Recruiting Report: Charlie Folkens (2021)
Rogers high school has quietly had one of the most consistent high school football programs in Minnesota, ever since they opened in 2003. Their identity has often relied on a power running game, and a dominant defense. The Royals unfortunately…
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Continue ReadingRogers high school has quietly had one of the most consistent high school football programs in Minnesota, ever since they opened in 2003. Their identity has often relied on a power running game, and a dominant defense. The Royals unfortunately had a disappointing 2018 season where they finished with a 1-8 record. This year has been a completely different story. They have gotten back to their dominant ways, starting out their 2019 campaign with a 6-1 record while finding their running game again. The Royals have been averaging nearly 250 yards on the ground per game this year.
Most of their running game success has came from their offensive line play. Which is headlined by junior, o-lineman Charlie Folkens. Folkens stands at 6’3″ 260 pounds. He has been dominating opposing defensive lineman since he started last season as a sophomore for Rogers. The talented junior has the versatility to play anywhere on the offensive line. He has started a game at nearly all three o-line positions in his young high school career, he has even found some playing time as an interior defensive lineman. I was fortunate enough to catch up with Folkens, where he was able to share about his recruitment and current development as a player.
Recruitment:
Folkens on an unofficial visit to the University of Iowa.Q: Which schools have showed interest in yourself as player so far, in your recruitment?
A: “I received by far the most interest from Iowa, North Dakota State, and North Dakota but I have received a little from South Dakota and UNI.”
Q: What type of characteristics are you looking for in your college decision?
A: “I think the things I look for most is a school that best fits my interests to further my education and a program where coaches care about me and push me to the highest level.”
Personal Success:
Folkens is a monster in the weight room and he is MUCH stronger than a normal player his age.
- He currently maxes out at benching 265 and squats 405.
Q: What would you say your strengths are as a player, and what would you say you have tried to improve upon?
A: “I feel like my strengths are that I play very hard and am very good at finishing blocks I try to improve on just overall fine tuning blocking technique.”
Team Success:
Q: How have you personally and (Rogers) as a team been able to have a bounce back season after such a disappointing 2018?
A: “I think we just really let last year motivate us and made us realize how hard we needed to come out and work this year to make sure a season like last year does not happen again.”
Q: What are your goals as a player and a team for the rest of this season as well as the rest of your High School career?
A: “My main goal as a player (and team) for this season is to help my team make it too state. My long term goal as a player is to make it to the highest level I can and hopefully win a state championship along the way.”
Rest of season outlook for 2019:
Folkens has shown that he is one of the best offensive lineman in the class of 2021. If he is able to improve his technique while getting stronger throughout the rest of his high school career- he should have no problem having his own choice of the top D1 schools in the midwest of where he will be playing his college ball. Rogers will look to utilize Folkens’ dominate play the rest of the season, as the underrated squad prepares for a deep playoff run.