The 2023 All-Colorado football team, as selected by The Denver Post staff based on statistical analysis, relative value to team success, postseason production and the old-fashioned eye test.

Logan Madden

QB | Ralston Valley | Sr. | 6-foot-2 | 195 pounds

The centerpiece of Ralston Valley’s rise to power over the past two years, Madden led the Mustangs to consecutive Class 5A semifinal trips. He threw for 2,794 yards, third in the classification, and showed premier pocket presence while being able to consistently elude the pass-rush to throw for 22 TDs. He’s currently uncommitted.

Austyn Modrzewski

QB | Mountain Vista | Jr. | 6-foot-5 | 198 pounds

The lanky gunslinger led all classifications with 3,675 yards passing this year for the Golden Eagles. That included a 128 QBR and 41 touchdowns as Mountain Vista made it to the quarterfinals of the Class 5A playoffs before falling to Cherry Creek. Has offers from Kentucky and Eastern Kentucky.

Liam Szarka

QB | Grandview | Sr. | 6-foot-2 | 190 pounds

A three-year starter for the Wolves, Szarka put Grandview on his back amid an array of injuries to carry the team to the Class 5A quarterfinals before falling to Chatfield. The Air Force signee, who also moonlighted at safety, was second in the state with 2,922 passing yards and threw for 28 TDs.

Jake Jones

QB | Chatfield | Sr. | 6-foot-0 | 195 pounds

The uncommitted Chargers star threw for 2,368 yards and 23 TDs this year, and while he can sling it, his true separator was as a scrambler. He led the team in rushing with 862 yards and also had 17 TDs by ground, averaging 8.1 yards a carry as he was elusive and speedy in his improvisational playmaking.

Josh Snyder

RB | Columbine | Sr. | 5-foot-11 | 185 pounds

The 2023 Denver Post Gold Helmet winner was an unstoppable force for Columbine this year at halfback, fullback, wingback, safety and returner. The CHSAA Class 5A Player of the Year finished with 1,717 yards rushing and 25 TDs, and his three TDs in the title game helped the Rebels upset Cherry Creek.

Mathias Price

RB | Fountain-Fort Carson | Sr. | 6-foot-2 | 215 pounds

The virtually unstoppable dynamic force in the Trojans’ backfield led Class 5A with 2,018 yards rushing and 27 touchdowns. He averaged 8.7 yards per carry and broke the 100-yard mark in 11 of 12 games played. The UNC commit takes his combo of speed and power up to Greeley.

Jonathan Coar

RB | Pine Creek | Jr. | 5-foot-11 | 185 pounds

The Eagles’ catalyst ran for 1,369 yards and 14 touchdowns while leading them to the Class 5A quarterfinals, where they lost to Ralston Valley. Tough to bring down in traffic and capable of turning the corner and leaving the D in the dust. Also Pine Creek’s punter/kicker; he was 7 of 9 on field goals and 32 of 34 on extra points.

Jordan Herron

RB | Cherry Creek | Sr. | 5-foot-10 | 155 pounds

The Bruins’ force in the backfield racked up 1,386 yards and 18 TDs on the ground, good for 8.2 yards per carry with nine games of 100-plus yards. With a sophomore quarterback, Herron and the Division I-laden line he ran behind was a major reason for Cherry Creek’s push to the Class 5A state title game.

Hunter Hamilton

TE | Columbine | Sr. | 6-foot-1 | 226 pounds

Hamilton had nine catches for 135 yards at tight end and led Columbine with five TD grabs. More importantly, he was a key cog on the end of the line blocking in the Rebels’ full-house, double-tight end sets, with five pancake blocks in the title game. Also a force at defensive end (55 tackles, seven sacks).

Jackson Hansen

WR | Ralston Valley | Sr. | 5-foot-10 | 146 pounds

As Madden’s top target, Hansen was nearly impossible to cover, and opposing defenses took to double-teaming him down the stretch. Even so, Hansen finished with 91 catches for 1,176 yards and 13 TDs, averaging 90.5 yards per game as a primary playmaker for the 5A semifinalists.

Ben Herbek

WR | Lutheran | Jr. | 6-foot-1 | 185 pounds

The Lions standout led all classifications in receiving yards (1,305) this year with 90 receptions, third in the state. He averaged 14.5 yards per catch while racking up 17 touchdowns in 14 games as QB Ryken Daugaard’s top target in Lutheran’s high-powered offense that paced them to the Class 3A title game.

