Nate’s Big Dogs of the Game: Litchfield/Albany
ALBANY– We had 34 evaluations of players last week in Andover and Anoka, but unfortunately, we won’t hit that mark this week with only one game of coverage this Friday in Albany. We did however find 17 players that I…
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Continue ReadingALBANY– We had 34 evaluations of players last week in Andover and Anoka, but unfortunately, we won’t hit that mark this week with only one game of coverage this Friday in Albany. We did however find 17 players that I was fond of in the undefeated battle between Albany and Litchfield! Enjoy.
LaQue Jefferson, LB/QB, Albany (2022)
Jefferson was efficient in the tackling department for the Huskies. Jefferson also was featured in some key plays at quarterback, which is a role I see him filling the void as QB1 in the 2021 season as he has some wheels and is more than likely one of the Huskies best athletes in the 2022 class.
Kayden College Kayden College 6'4" | 195 lbs | WR Armstrong | 2022 State MN , DL/OL, Litchfield (2022)
Dietel was an engaged prospect that stood out on Saturday in Albany. When you roll back his film, Dietel has stout measurables on both sides of the line. What impressed me most about Dietel is how physically strong he is and how well he engages. His force level is something to watch. If I had one critique on Dietel, it would be increasing his foot speed as he could use some development in that category. Next level offensive linemen.
Isaiah Gerads QB/DB, Albany (2021)
Gerads is the QB1 for Albany, but I saw this kid lay a massive hit at the defensive back, which made me like his game even more as a quarterback that’s certainly not afraid of contact playing both sides of the ball. Gerads is very sneaky in between the tackles with the option offense the Huskie run, and if the defensive is not careful, it can let loose for significant yards. When Gerads does throw, he has pretty decent touch on the ball and had good accuracy on his balls. Gerads was key on the later downs, especially with his connection with his Huskies tight end, which you’ll learn about later in this scouting report.
Tyson Michels WR/DB, Litchfield (2021)
The tandem of Michels and Lecher last night was the biggest spark for the Dragons offense consistently throughout the game. Michels has solid measurables (6’2 185) and showed great range in his diving catch in the left corner of the Dragons endzone. Michels is one that I think could play at the next level as his size, range of motion, and quality feet make him a sleeper prospect out of Litchfield.
Carter Birr, LB/RB, Albany (2022)
Where Birr was fantastic was in pass coverage. His number was called multiple times, and he cashed in on every play. When you watch his film, you see that same thing, a player that has a solid leaping ability and good timing when jumping in on routes. Birr doesn’t have all the size (5’8 170) but was a consistent threat in the Huskies defense on Friday night.
Wyatt Larson, LB/OL, Litchfield (2022)
Larson was a solid tackler on the first and second levels on Friday night for the Dragons. Larson may be junior to watch as he already has a great frame (6’1 215) and could be a key player at the next level at linebacker. No film at the moment via Hudl, so a definitive sleeper coming out of Litchfield.
Declan Crumley, OT/LB, Albany (2021)
Crumley was graded as one of my top performers on the Huskies defensive at linebacker. With Two sacks and a fumble recovery, Crumley was as critical at the first level as you want your linebacker to be. No film via Hudl.
Christian Kelsey Christian Kelsey OL Litchfield | 2021 State MN , OL/DT, Litchfield (2021)
Kelsey was definitely one I’ve watched film on before, so I was intrigued to watch him live on Friday night. Kelsey is a pure finisher as a blocker and finishes at a high level. Kelsey also has quality mobility on the line and can be a consistent pull blocker when needed. Kelsey is a Division II talent, but due to the lack of junior camps, it will give NAIA and Division III programs absolute steal on the offensive line.
Will Mergen, RB/DB, Albany (2021)
Mergen was the burst of the Huskies run game on Friday night. Mergen has a solid vision between the tackles and made quite a few significant plays to lead the Huskies to victory. Mergen’s ability to give the Huskies the longevity to have many running backs that offer different skill sets is what may have the Huskies make a solid run in the playoffs. Solid downhill runner.
Maison Olson, DE/OL, Litchfield (2021)
Olson was another one I had scouted before this game on Friday and was rock solid on Friday night. What I like most about Olson is although he’s undersized at defensive end (6’1, 185), he sheds off blockers of mostly guys bigger than high very well. With that being the case, Olson also has quicker speed off the line against those hog mollies on the offensive line, which gives him an advantage.
Luke Buttweiler, LB/OL, Albany (2022)
As Birr was more active in coverage, Buttweiler was more consistent in the Huskies linebacking core as getting key multiple tackles for Albany. He keyed in multiple times on the first and second levels, not allowing much space for the Dragons to run the football even though they were heavier on the pass for most of the night. No tape available.
Benjamin Alsleben Benjamin Alsleben QB Litchfield | 2021 State MN , QB, Litchfield (2021)
Although Alsleben had a rough first quarter of play, he defined a rebound player for the rest of the game. Alsleben is a quarterback that has a quick release and is mobile enough to buy himself more time with his mobility. Alsleben also has a solid variety of throws he can make from short to long anywhere on the field. A Division II talent that, like Kelsey, could fall to an NAIA or Division III suitor in which they would be getting a steal. Alsleben could also entertain a walk-on opportunity at the D2 level.
Logan King, DB, Litchfield (2022)
There was no bigger ballhawk on every play between both rosters yesterday than Litchfield’s Logan King. Even though I take very light stats, you are doing something right on defense like King on Friday night when you fill up my notepad. No film yet available on this kid but as just a junior should be one to keep your eye on from the Dragons with a herd of Dragons graduating this May.
Tate Hoffarth, RB/LB, Albany (2021)
Hoffarth was one of the most consistent running backs between running back cores on Friday night in Albany. To my count, Hoffarth had multiple runs of 10+ yards as the Huskies utilized their fast Veer offense to their advantage against Litchfield with a three-back punch that was more than enough to beat the undefeated Dragons.
Bennett Lecher Bennett Lecher 5'11" | WR Litchfield | 2021 State MN , WR/DB, Litchfield (2021)
Let’s say when I watched Lecher on Friday, I realized we had him WAY underanked on our 2021 rankings, so coaches beware, that there was a miss on our end. Lecher should be within our top 125-150 players in our 2021 rankings. Why do you say? I have yet to see a wide receiver this year show off the fantastic footwork that Lecher possessed on Friday night against Albany. You can tell he’s perfected his craft with his footwork as he turned nothing gains on screens into 15-20 yard plays. In a normal year, Lecher’s skill set would find him in the Northern Sun, but some NAIA or Division III program will be pleased to land this kid.
Ethan Navratil, TE/DB, Albany (2021)
Navratil was a large factor on both sides of the football, especially when he made his mark in the first quarter. He made a terrific catch in the back of the endzone to give Albany the lead. That defensive drive? Navratil took the ball into the endzone for a pick 6 from 25 yards out, giving him two touchdowns in around a minute in the first quarter. This young man’s fantastic size at 6’4 215 pounds and was a huge factor is Albany setting the tone for victory even in the first quarter when they just got started with their momentum-shifting their way. No tape.
Nolan Rueter, RB/LB, Albany (2021)
If I had to hand out a game ball from Friday night, Nolan Rueter would get my MVP award. Logging two touchdowns in the game, Rueter’s ability to break tackles and play the “bully back” were reasons why he gets my game MVP. Rueter churned off tacklers for many 10+ yard gains and showed how strong his lower body is. Rueter is a player who would be on our rankings if we did our 2021 rankings over because I think his uphill power running ability speaks volumes in his over 100 yards he rushed for on Friday night. Next level player.