40 PrepRedzoneMN 3-Game Highlight Tape Evaluations: 2021 SZN
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Can’t get much more straightforward than this one! Now that we’re getting into the thick of the 2021 regular season and preps are doing beginning to do their due diligence and creating their 3-game Hudl highlights and combining game tape…
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Continue ReadingCan’t get much more straightforward than this one! Now that we’re getting into the thick of the 2021 regular season and preps are doing beginning to do their due diligence and creating their 3-game Hudl highlights and combining game tape I wanted to make use of all of the film I have been watching and write some evaluations on MN preps for our valued readers! I’ve been pumped to see a lot of kids have made big gains since last season in the weight room and on the gridiron, and I’ve also been delighted to see some kids break out onto the scene, raise their stock, and step into big starting roles. To find out who is looking good and balling out so far all you have to do is scroll below. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoy this PrepRedzoneMN 3-Game Highlight Tape Evaluation!
Joseph Forsberg Joseph Forsberg 5'7" | 155 lbs | ATH Martin County West | 2023 State MN (Martin County West) RB/DB. 2023. Received a gameday invite from Northwestern-St. Paul this season.
The junior PrepRedzoneMN Showcase standout and compact RB makes a big splash on the first play of his 3-game tape where he bursts through two tackles attempts in the hole, runs through a LB, and slips by a DB arm tackle for a 45-yard TD run. He also has recorded a interception for a TD, a couple nice TFLs where he shot past an attempted WR block on the edge as a CB, and a couple short yardage TD runs. He looks thicker from last season and has continued his biggest strength in contact balance, especially for a smaller RB. He’s looking good so far in 2021. Hudl: Games 1-3
Cole Madsen Cole Madsen 6'8" | 285 lbs | OL Buffalo | 2022 State MN (Buffalo) OT. 2022. 6’8, 265 lbs. No offers or recent recruiting attention.
I’m quite surprised that the 6’8, 260+ lber. is this far into his senior year without even a DII offer, and his 3-game highlight is looking impressive as the massive OT looks lean and explosive with a good pass-pro set who can get to the second level and hip-to-hip with opponents quickly for a kid of his size. He also has that natural pop that you want to see from a potential D1 lineman, and Madsen sure has lit up some LBs thus far this season. I really like what I’m seeing his pass-pro reps however, as he can get out of his stance quickly to deal with speed rushes up his outside shoulder. It’s not easy to stop and start like this for a 6’8 high schooler, so I really hope some scholarship programs start taking notice. Buffalo has put out D1 lineman prospects recently of recent size, so you also need to put some worth into that tradition and coaching. Hudl: First 3 Games
Azrie Yeager Azrie Yeager 6'2" | 280 lbs | OL MPLS North | 2024 State MN (MPLS North) OC. 2024. 6’2, 260 lbs.
The younger brother of North Carolina A&T QB and 2021 MLPS North graduate Zach Yeager Zach Yeager 6'2" | QB Minneapolis North | 2021 State MN , younger bro Azrie is stepping into a varsity role as a sophomore and is looking strong as a two-way OC/DT who has made a couple devastating pancake blocks on offense and some nice tackles and hits on the QB when manning the DL. He gets off the ball quickly and is able to drive block opponents backwards and works to finish every rep. He’s also especially devastating on double-teams and continues to work for inside hand position. I like what I’m seeing from the 2024 lineman. Hudl: Weeks 1-3
Matthew Donovan Matthew Donovan 5'10" | 175 lbs | WR Kasson-Mantorville | 2022 State MN (Kasson-Mantorville) QB. 2022. 5’10, 170 lbs. Offers from Bemidji State, MSU-Moorhead, Jamestown, Morningside, Northwestern College, Bethel College, and William Penn.
The Komets athletic QB is continuing his playmaking ways and in the first three games of 2021 he’s rushed 51 times for 408 yards and 7 TDs. His top-end speed and vision make him dangerous every time he runs the rock, and especially when he’s running behind lead blocks. If he gets a little bit of daylight he’s going to go for a big gain, and shows some wiggle in the hole where he is able to set up safeties and DBs and trick them inside, where he makes a hard cut towards the sideline and is off to the races. You gotta hold the edge against Donovan, and already this season he’s popped off 5ish runs of 30+ yards this season and is poised for a lot more. Definite scholarship target who is going to have a long senior highlight tape. Hudl: 3 game highlight
Marques Monroe Marques Monroe 6'1" | 190 lbs | DB Bloomington Kennedy | 2023 State MN (Bloomington Kennedy) DB. 2023. 6’1, 180 lbs. Received some recruiting graphics from Army.