Xay Neto

WR | Grandview | Jr. | 5-foot-11 | 170 pounds

As Szarka’s top target, Neto was a big reason the Wolves reached the Class 5A quarterfinals. The speedy, dynamic wideout was a nightmare to cover on vertical routes downfield. He set the GHS record with 257 receiving yards in a playoff win over Douglas County; had 54 grabs for 1,007 yards and nine TDs overall.

Jordan Rechel

WR | Fairview | Jr. | 5-foot-11 | 175 pounds

Rechel was the best offensive skill player in the Front Range League. In addition to his receiving prowess, he racked up 868 rushing yards while also starting at defensive back. His 30 total TDs (nine receiving, 20 rushing, one fumble return) led Class 5A, and he had 776 yards receiving on 50 grabs with a 15.5 average.

Max Parrott

OL | Cherry Creek | Sr. | 6-foot-5 | 290 pounds

The U.S. Army All-American and Purdue commit helped set the tone for the Bruins up front at right tackle as a captain. Versatile in pass- and run-blocking, and his consistency amid injuries to the other side of the line (left tackle AJ Burton missed significant time with a shoulder injury) was key.

Hayden Treter

OL | Cherry Creek | Sr. | 6-foot-7 | 330 pounds

Another Cherry Creek captain up front who was a force at left guard, where he helped pave the way for Herron on the ground and also provided ample time for Bruins sophomore quarterback QB Brady Vodicka. The USC commit has the size and skill to play in the NFL one day in the near future.

Peyton Knoebel

OL | Ralston Valley | Sr. | 6-foot-5 | 290 pounds

The Air Force commit was a stalwart at left tackle for the Mustangs, protecting Madden’s blindside all fall. A physical and smart football player who was equally strong in pass blocking and getting the push necessary to establish the Mustangs’ run game. Also starred at nose tackle during RV’s semifinal game.

Carlos Mendoza

OL | Columbine | Sr. | 5-foot-9 | 230 pounds

The uncommitted center epitomized the “junkyard dawg” mentality of the Rebels down the stretch as they upset more physically imposing Cherry Creek in the title game. Technically sound on both sides of the ball (he also played defensive tackle); a quiet leader who embodied the Rebels’ toughness.

Gage Ginther

OL | Fossil Ridge | Sr. | 6-foot-6 | 290 pounds

The state’s top-ranked 2024 recruit, per 24/7 Sports, is signed to Tennessee and can play both tackle and guard, though he projects as more of an interior offensive lineman in the SEC. The anchor of the SaberCats’ line was a man among boys in the Front Range League, racking up 19 pancake blocks.

Landen Davidson

OL | Broomfield | Sr. | 6-foot-4 | 308 pounds

The third-ranked offensive line prospect in the Class of 2024 behind Ginther and Treter, the Nebraska signee helped will the Eagles to the Class 4A semifinals before falling to Palmer Ridge. Physically imposing with plus-athleticism for his size, he was a major reason for Broomfield’s 2022 title as well.

Jake Stonebraker

ATH | Douglas County | Sr. | 6-foot-1 | 215 pounds

The Kansas State signee is the second-rated prospect in the Class of 2024, per 24/7 Sports. He was a jackknife for the Huskies at running back and outside linebacker. With speed and power, he had 1,009 yards rushing and seven TDs, plus 39 tackles on defense, with eight tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks.

Charlie Eckhardt

ATH | Arapahoe | Sr. | 6-foot-2 | 190 pounds

The heart and soul of a resurgent Arapahoe program that made the Class 5A playoffs as a No. 3 seed, Eckhardt played receiver and strong safety. He had 207 yards rushing, 739 yards receiving with a 15.1-yard-per-catch average and seven TDs. On defense, he accumulated 61 tackles, four for loss and a pick.

Dimitri Haralambopoulos

ATH | Thomas Jefferson | Sr. | 5-foot-11 | 195 pounds

The Spartans’ catalyst did it all on offense as a dual-threat QB, while also starting at defensive back. Haralambopoulos led TJ to a 10-win season with 1,351 yards and 14 TDs through the air, plus 1,582 yards and 16 TDs on the ground as a shifty scrambler who was tough to bring down in the open field.

Jordan Leslie

ATH | Mullen | Sr. | 6-foot-1 | 180 pounds

Arguably one of the state’s top overall athletes, the Dartmouth commit starred at receiver, defensive back and returner for the Mustangs. He led all classifications with 946 total return yards and returned three punts for TDs, while also posting 705 yards on 41 catches (17.2 average) and 10 touchdowns.

Jimmer Weir

ATH | Palmer Ridge | Sr. | 5-foot-10 | 165 pounds

The best player on the Class 4A finalists, Weir was a dynamic playmaker at receiver, cornerback and returner. He had 48 catches for 941 yards (19.6 average) with 18 touchdowns, and also had 65 tackles on defense with seven interceptions and a fumble recovery as a complete ball-hawk.

