USNFT Denver Regional Standout Offensive Skill Players

The U.S. National Team Denver Regional was an opportunity for so many athletes from within the state, and some from other states, to showcase their skills in front of college and high school coaches. One player from each position was awarded a silver chain that dubbed them as the best performer in their position throughout the entire event. The silver chain for the running backs went to Braelon Tate (2022) who immediately stood out during the early moments of the first day. Anthony Harris Jr. (2022) took home the silver chain out of a large group of talented wide receivers. For a more in-depth look into the other award-winners, check out <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2021/05/the-top-players-from-the-u-s-national-team-denver-regional/">The Top Players from the USNFT Denver Regional</a>. Not everyone gets to be named the top player, but that does not mean that there was a shortage of amazingly talented athletes in attendance. Below is a list of the high school offensive skill-players who stood out during the event. [caption id="attachment_140538" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-140538 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/IMG_3360.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> [player_tooltip player_id="22702" first="Dominick" last="Nichols"][/caption][player_tooltip player_id="22702" first="Dominick" last="Nichols"] | Pomona | 5’11”, 175lbs | 2022 ATH Nichols is an athlete who fills multiple roles for his team, but locked in with the receivers during the event. He ensured that he was at the top of the line during every drill and set a very high bar for the receivers. One thing that sets his game apart as a receiver is his ability to extend and catch the ball away from his body. Nichols’ explosiveness, sharp route running, great ball-tracking, and reliable hands make him an absolute head turner. [caption id="attachment_140540" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-140540 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/IMG_3366.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> [player_tooltip player_id="62246" first="Jesiah" last="Stevens-Silva"][/caption][player_tooltip player_id="62246" first="Jesiah" last="Stevens-Silva"] | Fountain-Fort Carson | 6’2”, 200lbs | 2023 TE Stevens-Silva was one of many players who checked off all of the eye-test boxes. He moves well and has a very solid frame. The one-on-one and 7-on-7 competitions is where he was able to showcase his skills and draw onlooker attention. Stevens-Silva is a physical tight end who plays the ball in the air and secures contested catches. [player_tooltip player_id="22762" first="Joshua" last="Gerlach II"] | Palmer Ridge | 6’3”, 190lbs | 2023 WR [caption id="attachment_140542" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-140542 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/IMG_3359.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> [player_tooltip player_id="22762" first="Joshua" last="Gerlach II"][/caption]Gerlach II was one of the familiar faces at the USNFT regional event. He is a big receiver who can cover ground well and stretch the field while being a big target for quarterbacks. In addition to being a solid outside receiver, Gerlach II also plays the middle of the field well. His football IQ helps him identify coverages while using his strides to eat up the field and get to open space.   [player_tooltip player_id="22769" first="Mason" last="Lowe"] | Chatfield | 5’10”, 165lbs | 2023 ATH [caption id="attachment_140543" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-140543 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/IMG_3361.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> Keegan Holles (left), [player_tooltip player_id="22769" first="Mason" last="Lowe"] (middle)[/caption]Lowe was one of a few players who really shined during competitions, especially 7-on-7s. This dangerous athlete can line up as a scatback and as a slot receiver. What helped to make him stand out was his explosiveness off of the line, his route-running abilities, and how fast he gets upfield for yards after the catch. Lowe is a fast player with a high ceiling. Keegan Holles | Cherry Creek | 6’1”, 190lbs | 2022 RB Holles was one of many known names at the event. This running back has been using this offseason to get prepared for a potential three-peat appearance in the state finals this coming up fall. Holles shined during the one-on-one pass release competition against the linebackers, showing his open-field speed and catching abilities. [embed]https://twitter.com/HollesKeegan/status/1389059435864096770?s=20[/embed] [caption id="attachment_140545" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-140545 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/IMG_3364.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> Reece Pratz[/caption] Reece Pratz | Northridge | 5’10”, 170lbs | 2023 WR Pratz is one of many players who left the USNFT event with a much higher stock than they entered with. He showed great explosiveness during the individual drills and competitions. There were a few plays where his head and eye discipline were on display during his deep routes. Many receivers look back at the quarterback when running deep routes but Pratz looked for the ball before looking at the QB, helping him maintain his speed and separation from the defensive back. Richard Okuno | ThunderRidge | 5’6”, 150lbs | 2023 WR [caption id="attachment_140560" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-140560 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/092C6AEE-89BD-47A5-AC80-44A63CC9ACC8.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> Richard Okuno (left), Landen Loomis (center), Wesley Wright (right)[/caption] Okuno is a speedy receiver who started turning heads during the one-on-one portion on the first day. He is fast and shifty when carving his routes through the secondary. Okuno uses a combination of his speed, explosive breaks, and downfield hand-fighting to create space and get open. Once the ball is in his hands, Okuno uses speed bursts to get upfield and add yards after the catch. Landen Loomis | Horizon | 5’10”, 160lbs | 2023 WR Loomis is no stranger to events like these. The flashy wideout has very crisp route running skills with sharp breaks. He has really good eyes that quickly come around to locate the ball before he’s completely out of his break. Loomis is a sure-handed receiver with excellent playmaking abilities. [caption id="attachment_140551" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-140551 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/IMG_3365.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> [player_tooltip player_id="62229" first="Caden" last="Lettis"][/caption][player_tooltip player_id="62229" first="Caden" last="Lettis"] | Erie | 6’2”, 175lbs | 2023 WR Lettis is a receiver who has continued to show vast improvement over the last year, and this regional event was no different. He was able to display his route running, strength, and catching abilities while competing against top-tier talent. Lettis does a great job of getting downfield quickly with his long strides, playing the ball in the air, and securing catches in traffic. Lettis is poised to have a breakout year this coming season. [caption id="attachment_140552" align="alignright" width="300"]<img class="wp-image-140552 size-medium" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/IMG_3358.jpeg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> Diano Benallo[/caption] Diano Benallo | Ralston Valley | 5’9”, 160lbs | 2023 RB Benallo is a running back with decent size and qualities needed for a change of pace, especially in the passing game. He stood out during the individual drills because of his focus and ability to take coaching. When it came to the 7-on-7 competitions, Benallo showed that he can be a valuable asset in the passing game.