Cayden Holcomb

(ABC 6 News) – 2021 proved to be a great year for the Rochester Mayo Spartans football team.

Although they did not reach their goal of making the state championship game, they did prove just how impressive the players on the team are.

Mayo football senior wide receiver Cayden Holcomb has had a season to remember with 1,169 yards receiving and twelve touchdowns for the Spartans.

He’ll be one of many to play in the Minnesota all-star game but interestingly enough as a safety and not a receive.

Nevertheless, Holcomb is eager to play and is grateful for Mayo’s first run to the state playoffs in 24 years.

"I was just very excited and thankful for it. I can’t say I was surprised — I mean, I know I deserve it. I was a little surprised that it was safety and not a receiver. But it doesn’t matter to me, as long as I get to play, that’s cool," said Mayo Spartans wide receiver/safety.

"One of the biggest assets that Cayden has is he’s coachable. He’s a very technical player. He’s learned to make corrections to better himself," Mayo Spartans football coach Donny Holcomb said.

As a safety this season, Holcomb had a team-best 38 solo tackles plus two interceptions.

He’ll be joined by Mayo running back Noah Smith at the all-star game this coming December.