Granite Bay Gold

Photo courtesy of Max Preps

A euphoria is likely still present in Granite Bay, following the Grizzlies' dream season of winning the state Division-I championship.

A team that began the year on a 1-3 start will enter 2013 with a 12-game winning streak. The state D-I champs will also bring back three key players from the title run who could get a bevy of interest from the college ranks soon, especially when junior day rolls around.

Here's three players to look out for from Granite Bay:

TONY ELLISON, RB/WR/KR, CLASS OF 2014

The 6-foot-1, 180-pound Ellison was the most dynamic player the Grizzlies had during their title run. Ellison combined for 19 touchdowns through running, receiving and returns.

Ellison (photo) has a freakish explosion once he gets the ball in his hands. He's deadly in the fly sweep with his 4.4 40-yard dash time and 3.8 shuttle run. One of his strengths is his ability to turn the corner, then take off. However, he'll also juke and run around defenders and break more long runs. His vision is another strong trait for him. His ability to hit the perimeters hard makes him valuable in wheel routes or screen passes to the sidelines.

He'll need to polish his ability to hold on to the football properly. He did get caught swinging the ball away from him while running instead of keeping it close to his chest. His film also didn't show him running between the tackles, so that will make me wonder if he can handle a 25-30 carry night next season with some runs going inside.

Still, Granite Bay should have one of the more explosive players in the state coming back next season.

MORE ON ELLISON: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/489787/highlights

LUKE BUSSEY, DB, CLASS OF 2014

Bussey is another junior capable of making explosive plays. He'll show off soft wide receiver-like hands then explode through any open hole for the defensive touchdown.

He'll need some added muscle with his 160-pound frame. He also stands at 5-foot-10, so there's no telling if this cornerback will continue to grow. But Bussey intercepted four passes for the state champs and more off-season work could land him some offers either as a corner or safety.

MORE ON BUSSEY:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtAHavDbVus

CAMERON SMITH, LB, CLASS OF 2015

Smith will be one to keep an eye on for not only next season, but the year after. He's already off and running on the recruiting trail as BYU and UCLA have shown early interest.

He's a big kid at 6-foot-3, 220-pounds. From his outside linebacker spot, Smith showed off a tremendous nose for the football and was seldom caught out-of-position. He helped fill holes versus the run.

As of now, he seems more like a run-stuffer. He's got two years, though, to polish his coverage ability and pass rush. He's got good size and speed to help generate some early looks.

MORE ON SMITH: http://www.hudl.com/athlete/2280991/highlights