Blake Barnett

ATH | Erie | Sr. | 6-foot-2 | 215 pounds

The driving force behind the Tigers’ first state title since 1997, the Kansas State signee willed Erie past Palmer Ridge in the championship despite playing with a sprained ankle. Barnett racked up 2,202 yards passing and 22 TDs by air, added another 970 yards and 23 TDs by ground, and had 57 tackles at free safety.

Omari Bursey

LB | Legacy | Sr. | 6-foot-1 | 227 pounds

The uncommitted linebacker was a one-man wrecking crew for the Lightning. Bursey, physical and with a high football IQ, had 99 total tackles, including 81 solo, 22 tackles for loss and eight sacks. He also had two interceptions and two fumbles recoveries, one of which went for a scoop-and-score.

Nick Long

LB | Heritage | Sr. | 6-foot-1 | 212 pounds

The Eagles’ star was a central reason for Heritage’s appearance in the Class 4A quarterfinals the past two seasons. Speedy and athletic, Long posted 86 tackles, including 40 solo, and also had 14 tackles for loss plus 10 sacks and 15 hurries. A consistent menace in the opposing backfield.

Mason Miller

LB | Pine Creek | Sr. | 6-foot-3 | 232 pounds

The Iowa State signee was a big playmaker at outside linebacker as the Eagles made a Class 5A quarterfinals trip. Miller had 53 tackles (19 solo) and 10 tackles for loss using plus-speed, and he contributed on offense behind Coar in the backfield with 747 yards and eight TDs on 107 carries.

James Cillessen

LB | Columbine | Sr. | 5-foot-11 | 220 pounds

On a title team with a handful of impactful two-way starters, Cillessen shone as bright as Gold Helmet winner Snyder. A true three-down linebacker with agility, physicality and speed, Cillessen led the Rebels with 129 tackles (92 solo) plus six sacks and double-digit tackles for loss. Also impactful in CHS’ backfield.

Tufanua Ionatana Umu-Cais

DL | Cherry Creek | Soph. | 6-foot-3 | 307 pounds

“TI” did something that’s very hard to do at Cherry Creek: He emerged as a star as a sophomore and pillar of the defensive line. Uncommitted but already with a handful of Division I offers, it’s only a matter of time before Umu-Cais pledges to a Power 5 school. He had 82 tackles, seven for loss, with 3.5 sacks.

DJ Crowe

DL | Denver East | Jr. | 6-foot-3 | 215 pounds

The Angels’ juggernaut pass-rusher led Class 5A with 15 sacks for 101 yards, including three sacks in Denver East’s first fall playoff victory in 15 years. Often double-teamed, Crowe consistently found his way into the pocket anyway, and had 101 total tackles (29.5 for loss) plus seven QB hurries.

Jackson Cowgill

DL | Erie | Sr. | 6-foot-4 | 275 pounds

A Washington State signee, Cowgill was Erie’s best player on the defensive side of the ball as the Tigers ran the table to the title, including holding Palmer Ridge to just six points in the championship. He had 40 tackles, eight for loss, and racked up six sacks with three hurries, despite consistent double-teams.

Jordan Ochoa

DL | Castle View | Sr. | 6-foot-4 | 240 pounds

Ochoa headlined the Sabercats’ resurgence this year, as the athletic edge rusher had 61 tackles (11.5 for loss) and 8.5 sacks for 61 yards. Even when he wasn’t getting home, he was creating chaos, as evidenced by his 30 hurries. He holds several Division I offers, including Washington State and Toledo.

Nkongolo Wa-Kalonji

DL | Grandview | Sr. | 6-foot-4 | 200 pounds

The Air Force commit drew double-teams all season, yet still racked up 108 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, and five sacks for the Class 5A quarterfinalists. Along with Neto in the secondary, he was a pillar of the Grandview defense and the attention he drew consistently enabled his fellow linemen to get into the backfield.

Chaz Barnett

DL | Rock Canyon | Sr. | 6-foot-5 | 252 pounds

The Jaguars’ best all-around player, Barnett has Division I offers from Air Force, Army, Cal-Davis, Eastern Washington and Wyoming. He accumulated 52 tackles (35 solo) while stuffing the run and provinghimself capable in pass coverage. He also led Rock Canyon with six sacks and 10 hurries.

