Heading into the Colorado high school football season, Mile High Sports went straight to the source in search of a preseason “Who’s Who” watch list – i.e. the players you’ll be hearing about for the next three months. Former Niwot standout, Buff and Bronco Matt McChesney – the founder of Six Zero Strength and Fitness – once again provides great high school football insight. Without further ado, here’s the Colorado Top 60, compiled by McChesney and presented by Six Zero Strength and Fitness.
We’re counting down the list from 60 to number one. Here are the 2016 All-Colorado Top 60 numbers 60-51.
*Stats, recruiting and other information compiled from MaxPreps.com and Rivals.com. Send corrections to editor@milehighsports.com.
No. 60: T.J. Love Kent Denver (DL)
Though only a junior, this is Love’s third year on varsity and he has more than proven his value. With over 20 solo tackles in the 16 of games he has played, Love’s commitment to football and improving his skills is unquestionable. McChesney calls him a beast on both sides of the line – offensive and defensive.
https://twitter.com/SixZeroStrength/status/771091365853663232
No. 59: Judd Erickson Mountain Vista (QB)
In one season alone, Erickson racked up a total of over 2,000 passing yards, averaging a little less than 200 yards a game. With his senior year season just beginning, Erickson’s skills should only continue grabbing people’s attention. McChesney says he “stands tall in the pocket and has a gun.”
https://twitter.com/SixZeroStrength/status/771106568599326720
No. 58: Mitch Howell Valor Christian (OLB)
Howell’s senior year season is off to an impressive start, and despite his team losing its first game, Howell’s skill shined through. Though no set college plans yet, it is clear Howell is keeping his eye on the ball, figuratively and literally. McChesney says he’s one of the state’s top pass rushers.
https://twitter.com/SixZeroStrength/status/771091849016598529
No. 57: Tyler Kruse Cherokee Trail (WR)
As his senior year season kicks off, Kruse’s main focus remains his football team and improving his skills. The senior averaged 39.6 yards per game receiving and handled kick return duties.
No. 56: Jalen Mergerson Eaglecrest (QB)
Mergerson is another player that although young has unquestionable skills. As Mergerson begins his junior year season, his skills and talent will continue to improve and continue capturing the attention of all. McChesney calls him “Weapon X.”
https://twitter.com/SixZeroStrength/status/767481906099130368
No. 55: Alex Padilla Cherry Creek (QB)
In his freshman year season, Padilla shocked all by averaging over 90 passing yards a game. As his sophomore year season begins, Padilla is a name no one will forget. McChesney says “the sky is the limit” with Padilla.
https://twitter.com/SixZeroStrength/status/767468781060841472
No. 54: Eric Hommel Rock Canyon (WR)
With over 50 receiving yards per a game last season, Hommel only wants to continue to impress and improve in his final high school football season. As of the beginning of the summer, a few colleges were expressing interest in Hommel, but nothing is set yet. McChesney describes him as a leader at Rock Canyon.
https://twitter.com/SixZeroStrength/status/767901322511134721
No. 53: Keion Cross Rampart (DB)
Even though Cross is only a junior and still has two full years of high school left, colleges are already taking notice. Cross has received an offer from Northern Colorado, but he still has plenty of time to make any decisions. McChesney expects a big year from Cross, who averaged 72 YPG last year at Rampart.
https://twitter.com/SixZeroStrength/status/767900146516447232
No. 52: Marcus Miller Cherry Creek (WR)
A varsity player since his first moments in high school, Miller is on track to be one impressive player. With his sophomore year season starting up, Miller continues to give football his all. McChesney says “good luck trying to contain” Miller.
https://twitter.com/SixZeroStrength/status/767847168073805824
No. 51: Dante Stewart Grand Junction (OL)
In his three years playing high school football, all three of which were on varsity, Stewart has played 30 games and managed 82 tackles. Stewart has already received an offer from Northern Colorado but has not made any commitments yet. McChesney calls Stewart a “trench beast.”
https://twitter.com/SixZeroStrength/status/764506195289792513
READ MORE:
The 2016 All-Colorado Top 60: Nos. 1-10
The 2016 All-Colorado Top 60: Nos. 11-20
The 2016 All-Colorado Top 60: Nos. 21-30
The 2016 All-Colorado Top 60: Nos. 31-40
The 2016 All-Colorado Top 60: Nos. 41-50
The 2016 All-Colorado Top 60: Nos. 51-60