Had a 100+ yard INT return for a TD where he read the QB’s eyes and jumped a TE hitch or curl right past the goal line and took that thing all the way for six points against I believe Highland Park. The FS also laid a massive hit over the middle against Washburn, picked off a tipped pass against Park Center, and intercepted an errant deep pass on the sideline against Washburn as well. Between those big plays, he made more than a few beautiful tackles wherein he just creates a ton of momentum and explodes through ball carriers for some fun-to-watch hits up top or on the legs of opponents. He’s got good range and good size for the FS position and is an intriguing DB prospect in the 2023 class. Hudl: Junior SZN 1-3
Owen McCloud (Lakeville South) LB. 2023. 6′, 215 lbs. Camped at NDSU this summer.
The junior LB is well-built for an ILB role on the #1 ranked 6A team in MN and looks like he’s able to start and stop well when pursuing the football and reads his keys well to locate and bring down ball carriers. He had a big game against Eden Prairie and was all over the field chasing Eagle RBs. More of a downhill ‘backer who has enough quickness to keep blockers on their toes and the strength to not get blown up by bigger blocks. With a ton of talent on the Cougars defense I’m excited to see how he continues to grow. Hudl: Week 1-3
Ryan Bengtson Ryan Bengtson 5'9" | 160 lbs | QB Becker | 2023 State MN (Becker) QB. 2023.
The signal-caller for the Top-2 ranked 4A squad Becker Bulldogs is having a good upperclassman introduction and is looking like an accurate and mobile QB prospect who hits receivers right in the hands no matter what route they are running. He’s tough to defend when he rolls out and that mobility also serves him well when navigating the pocket around rushers or when he takes off and runs. The accuracy really stands out to me most, and he’s able to make the throws that spectators kind of take for granted at the high school level quickly and on the money and keeps the offense humming. Becker will need him to have a big day to take down #1 Hutchinson tonight. Hudl: Week 1-3 highlights
Caleb Richards Caleb Richards 5'10" | 185 lbs | RB Rockford | 2022 MN (Rockford) RB/LB. 2022. 5’10, 180 lbs.
Has a 4-game highlight thanks to a Week 0 game later in August. The RB/LB hybrid is looking like he’s put on weight this offseason and opens his tape with a big hit from the FB position. As a LB he took an interception back to the house off a tipped pass that saw him easily run through a tackle attempt, and also shows aggression and proficiency in pass-pro as a RB, a service that is hard to come by at all levels of football. As a LB he really stops ball carriers in their tracks when he gets ahold of them and prevents them from working for extra yards or falling forward, and I just love how bad he wants to hit kids on tape. He does a good job of it, and I think the Rockford senior would make himself a nice LB at the next level. Youtube:
Here some highlights after 4 weeks of competition! https://t.co/jummi3T0Km
— Caleb Richards (@RichardsCaleb11) September 21, 2021
Kayode Amusan Kayode Amusan 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB Woodbury | 2023 State MN (Woodbury) LB. 2023. 6’3, 205 lbs. Went to Ames for an Iowa State gameday visit and got a gameday invite from Kansas State. Also received a recruiting graphic from Illinois.
Older brother Kolade is playing DL for Davenport University after bouncing back from South Dakota and playing for Highland Community College as a LB. Younger bro Kayode is looking like he hit a growth spurt this summer and is playing OLB for Woodbury and has laid some bone-jarring hits so far this season on QBs and WRs out on the edge of the LOS. He can get a full-head of steam going downhill and is strong enough to run through block attempts and adjust to the path of the ball carrier in space or near the LOS. He’s a strong 205 lber. who I’ll be eagerly keeping an eye on this season. Hudl: First 3
Charlie Boucher Charlie Boucher 6'3" | 230 lbs | TE MPLS Southwest | 2022 State MN (MPLS Southwest) LB/TE. 2022. 6’3, 230 lbs. Recently offered by St. Thomas. Still hearing from UMary, Drake, Bemidji State, CSP, and a variety of DIIIs.
Through three weeks the senior Laker has posted 37 tackles, 6 sacks, 12 TFLs, and 10 receptions for 112 yards and 2 TDs. Had a great offseason and is playing at or around 230 lbs. without looking slow or sloppy. The two-way standout has been a monster pass-rusher so far who times his blitzes really well and swallows up ball carriers when he gets ahold of them. Athletic enough to contribute as a pass-catcher and makes use of TE screens, where he shows tackle breaking ability with power and quickness. He’s also a physical blocker downfield as a TE but does his best work as a LB. where he triggers on the football impressively and can go sideline-to-sideline as well as blitz off the edge. There’s not a lot he can’t do on the football field and I’ve loved watching him make plays since he was a young buck over in Southwest Minneapolis. Keep it up, Charlie! Hudl: Best plays week 1-3
Graham Knapp (MPLS Southwest) RB. 2022.
