Returning First Team All-State players from Class 5A

Brandon Boles

August 16, 2022 @ 03:09 PM

The regular season is only a week away in Colorado, and plenty of talented athletes will be returning to the field this fall. We take a look at the players who were considered some of the best in their classification in 2021, being named First Team All-State.   Our first breakdown looks at Class 5A, where two players from the defending three-time state champion Cherry Creek Bruins make the list.   [player_tooltip player_id='62241' first='Blake' last='Purchase'], 2023, 6/4, 230, LB, Cherry Creek   Purchase was a true disrupter from his edge position, mostly in a two-point stance but will occasionally go down to the three-point as a defensive end. He made many plays in the passing game with his ability to drop from the line into pass coverage and undercut routes in the flats for deflections and interceptions. When he rushed off the edge, he showed straight-line speed to the quarterback, but he also pursued from other creative angles and directions to get into the backfield as well. He is a hard hitter at the point of contact and does a good job wrapping up and getting hands on the opponent at the point of contact. While he shows great rushing skills, Purchase also has the discipline to stay and hold the edge in the RPO and option game. His big junior season last year resulted in 83 tackles, 12 sacks and two interceptions for a strong Cherry Creek defensive unit, and Purchase has his share of FBS offers to mull over going into his senior season.   [player_tooltip player_id='149311' first='Hank' last='Zilinskas'], 2023, 6'3, 260, OL/DL, Cherry Creek   Another player who makes his presence felt at the line of scrimmage for Cherry Creek, Zilinskas is a two-way player who led the team on both sides of the ball. From his interior offensive line position, he gets off the line with a quick first step and drives the feet at the point of contact. His long arms help him with leverage and push, and he has the athleticism to get to the outside shoulder and seal the edge or get up to the second level. He does a good job with his snaps under center and from the shotgun for his quarterback. As for his defensive skills, he does a good job taking on blocks to free up space for his linebacker teammates, but he also sheds off blockers well versus the run. His high motor helps him in pursuit and he gets to the point of contact at full speed and wraps up to make tackles. He recorded 59 tackles with one sack and fumble recovery last year. Zilinskas announced his commitment to the University of Colorado back in July.   Second Team All-State players returning in Class 5A   Jeremy Claycamp, 2023, 5/11, 140, K/DB, Valor Christian; [player_tooltip player_id='288459' first='Rocky' last='Shields'], 2023, 6/3, 250, DL, Columbine; [player_tooltip player_id='209840' first='Kaden' last='Shouse'], 2023, 6'1, 215, DL, ThunderRidge; [player_tooltip player_id='22775' first='Ethan' last='Thomason'], 2023, 6'8, 295, OL, Rocky Mountain; [player_tooltip player_id='220425' first='Hayden' last='Woodruff'], 2023, 6'4, 300, OL/DL, Mullen.

The regular season is only a week away in Colorado, and plenty of talented athletes will be returning to the field this fall. We take a look at the players who were considered some of the best in their classification in 2021, being named First Team All-State.