Colorado’s NFL Pipeline: A Ranking of Top High Schools

Colorado’s Gridiron Pipeline: High Schools Fueling the NFL

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, a remarkable legacy of talent continues to emerge from Colorado high schools. A total of 267 players with ties to the state have either graced the NFL field or are currently active in the league. This impressive statistic highlights the enduring impact of Colorado’s athletic programs on professional football.

These numbers are poised to grow further this fall as recently drafted players make their professional debuts.Colorado currently holds the 29th spot nationwide for high schools producing NFL talent, showcasing its strength within the Western United States’ football landscape.

many of these athletes honed their skills in the West, playing college ball in conferences like the Pac-12, Mountain West, adn Big Sky, as well as for schools now part of the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC. This broad reach underscores the widespread influence of Colorado-based talent.

Leading the charge for player production is Denver South High School, proudly contributing nine NFL players to the league. Close behind are Thomas Jefferson with eight and Cherry Creek with seven, demonstrating a consistent track record of developing professional talent.

Discovering these standout athletes is easy; simply click on each school’s name to view the full roster of players who have competed in the NFL. This resource offers a fascinating glimpse into the lineage of talent cultivated in Colorado.

Evergreen Insight: The consistent production of NFL talent from a specific geographic region, like Colorado, often reflects a combination of strong youth development programs, dedicated coaching at the high school level, and a supportive community atmosphere that fosters athletic ambition. These factors create a fertile ground for future professionals, nonetheless of the shifting landscape of college football conferences.

Disclaimer: Facts regarding player statistics and school affiliations is based on data from pro-football-reference.com and is subject to change.

What specific coaching strategies employed by schools like Valor Christian and Cherry Creek contribute to their success in developing NFL-caliber athletes?

The Rise of Colorado football & NFL Talent

Colorado high schools have become increasingly recognized as breeding grounds for future NFL stars. This isn’t a new phenomenon, but the recent surge in national attention on Colorado football – fueled by the success of programs like the University of Colorado – has amplified the spotlight on the state’s high school football scene. This article ranks the top high schools consistently producing NFL-caliber athletes, considering both historical output and recent player progress.we’ll focus on programs known for football recruitment, high school football rankings, and sending players to Division I football programs.

Top 10 Colorado High Schools for NFL Prospects (2025 Ranking)

This ranking considers the number of players drafted into the NFL over the past two decades, current player commitments to major college programs, and coaching staff reputation for player development.

1. Valor Christian High School (Lakewood): Valor consistently ranks at the top, boasting a strong program wiht a history of sending players to Power Five conferences. Notable NFL alumni include Kyler Trumbull (tight end). Their focus on strength and conditioning,combined with a sophisticated offensive scheme,makes them a prime destination for football scholarships.
2. Cherry Creek High School (Greenwood Village): A perennial powerhouse, Cherry Creek has a long tradition of football excellence. They’ve produced several NFL players, including current stars. Their success is built on a strong coaching staff and a commitment to developing well-rounded athletes. They are known for elite football training.
3. Columbine High School (Littleton): Columbine is a consistently competitive program with a strong emphasis on fundamentals and discipline. They’ve sent numerous players to college programs and have a solid track record of NFL representation. Their high school football program is highly respected.
4. Regis Jesuit High School (Aurora): Regis Jesuit combines academic rigor with athletic excellence.Their football program consistently produces college-level talent, and they’ve seen a growing number of players drafted into the NFL in recent years. They focus on athlete development.
5. Grandview High School (Aurora): Grandview has emerged as a notable player in Colorado high school football, consistently fielding competitive teams and attracting college scouts. They’ve seen an increase in players earning college football offers.
6. Pomona High School (Arvada): Pomona is known for it’s physical style of play and its ability to develop tough,resilient athletes. They’ve produced several NFL players and consistently compete for state championships. Their football team is a force to be reckoned with.
7. ralston Valley High School (Lakewood): Ralston Valley has steadily improved its program in recent years, becoming a consistent contender in the 5A classification. They’ve seen an increase in players receiving football recruitment attention.
8. Mountain Vista High School (Highlands Ranch): Mountain Vista is a well-rounded program with a strong academic reputation. Their football team consistently competes at a high level and sends players to college programs. They emphasize sports performance training.
9. legacy High School (Broomfield): Legacy has a strong tradition of football and has produced several players who have gone on to play college football.They are known for their offensive firepower.
10. Bear Creek High School (lakewood): Bear Creek consistently develops talented players, often overlooked by larger programs, who excel at the next level. They focus on maximizing individual potential.

Key Factors Contributing to Colorado’s NFL Pipeline

Several factors contribute to the state’s growing reputation as a hotbed for football talent:

Competitive High School Football: Colorado’s high school football leagues are highly competitive, providing players with valuable experience against top-tier opponents.

Strong Coaching: The state boasts a number of experienced and dedicated high school football coaches who are adept at developing players and preparing them for college.

Emphasis on Strength and Conditioning: Manny colorado high schools prioritize strength and conditioning programs, helping athletes develop the physical attributes necessary to succeed at the next level.

Growing Exposure: Increased media coverage and the success of Colorado college football programs are attracting more attention to the state’s high school talent.

7-on-7 Leagues & Camps: The proliferation of 7-on-7 leagues and football camps provides players with additional opportunities to hone their skills and showcase their talent to college scouts. Football camps in Colorado are increasingly popular.

Case Study: Kyler Trumbull – Valor Christian to the NFL

Kyler Trumbull’s journey from Valor Christian High School to the NFL exemplifies the success of colorado’s football pipeline. Trumbull was a highly-rated recruit coming out of high school, receiving numerous Division I scholarship offers*. He excelled at the collegiate level, and was