36 Minnesota Top Unranked 2023s You Need to Know
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We have an upcoming PrepRedzoneMN rankings update for our class of 2023, but before that I wanted to introduce to our readers some of the best sophomores in the state that we missed when we launched our 2023 rankings half a year…
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Continue ReadingWe have an upcoming PrepRedzoneMN rankings update for our class of 2023, but before that I wanted to introduce to our readers some of the best sophomores in the state that we missed when we launched our 2023 rankings half a year ago. Since then some serious talent in the class have made themselves known and gotten on our radar from all around the state, and this includes some legit FBS and FCS caliber recruits. We’ve listed 36 of these studs below and included some breakdown of their game. Thanks for reading, I hope you enjoy.
Top-36
Sawyer Seidl (Hill-Murray) RB/WR. 5’10, 165 lbs. @SawyerSeidl2 – The most talented player on this list and a sure fire Top-5 prospect in the class of 2023, Seidl has built off his more than stellar freshman campaign by running for 983 yards and 8 TDs in this shortened 2020 season. The RB is an incredibly exciting player to watch with the ball in his hands, and his regular season sophomore tape showcases his elite speed, athleticism, and explosiveness. He made a crazy one-legged hurdle on the second play of his tape that I really liked, and and the highlight is filled with big runs, mean stiff-arms, and beautiful open-field cuts and jukes that had defenders spinning their heads like “what in the world just happened?” He’s going to play FBS football in the future and college coaches need to get on the hype train right now before it’s too late!
Jeremiah Sims (MPLS North) DL. 6’5, 220 lbs. The North Polars have one of the most talented rosters in the entire state this year, and look like they are in a good position to continue their success as they have ballers in the 2022, 2023, and even 2024 class that I have gotten to check out this season. One of these aforementioned 2023s is the massive lineman Sims. He’s gotten some varsity tick this season, and shows a natural ability to rush the QB. Big things coming from this young man.
Karson Lindsay Karson Lindsay 5'11" | 190 lbs | ATH Janesville-Waldorf-Pemberton | 2023 State MN (Janesville Waldrof Pemberton) ATH 6’1, 200 lbs. @klindsay2023 Although the JWP athlete is already ranked, I wanted to give him another shoutout as he’s a tremendous small-school MN prospect who has everything you want in a non-Metro recruit. He plays a ton of different positions – including CB this year – and plays them all well, is a naturally big kid with that always useful country boy strength, and is physical and athletic who has already played a ton of varsity football as only a sophomore. I like how he can flip his hips and use his feet really well, and shows some natural cornerback technique and feel and the ability to get his head around as well as showing the necessary speed to make plays on the ball when it’s in the air and if he’s out of position. Also a strong tackler who is all over the field. When I think of smaller school MN kids finding good fits in college I always think of North Dakota and South Dakota State amongst others, so I hope some of these teams start contacting the Janesville product.
Joseph Forsberg (Martin County West) RB/DB. GPA 3.692 @JosephForsberg9 – Although he doesn’t have any updated sophomore film the Martin County West runningback is a speedster who can line up in the slot and play some WR and has some impressive lower body strength for his age. He also makes some exciting plays as a DB, and is an obvious athlete who will be one of the best playmakers in Southwest MN as an upperclassman.
Noah Lindsay (Rosemount) OL. 6’2, 265 lbs. GPA 3.7 @NoahLindsay18 – Starting on the 6A OL of the Rosemount Irish as only a sophomore is no easy feat, and Lindsay shows he belonged and then some in his sophomore midseason tape as he is a crushing run-blocker who has a lot of pop off the snap and makes sure to put defenders into the turf if he can. He gets off the ball really fast and is a quicker OL for his size, and with Rosemount’s history of D1 lineman I think Lindsay has a great chance to play some D1 football one day.
Eli Kotlarz (Hopkins) OLB/DB. 6’, 185 lbs. @eli_kotlarz – Played some OLB as a sophomore for the Royals and showed off a ton of burst off the LOS as a blitzer and hits like an upperclassman. He can get off blocks and tackle/pursue in space. Lot more reps coming for him on the Royals defense.
Devin Williams Devin Williams ATH Fridley | 2022 State MN (Osseo) ATH. 5’10, 170 lbs. @Devin_williams_ Another already ranked athlete who I wanted to give another shoutout to, young Williams got himself some reps at the varsity level as an OLB and made a huge strip sack vs. Anoka. He has some good speed and impressive effort, and can weave his way around blockers unlike most sophomores. Also a strong tackler, he’s going to be fun to watch going forward.
Blake Stahl (Champlin Park) 6’4, 175 lbs. GPA 3.5 @BlakeStahl3 – Having a good season on JV!
