What if Every 2019 NFL All-Pro was Back in High School? (Offense)
As the offseason is now in full swing I thought it would be a great time to make some fun comparisons of the NFL All-Pro team’s Minnesota high school football counterpart. I decided to use only players that will be…
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Continue ReadingAs the offseason is now in full swing I thought it would be a great time to make some fun comparisons of the NFL All-Pro team’s Minnesota high school football counterpart. I decided to use only players that will be playing next season (excluding 2020 graduates). This list is obviously in good fun, and I don’t think all of the MN players will become NFL All-Pros, I just tried to find similar playing styles between the players.
Quarterback: Gavin Wysong, QB, Hills-Beaver Creek High School, Senior
- Comparison — Lamar Jackson, Ravens
You obviously have to be a special kind of player to even come close to drawing a Lamar Jackson comparison, and I think Gavin Wysong makes the argument. I’m not sure any player in MN has the same athleticism as Lamar, but Wysong’s playing style is very similar to the future MVP’s. Gavin is a very gifted runner, who was able to showcase that all over the field last season. He finished with 1,637 rushing yards 26 rushing TD’s. 958 passing yards 16 passing TD’s. Gavin does not get the same recognition as the 6A players, as Hills-Beaver Creek plays 9-Man, but his tape will show you why I put him on this list.
Running Back: Terrance Kamara, RB, Minneapolis North, Senior
- Comparison – Christian McCaffrey, Panthers
As McCaffrey is one of the most gifted running backs in the NFL, I thought it was fitting to compare him to what I believe to be the most gifted runner in Minnesota. Kamara has a very similar build to the all-pro as, the Carolina Panthers star is 5’11” 205, compared to Kamara’s 5’9″ 170. The Minneapolis North stud was able to use his downhill running skills into producing an unbelievable 2019 campaign just like McCaffrey. The MN star finished with 2,639 rushing yards and 32 TD’s on only 271 attempts. It is fair to say Kamara has shown that he will be the presumed top RB in Minnesota next season, and his running style compares greatly to that of the NFL’s best.
Flex: Gaven Ziebarth, ATH, Cambridge Isanti, Senior
- Comparison – Christian McCaffrey, Panthers
Christian McCaffrey’s versatility was shown as he was voted at two positions, so I thought why not showcase one of Minnesota’s most versatile players, Gaven Ziebarth. On the offensive end, Ziebarth was able to showcase his elite-level speed (4.54 40yd dash). He has an innate ability to take the ball to the house on any play, no matter if it is a reception or a rush, much like McCaffrey. Ziebarth is able to contribute at a high level as a defensive player for the Blue Jackets as he plays all over the field, mostly as a linebacker. Ziebarth’s great versatility is what made him a great fit at the flex position for this list.
Joe Alt on a visit to tight end U? (Iowa)
Tight End: Joe Alt, TE, Totino Grace, Senior
- Comparison — George Kittle, 49ers
George Kittle is obviously a great receiver, but he is also an elite level blocker for the NFC Champs, so I thought Joe Alt was a great comparison, as converted from playing offensive tackle. Alt’s junior film shows him controlling defenders left and right in the run game. He also shows the ability to slip out and break a few tackles in the open field, while being an elite red zone threat as well. Alt’s aggressive style of play made this one of the easier comparisons.
Wide Receiver: Eli Green, WR, Farmington, Senior
- Comparison – Michael Thomas, Saints
Eli Green is one of the most underrated players in the wholes state of Minnesota. The Farmington receiver has a very similar playing style to that of Michael Thomas. Both players love to work in the middle of the field as great possession receivers. As they both also have the speed to take the top off the defense at times. Green put together a great 2019 campaign as he produced some of the best film in MN, having great ability to find open holes in any defense while having the chance to take the ball to the house anytime he touches it.
Offensive Line: Riley Mahlman, OT, Lakeville South, Senior
- Comparison – Ronnie Stanley, Ravens
Mahlman has lived up to the hype throughout his early high school career. He has been touted as one of the top prospects in the state, and it is well deserved. The 6’8″ senior has footwork skills and raw finishing ability that I simply have not seen from a high school lineman. Mahlman is currently committed to play at Wisconsin in 2021, and he has the ceiling to possibly even play after that.
Offensive Line: Eli Olson, OL, Mankato East, Senior
- Comparison – Zack Martin, Cowboys
Eli Olson is a very underrated offensive lineman who stands at 6’4″ 295 pounds. The upcoming senior plays mostly at guard for Mankato East but he seems to have the versatility and skill to play anywhere on the line. To be an elite offensive lineman you have to simply move people and to put it lightly, Eli does that at a very high level.
Offensive Line: Bastian Swinney, OL, Edina, Senior
- Comparison — Quenton Nelson, Colts
You have to save the best for last. After Edina lost Quinn Carroll a few seasons ago, I thought we might not see a Minnesota offensive lineman be that dominant again. I thought wrong. As the NFL’s Quenton Nelson is known to humiliate the opposition, making them eat dirt on a regular basis, I thought we needed someone special for this comparison. I think we found the guy. I mean according to his twitter, Bastian Swinney said that he recorded 103 pancake blocks last season. Get some popcorn ready and get down and watch his film below. You will see a machine going to work.
**You can hope to find the defensive version of this list released in the coming days**