College athletes with special talent usually find the bright lights (and dollar signs) of the next level irresistible and a junior or senior year becomes an afterthought. Not University of Denver defenseman Will Butcher. While the Avalanche drafted him in 2013 and could have signed him after his junior season, they didn't. So he stayed a Pioneer for another year and what a year it was.

After savoring the Denver Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 victory against Carolina and his own Super Bowl MVP performance, Von Miller continued his stellar play through the 2016 season.

A three-year starter at quarterback for the Pomona Panthers, Ryan Marquez led his team to the Colorado High School Activities Association Class 5A state football title game all three seasons.