Carson Hansen (Lakeville South) RB. 6’, 180 lbs. @CarsonHansen21 – The sophomore runningback for the Cougars is having the best sophomore season of any player on this entire list. Stepping into a district that plays some of the best football in the state he’s shown that he isn’t scared of the spotlight and has put up 13 rushing TDs and 739 yards on the ground through 7 games for the undefeated Lakeville South Cougars. His long strides help him cover a ton of ground, and he’s shifty with strong legs that help him juke out defenders and run through weaker tackle attempts if he needs to. He does not run like a sophomore, and somehow has replaced the distinguished MSU-Mankato RB commit Johnny Shabaz Johnny Shabaz 6'0" | 190 lbs | RB Lakeville South | 2020 State MN in the Cougar backfield with incredible ease. He’s a FBS prospect in my mind no doubt.
Antonio Fondren Jr. (Benilde-St. Margaret’s) DE/TE. 6’5, 225 lbs. @FondrenAntonio The transfer from Delasalle is balling out for the Red Knights as a DE and TE and is a booming tackler and an athletic asset in the pass-catching game. He’s twitchy and quick at the LOS and covers ground well for his size, and completely swallows up ball-carriers when he gets ahold of them. He’s a really intriguing DL prospect with a super high ceiling. The strength, size, and speed all seem to be there already, and I think he’s got some dominant football ahead of him.
Cooper Drews (Princeton) QB. 6’3, 180 lbs. @CooperDrews I got to see Drews play live against Annandale this season where he came off the bench and helped get the Tigers back in the game. He did not play like a sophomore, and is tall in the pocket and steps into his throws to help show off a strong arm and some accuracy that I wasn’t expecting from a sophomore. He’s a strong pocket-passer and shows a lot of decision making skills and nuance for his age. Keep your eye on Princeton going forward, they have a lot of talent on their roster!
Wes Overton (Rockford) 6’2, 190 lbs. @WesOverton22 – In his first varsity game on October 10th he rushed for 100 yards and 2 TDs and added 9 solo tackles on defense. He followed that up with a 80 yard, 1 TD, and 13 tackle + one interception performance the next week, and utilized his intriguing combo of speed and strength as a RB. He can get the corner on you and take off, but also showed off a mean truck stick that does not look fun to DBs to try and deal with. He’s definitely a playmaker as well, and is a physical presence on the football field who can change the game either offensively or defensively. He’s another smaller school prospect who colleges need to take note of.
Max Shikenjanski (Stillwater) WR. 6’1. @MaxShikenjanski – The Stillwater Ponies are one of MN’s best surprises this season, and the sophomore WR has been doing his part to aide in the success as he’s shown himself to be a deep threat as a WR with strong hands and some need to respect speed. He also plays for one of the best AAU basketball teams in the state in D1 Minnesota, and that duel sport athleticism is something that should be included when thinking of him as a prospect. The Ponies have a really strong tradition of scholarship offensive playmakers, and Shikenjanski seems to be the heir apparent.
Chuck Gilbert (Holy Angels) WR. 6’2, 170 lbs. @2kcg_ – A varsity two-way contributor for the Stars who has a great frame and makes an impact on every game he plays in. His ball-skills and ability to high point the football is something special, and his vert and straight overall athleticism make him a really intriguing future collegiate prospect. There’s a lot of talent in AHA’s upcoming 2022 and 2023 class.
Joe Miller (Holy Angels) DE. 6’4, 220 lbs. @Therealbabyjoe4 – Another sophomore Holy Angels product worth noting, Miller’s best trait is definitely his strength, as he’s tough to get out of his gap and can toss OL out of his way if need be. With good hand placement and foot drive he’s a tough one to block one on one and is only going to get bigger!
Brandan Lee (Park of Cottage Grove) DB. 5’11, 160 lbs. @BrandanLee28 – Played on varsity as a CB and does a good job of getting a hand on the WR at the LOS and jamming up a couple steps of the route.
Caden Sullivan (MPLS Southwest) WR. 6’3, 150 lbs. @CadenSullivan19 – Great height and a two-sport athlete + the TD catch he had vs. Columbia Heights makes for an intriguing sophomore receiver prospect!
Isaiah Hollimon (MPLS Roosevelt) FS/WR. I got to see the Roosevelt Teddie DB/WR live and in-person this season against MPLS rival South, and Hollimon made a couple great interceptions from his FS spot that had him bolt from the MOF to the sideline to pick off some deep fade attempts. He was also a strong tackler and seemed poised, confident, and acted like a leader from the defensive backfield for the Teddies. Also made a couple nice catches as a WR. He just played like a natural football player!
Justin Benjamin (MPLS South) WR/DB. I also got to see the South Tiger two-way prospect in the matchup against Roosevelt, and he forsure won my toughest player of the game award as he made a big tackle and literally broke his wrist on the play. Although he had to leave the game, he really didn’t flinch and was upset at having to leave the game and go to the hospital. Prior to his injury though he made a one of my favorite plays of the ball game as he caught a slant and absolutely ate an attempted Roosevelt LB hit from the pursuing zone covering LB and set the backer flying in an impressive display of strength on a play that usually results in the WR being lit up. He’s a tough kid and will be a key cog for the Tigers going forward.