Aiden Knapke

DB | Cherry Creek | Jr. | 6-foot-0 | 190 pounds

A pillar at safety for the Bruins, Knapke helped Cherry Creek keep the lid on opposing passing attacks. He was voted the Bruins’ defensive MVP, and in addition to four interceptions and 13 pass break-ups, he proved he could lay the wood in the second level, too, with 104 tackles, plus a couple for loss.

Mikey Munn

DB | Windsor | Sr. | 6-foot-1 | 175 pounds

Munn led all classifications with 12 interceptions, which tied for second in the nation. Two of those were pick-sixes, and he allowed just five completions all fall. The South Dakota signee also had 78 tackles, 12 TDs rushing, three TDs at kick returner and, for good measure, also tossed two TDs.

Dagan Myers

DB | Chatfield | Sr. | 5-foot-11 | 185 pounds

The Chargers’ star cornerback opposite their other defensive playmaker in Niguse Shelp, Myers consistently drew the opposing team’s top wideout as the team made its semifinal run. The CSU signee had 56 tackles (38 solo), one interception and 11 passes defensed; smart, physical player in the second level.

Lawson Douglas

DB | Regis Jesuit | Sr. | 6-foot-2 | 180 pounds

The Penn commit with blazing speed (4.5 seconds in the 40) and strong cover instincts was a thorn in the side of opposing offenses all year. Douglas had 53 tackles (39 solo), plus four interceptions run back for 138 total yards. His athleticism and ability to close gaps in space will translate to the next level.

Mason Walters

K/P | Valor Christian | Jr. | 5-foot-11 | 165 pounds

A 4.5-star rated kicker, Walters consistently produced for the Eagles all fall. He had 55 kickoffs for 3,161 yards (57.5-yard average), 43 of which went for touchbacks. He was 9 of 12 on field goals, including a state-long 55-yarder against Pine Creek, and pinned five of his punts inside the 20.

Andy Lowry

Coach of the Year, Columbine

The 30th-year Rebels boss led Columbine to a 14-0 season, his sixth Class 5A title and a 28-14 upset of four-time defending champion Cherry Creek in the championship. And he did so while dealing with adversity in his family, including his wife Janet’s ongoing battle with cancer, and a roster with zero major college football recruits.

Honorable Mention

Quarterback

Rylan Cooney, Sr., Broomfield; Blake Palladino, Sr., Dakota Ridge; Ryken Daugaard, Sr., Lutheran; Derek Hester, Sr., Palmer Ridge; Bronco Hartson, Sr., Roosevelt; Asher Weiner, Sr., Valor Christian

Running Back

Albert Medina, Sr., Regis Jesuit; Gabe Sawchuk, Sr. Valor Christian; Chevelle Early, Sr., Denver South; Mason Moreno, Sr., Columbine; Lohgan Bottjer, Sr., Limon; Xavier Ramirez, Sr., Roosevelt

Tight End

Mason Cowgill, Sr., Erie; Camden Jensen, Soph., Heritage; Logan Ryan, Sr., Eaglecrest

Wide Receiver

Elijah Brotherns, Jr., Sand Creek; Max Mervin, Jr., Ponderosa; Drew Rohlman, Sr., Chatfield; Hunter Emgarten, Sr., Westminster

Offensive Line

Zach Smith, Sr., ThunderRidge; Lincoln Fa’apouli, Sr., Fountain-Fort Carson; Kael Weatherby, Sr., Eaglecrest; Spencer Rathbun, Sr., Rock Canyon; Carson Caplan, Sr., Pine Creek; Odin Johnston, Sr., Lakewood

Athletes

Cole Gaddis, Sr., Longmont; Dominic Gabriel, Sr., Holy Family; Blake Griffin, Sr., Montrose; Blake Weslin, Sr., Green Mountain; Trey Olsen, Sr., Loveland; Garrett Dial, Sr., Valor Christian; Treyton Marx, Sr., Limon

Defensive Line

Jack Moran, Sr., Ralston Valley; Tripp Skewes, Soph., Kent Denver; Avery DeWeese, Sr., Chatfield; Ene Niusulu, Sr., Smoky Hill

Linebacker

Landen Holloway, Sr., Denver East; Nathan Sandy, Sr., Legend; Jaxon Pyatt, Soph., Arvada West; Trevor Nordstrom, Sr., Regis Jesuit; Logan Kundred, Jr., Chatfield; AJ Guida, Sr., Mullen

Defensive Back

Niguse Shelp, Sr., Chatfield; Preston Terranova, Sr., Erie; Cam Chapa, Sr., Eaglecrest; Mikhail Benner, Jr., Broomfield

Kicker/Punter

Christian Montero, Soph., Castle View; Jack Manthey, Soph., Regis Jesuit; Andrew Astone, Jr., Chatfield