2024 Watchlist: Names-to-Know
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Some of this season’s varsity-starting sophomores were players who entered the year with significant experience on that stage, while others were getting the Friday night nod for the first time in their high school careers. There are many unsung heroes…
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Continue ReadingSome of this season’s varsity-starting sophomores were players who entered the year with significant experience on that stage, while others were getting the Friday night nod for the first time in their high school careers.
There are many unsung heroes who fill important roles and make game-changing contributions play after play, and each one is worthy of gaining recognition for their hard work. This article mentions 10 names from the class of 2024 watchlist while taking a close look at five of those players.
Jake Krekeler Jake Krekeler 5'10" | 195 lbs | WR Argyle | 2024 TX is one of Valor Christian’s sleeper receivers who made impactful strides this past season. He is a physical player with the ability to gain yards after the catch by running past defenders or running through them. Krekeler was the only sophomore player to make significant contributions to a senior-led receiving core for the Eagles, making his junior campaign one to closely follow.
For players like Mountain Range linebacker Connor Clark Connor Clark LB Mountain Range | 2024 State CO , earning varsity reps happened early during year one as a high school football player. In his second year, Clark led his team in tackles by racking up a total of 94 with 63 being solo. Since his freshman season, Clark has continued to put on impressive performances that will surely pay dividends in the future.
Fairview’s Naz Benavente Naz Benavente 5'10" | 175 lbs | ATH Fairview | 2024 State CO may be a low-flyer on the radar, but his consistent contributions made him a reliable member of a powerful squad with a lot of young talent. The scrappy sophomore receiver worked his way to becoming a viable option for the nation’s top freshman quarterback, Bekkem Kritza Bekkem Kritza 6'4" | 180 lbs | QB Santa Margarita Catholic | 2025 CA . Valedez-Benavente is an ideal role-player who understands his job and does it well, making him one to keep an eye on as a recruiting prospect.
Pyrshawn Miller is a cornerback with Arapahoe who contributed to one of the stronger defenses in the state. The lockdown corner ended the season with 10 pass breakups and 43 total tackles, proving that he is technical enough to win in one-on-one situations and physical enough to hit. Miller is a name to circle for programs looking to invest in a tough defensive back.
Pine Creek offensive lineman Matthew Jennings Matthew Jennings 6'2" | 270 lbs | OL Fountain-Fort Carson | 2024 State CO is a player who popped up on the radar shortly before his sophomore season. His versatility allows for him to fill any position on the line and his dominant set of skills helps him win on almost every rep from each position. The popularity surrounding Jennings as a recruit has been gaining traction this past year, making him a prime player to know.
Other names to know
Blake Griffin Blake Griffin 5'9" | 195 lbs | RB Montrose | 2024 State CO | Montrose | RB
Dacio Ramos-Tuiletufuga Dacio Ramos-Tuiletufuga 5'10" | 160 lbs | LB Vista Ridge | 2024 State CO | Vista Ridge | RB
Walker Hungate Walker Hungate 5'11" | 175 lbs | ATH Boulder | 2024 State CO | Boulder | ATH
Elijah Goss Elijah Goss DL Denver East | 2024 State CO | Denver East | OL
Davis Lish Davis Lish 6'1" | 190 lbs | QB Douglas County | 2024 State CO | Douglas County | QB