Josh Och (Chanhassen) WR. @josh_och – Returned a KO for a TD against Waconia and crazy TD catches against arch-rival Chaska in his sophomore season to really exhibit a natural playmaking ability and overall athleticism that is hard to find for sophomores. He’s also a standout baseball player with good size and strength for his age, and is going to make a ton more plays for the Storm going forward. I’m a big fan of his game.
Parker Knutson (Sartell-St. Stephen) 5’11, 165 lbs. @KnutsonParker – The Sabers of Sartell-St.Stephen have some good looking 2022 and 2023 prospects, and Knutson is a shifty little slot receiver who can make tough contested catches and as a DB reveals an ability to pop ballcarriers and stop forward progress in its tracks. I really like his potential as a DB and I could see how well he runs the alley and closes the distance when pursuing ball-carriers. Revealed some coverage ability as well as he took an 80-yard pick to the house vs. Alexandria.
Kade Lewis (Sartell-St. Stephen) OL/DL. @KadeLewis_ – The sophomore lineman is playing LT at the varsity level this year and looks strong in his pass-set with a decent punch and good hand placement. Good size for his age too, and if he keeps his feet a little more active he’ll be a really hard OT to get around.
Kelly Johnson (Alexandria) WR. 5’10, 160 lbs. GPA 3.94 . @johnsonkelly_ – Playing mostly in the slot for the Cardinals this season the sophomore Johnson looks explosive in his release off the LOS and has the speed to get downfield and under deep balls. Good concentration when making catches, and also is a good route runner for his age and has no problem going over the middle to make tough and contested catches.
Tysean Hughes (MPLS Patrick Henry) OL/DL. 6’, 265 lbs. The Patrick Henry Patriots have a history of impressive lineman that not many people know about. There’s been more than a few years where an offensive or defensive lineman of PH has qualified for the state wrestling tournament, and there are solid college prospects coming out of the Patriots program that go more unnoticed than they should every single year. Hughes seems to be the next in line, and has great size for a sophomore and has gotten some varsity reps this season. Check him out!
Montrell Bryant (MPLS Roosevelt) DB/WR. Roosevelt’s #2 was easily the player of the game when I saw the Teddies take on the Tigers and was a force offensively and defensively all game long. He was an absolute deep threat who could get under the football and break DBs tackles after the catch + was a complete lockdown cornerback who played with swag and physicality for 48 straight minutes. He unfortunately doesn’t have a Twitter account, but is a definite Minneapolis sleeper who is a natural football player and can do a lot of different things on the gridiron.
Will Mahowald (Sartell-St. Stephen) OL/DL. 6’1, 200 lbs. @MahowaldWIll
Ryder Thissen (Janesville Waldorf Pemberton) RB/LB. 6’, 170 lbs. @RyderThissen – Good sized kid who is physical and a good tackler. Also subs in in the Wildcat package and shows good vision as a ballcarrier. Big things happened at JWP!
Jacob Kilzer (Maple Grove) QB. 6’2, 185 lbs. Took over as the QB midyear over an experienced senior signal-caller for the Crimson and is an athletic quarterback who can move outside of the pocket and make throws on the run with accuracy. Also can hurt defenses with his legs and has an impressively strong arm for his age. A lot of big plays coming for this young buck.
Martin Owusu (Prior Lake) DT. 6’4, 235 lbs. GPA 3.3 @martin87hagen – The Prior Lake Laker DT is well built for his age and is a very promising DL prospect who has speed off the edge, the instincts to get his hands up if he can’t get to the QB, and forces ball-carriers backwards with ease when he initiates contact. If he keep adding weight he’s going to be the next Jamahl Johnson for the Lakers.
Gavin Schulte (Sartell-St. Stephen) RB/DB. 5’10, 163 lbs. Also a good looking baseball prospect.
Marques Monroe (Bloomington Kennedy) ATH. 6’1, 180 lbs. All-District as a freshman. @MonroeMarques – A great athlete who took a kick back this season to the house and has been a force in his district since his freshman year in 2019, Monroe has played all over the field and made plays offensively, defensively, and in the special teams game in 2020. He’s got great moves and vision in the open field and runs hard.
Raphael Meh (Osseo) OLB. 6’, 215 lbs. @RaphaelMeh1 – Killing it on JV this season!
Derrik Brown Jr. (Park) RB. 5’9, 165 lbs. @jr_derrik – A speedster in the open field with good burst and a strong leg drive.
Max Lemke (Park Center) OL. 6’2, 300 lbs. @MaxLemke10
Ot Omot (Park) WR. 6’2, 150 lbs. @otenidi_omot – In 5 games the long and lean WR displayed a great stride and ability to pull away from potential tacklers and go up for that always important endzone fade. I like his toughness and concentration at the receiver position as well, he can go over the middle or deep if need be.
Aidan Boehle (Minnetonka) WR/OLB. 6’5, 170 lbs. @aidan1boehle – Killing it on JV