The 12 must-watch football players this fall, including several Division I recruits
College recruiters have quickly discovered a secret — the Treasure Valley is filled with a bounty of high school football talent.
Suddenly, Division I programs are burning up the phone lines, trying to get the latest diamond in the rough to commit to their program.
These are the top 5A and 4A Southern Idaho Conference players that have scouts, fans and their programs excited about the 2020 season.
Ben Ford, QB, Eagle
Ford took the state by storm as a sophomore two years ago, bringing an elite level of speed rare to Idaho. He’s tormented defenses ever since then. He remains a threat for six points every time he touches the ball, and he continues to evolve into a dangerous passer.
A torn ACL derailed his junior season, limiting him to 729 rushing yards and 12 TDs in seven games after a sophomore season that saw him run for 1,386 and 17 TDs. But it hasn’t scared off college scouts. Army, Idaho and Idaho State all have offers on the table.
“(He’s the) best player in the state, hands down,” Borah coach Jason Burton said.
Sean Austin, QB, Kuna
A heady and elusive playmaker, the 6-2 senior committed to Montana State in June over offers from Idaho, Idaho State and Northern Arizona.
Austin led Kuna to its first 4A state title and perfect season last year, serving as the head of an offensive juggernaut (44.5 ppg). He completed 65% of his passes for 3,399 yards with 35 TDs and just seven interceptions. And he only got better in the playoffs, completing 70% of his passes for 1,184 yards, 11 TDs and no interceptions in four games.
He’ll lead the Kavemen into a new challenge as they join the 5A classification.
Jordan Erickson, RB, Rocky Mountain
Idaho doesn’t produce many Division I running backs. But Erickson could be the next one. The 5-11, 200-pound senior enters the season with offers from Air Force, Army, Navy, Idaho and San Diego.
With a stable of talented options in the backfield, Rocky Mountain can use Erickson all over the field. His strong hands make him a threat catching passes out of the backfield or lined up out wide, an asset he used to rack up 1,001 total yards and 19 TDs on 152 touches last year.
Taylor Marcum, RB, Timberline
He led the 5A SIC in rushing yards (1,117) as a sophomore, averaging 6.2 yards per carry and finding the end zone eight times to earn second-team All-Idaho honors.
The 6-foot, 180-pound junior has the speed to take it the distance, the vision to find soft spots and the toughness to wear teams down. Expect the Wolves to feed him the ball early and often.
“He might be one of the most athletic players in our conference,” Centennial coach Matt Greene said. “… As (last) year went on, you could tell he was a difference maker when he touched the ball.”
Jackson Reed, TE/LB, Capital
The senior serves as a true two-way threat for the Eagles. He ranked fifth in the state last season with 51 catches for 905 yards and nine TDs. And they weren’t dropoffs in the flat. He averaged 17.7 yards per catch, earning him a spot on the All-Idaho second team.
He also was one of the state’s top linebackers, racking up 8.3 stops a game. But his future lies as a Division I baseball player after he committed to Seattle University.
“He creates huge mismatches with his size,” Skyview coach David Young wrote. “He is a very skilled athlete, too. Not many teams have the guy to match up with him.”
Tanner Nett, OL, Borah
The Treasure Valley has produced a bounty of college linemen recently. You may soon be able to add Nett to the list.
The 6-6, 305-pound senior will anchor the Lions’ offensive line for the third straight year. He was a first-team All-Idaho selection last year. And his mix of athleticism honed on the basketball court and nasty streak make him one of the state’s most dominating forces.
“If he gets his hands on you, you are done,” Greene said.
Cortland Horton, OL/DL, Eagle
The 6-4, 225-pound senior was a first-team all-5A SIC pick on both sides of the ball last year. And he has college scouts banging down his door with four Division I offers entering the season (Air Force, Idaho State, San Diego and Northern Colorado).
His stats don’t jump off the page. But he’s an unselfish player who always seems to make a play when it matters most.
“He’s a big, athletic kid that can get after you,” Kuna coach Sherm Blaser said.
Charley Hastriter, OL/DL/LB, Capital
The 6-3, 225-pound future Oregon State wrestler lived in the opponents’ backfield last season, leading the 5A classification with 14 sacks. That’s double what the second-place finisher had, earning him a spot on the All-Idaho second team.
The senior is also versatile enough to make plays off the line of scrimmage. But he excels in the trenches, where he’s also a returning starter on the Eagles’ offensive line.
“(He’s) a man amongst boys,” Mountain View coach Judd Benedick said. “(He) plays both ways and has a nonstop motor.”
Keegan Croteau, QB/DB, Bishop Kelly
Borah’s Austin Bolt earned heaps of praise last year for playing multiple positions per game. Croteau did the same for the Knights, often playing six positions in a single game.
He’ll move under center this season, allowing Bishop Kelly to get the ball into his hands on every play. But don’t expect that to limit him. He’ll keep some of his duties as a wide receiver, patrol the secondary and remain one of the state’s most dangerous kick returners.
“He finds a way to make an impact in the game — offense, defense, special teams. He never comes off the field,” Ridgevue coach Tom DeWitz said.
Westyn Smith, RB, Emmett
The Huskies saddled up their workhorse for 250 carries last season, the most in the 4A classification despite Emmett only playing nine games and not making the playoffs.
He rewarded that faith with 1,142 yards and eight TDs. And with five senior offensive linemen in front of him, the physical runner will remain the center of the game plan. Expect him to gun for a 4A SIC rushing title.
Cash Cowdery, WR/DB, Middleton
The Vikings have loads of weapons at receiver in their Air Raid offense. But watch for the 6-3 senior to break out this season.
He hauled in 59 catches for 885 yards and 14 TDs as the second option last season. He’ll step into the No. 1 role this year, and Middleton’s balance will keep opponents from devoting double teams to stop him.
His size, speed and hands should lead to some big numbers this fall.
Braydon Ary, DE, Vallivue
With the raw strength to overpower opponents and the quick hands to shed blockers, the senior led the 4A classification with 15.5 sacks last year. But he was no one-trick pony.
He also racked up 9.5 tackles a game and forced four fumbles, earning him second-team All-Idaho honors. He returns as the heart of the Falcons’ defense and a menace to opposing offensive coordinators.
