All-state honors for members of the Monticello Buckaroo football team

The Deseret News and Vinco Athletics both released their All-State Utah high school football teams on December 18. The Deseret News chooses players based on coaches’ votes. Vinco Athletics chooses their honorees by compiling coach nominations.

Here are the players from Monticello High School who were honored in 2019:

Deseret News 2A Second Team

Vinco Athletics 2A Second Team

Tuff Adair

Monticello Junior Offensive and Defensive Lineman – 64 Tackles, 16 Tackles for Loss, 14 Sacks, 7 Hurries

Head Coach Reed Anderson: “Tuff was an anchor on the offensive and defensive line for us. He was willing to play anywhere, including out of position if it was for the betterment of the team. He made the line calls and kept that unit together. He long-snapped for us and was superb. Tuff was voted defensive lineman of the year.”

Vinco Athletics 2A Second Team

Deseret News 2A Honorable Mention

Zach Cecil

Monticello Senior Linebacker and Wide Receiver – 116 Tackles, 13 Tackles for Loss, 7 Sacks, 3 Hurries, 2 Interceptions, 2 Fumble Recoveries; 13 Receptions, 97 Yards

Reed Anderson: “Zach Cecil was a big defensive leader for us. He was all over the field every game making stops on almost every play. 

“His quickness and physicality were unmatched and difficult for teams to stop. His ability to play many positions allowed more players to feel comfortable and play to their strengths. He was voted defensive player of the year.”

Vinco Athletics 2A Third Team

Deseret News 2A Honorable Mention

Cedar English

Monticello Junior Wide Receiver and Punter – 21 Receptions, 467 Yards, 6 Touchdowns; 34 Punts, 1,168 Punting Yards (34.4 Yards Per Punt, Longest: 64 Yards)

Reed Anderson: “Cedar was a difficult matchup for opposing defenses. He has length and speed and used those to his advantage whether he was catching the ball or playing defense. You had to be aware of where he was at all times on the field.

“His ability to punt and kick allowed our special teams to flourish. He was perfect on the year with point after tries when he got the kick off and pinned many opponents deep in their territory. He was voted offensive player of the year.”

Vinco Athletics 2A Third Team

Deseret News 2A Honorable Mention

Carson King

Monticello Senior Defensive Back and Wide Receiver – 27 Tackles, 5 Interceptions, 125 Interception Yards, 1 Fumble Recovery; 42 Receptions 692 Yards, 8 Touchdowns

Reed Anderson: “Carson stepped into a huge hole left by Reed Hedglin on offense and filled it. He added his ability as a lockdown corner on the defensive side allowing us to put more in the box.  

“Carson was a great leader to the younger players in helping them improve. He was voted team MVP.”

Vinco Athletics 2A Third Team

Brevin Olson

Monticello Junior Linebacker – 70 Tackles, 5 Tackles for Loss, 2 Sacks, 3 Hurries, 5 Fumble Recoveries, 1 Interception

Reed Anderson: “Brevin was difficult for defenses to bring down. He has great quickness which makes it difficult to get a square hit on. On defense he easily slipped by defenders, outran them to the corner, and could play multiple positions. 

“Having that asset allowed us to get the best 11 players on the field. He was great in mentoring younger players as many looked up to him.”

Deseret News 2A Honorable Mention

Devin Hatch

Monticello Sophomore Quarterback – 1,641 Passing Yards, 19 Total Touchdowns

Reed Anderson: “As a sophomore, Devin made huge strides in understanding the offense. Quarterback is the only position in the offense where you have to know every little detail and he pushed himself to master that. 

“He learned each game and got better. He never gave up and continually motivated his team no matter the circumstance or score.”