL
Feeling blessed to earn the Offensive Line MVP🏅at the @USNFT Denver Regional camp! Thank you @AlPopsUSAFB & all the coaches that took the time to help me improve. There were some beasts here this weekend to battle with. 💪 We all got better! #USALLIN pic.twitter.com/2DoEuYffgG
— Ethan Thomason (@EthanThomason77) May 3, 2021
Thomason is a young player who has cracked the code on rapid development. He has quick feet, creates a wide base, and uses powerful strikes to win in the trenches. One thing that helped to make Thomason stand out was his ability to take coaching and apply it to his skillset instantly. This young player has an exciting future awaiting him.
Blake Palladino Blake Palladino 6'3" | 195 lbs | QB Dakota Ridge | 2024 State CO | Mullen | 6’3”, 195lbs | 2024 QB
Palladino has emerged onto the scene in an impressive way. This young QB1 maneuvers the pocket well by stepping up to avoid pressure while keeping his eyes downfield. His decision-making is precise, which is complemented by his accuracy. He has great footwork, a smooth release, and can put a nice touch on his deep throws. There is no doubt that Palladino has a very bright future ahead of him.
Braelon Tate Braelon Tate 5'9" | 175 lbs | RB Legacy | 2022 State CO | Legacy | 5’9”, 175lbs | 2022 RB
Tate is another athlete who stood out early on the first day. He excelled in the running back drills and continued to separate from the rest during competitions. He is a player whose demeanor stays in focus mode, and his work ethic embodies the “everything you’ve got” mentality. During the 7-on-7 portion of the competitions, Tate showed his versatility as a running back and a wide receiver. His ability to accelerate off of the line, carve his route through coverage, and explode out of his breaks only adds to his head-turning attributes.
Had a chance to catch up with Legacy HS standout @BraelonTate during day 1 of the @USAFootball camp in Denver, CO for @PrepRedzoneCO
He’s a real head-turner with a high ceiling #copreps #prepredzone pic.twitter.com/peKyjQBrw3
— Ryan Wesley (@coachwes_23) May 2, 2021
Anthony Harris Jr. | Smoky Hill | 6’5”, 195lbs | 2022 WR
Harris Jr. is a big-bodied receiver who uses his length to widen his catch radius, while quickly covering ground with his strides. He is a deep threat who can help to stretch the field and provide the quarterback with a big target. Harris Jr. is the ideal receiver for any system which looks to move the ball downfield with the help of a deep passing target.
The future of Colorado recruiting
When asked about the recruiting prospects that Colorado has to offer, Coach Ingram said, “I think now you’re starting to see Colorado football grow. Before, people may have felt that there were only 15 to 22 Division I, Power Five guys here. Now, I bet there are 30 to 40 in the 2022 class. I think the ‘23 class has some highly recruited guys, and the future with 24’s is even better.”