The Lakers RB is having a breakout senior season and popped off a couple of big runs against Como Park where he simply runs through tackles and bounces defenders off him without really looking like anything was in his way. He’s a tough North-South kid who who runs with good contact balance for his size and doubles a safety on the Southwest defense. He’s fun to watch run the rock and keeps those legs pumping! Hudl: highlights week 1-3
Dylan Weber Dylan Weber 6'1" | 185 lbs | LB Becker | 2023 State MN (Becker) LB. 2023. 6′, 195 lbs.
The younger brother of 2021 North Dakota State LB signee Brayden Weber Brayden Weber 6'2" | LB Becker | 2021 State MN has taken over the LB corps of the Bulldogs and uses that strong wrestling background to destroy blocking attempts and bring his hips through contact when tackling. He’s strong for his size and presents a tough blocking assignments for opponents. Hudl: week 1-3 highlights
Hunter Webster (Lakeville South) DB. 2022.
The Cougars safety can really run the alley and takes good angles to the football, which also helps him on kickoff, where he made a great tackle against Park that saw him fly down the field and chase the returner to just about the opposite sideline. He had a great game against Eden Prairie and did a great job of making sure their RBs never got the corner, limiting some potentially big runs. He’s patient when reading run and a technically sound tackler as well. Hudl: week 1-3
Christian Connelly Christian Connelly 6'4" | 190 lbs | DL Byron | 2022 State MN (Byron) DE. 2022. 6’3, 190 lbs. Offers from UMD, UW-River Falls, Augsburg.
The recent UMD Bulldog offeree has taken over the Bears pass rushing reigns from 2021 grad and First Team All-State Colton Douglas Colton Douglas DL Byron | 2021 State MN and has posted 24 tackles, 6 TFLs, and 1.5 sacks through the first three games of the season. He’s got a frame that could greatly benefit from a collegiate strength & conditioning program, but as a senior in high school his length is incredibly advantageous and he can run like a linebacker and get after the QB like a DE. He tackles but high is strong enough to use it to his benefit and he’s able to slam down ball carriers without them gaining any extra yards. His future is very bright. Hudl: first 3
Sam Peters Sam Peters 6'6" | 225 lbs | TE Maple Grove | 2023 State MN (Maple Grove) TE. 2023. 6’4, 205 lbs. Has been receiving graphics from NDSU and SDSU and has so far been on gameday visits to NDSU and Iowa and is set to see the Gophers homecoming tomorrow.
One of Minnesota’s biggest stock risers this season comes out of the Maple Grove program and their stud junior Sam Peters Sam Peters 6'6" | 225 lbs | TE Maple Grove | 2023 State MN , who has been receiving a ton of gameday invites and a lot of the recruiting checkpoints you see out of a potential D1 prospect. I was very excited to start watching his game tape, and through three games he’s posted 3 catches for 106 yards and 2 TDs. On film, he’s a smooth, strong runner with some wiggle in his hips for his size and downfield playmaking ability. Also looks strong as a run blocker and is able to handle DL in 1-on-1 down blocking assignments. There’s a lot to like on film and he’s a fluid athlete for his size, and I’m very excited for him to post some more film soon. Enjoy Dinkytown, Sam! Hudl: game highlights 1-3
Alex Vasquez (Lakeville South) OG. 2022. 6’3, 225 lbs. No reported recruiting attention for the junior.
The Cougar lineman has laid some absolutely devastating pulling blocks so far this season and lit some Eden Prairie Eagle defenders up in their recent #1 vs. #2 6A matchup, completely crumpling them onto their butts and opening huge holes for his RBs. He fires off the ball like he’s shot out of a cannon, keeps his hands inside for that initial punch, and explodes through the opponent with his chest and hips. He’s even kicked some extra points for Lakeville South and moonlights on the DL as a nice run-stuffing interior defensive lineman. Hudl: highlights 1-3
Gavin Giesler (Kasson-Mantorville) DE/TE. 2022. 6’2, 200 lbs. Gameday invite to the University of Jamestown, UW-Stevens Point, UM-Morris
The 200 lber. brings speed to the position and made a big catch for almost 70 yards to open his senior highlight tape. He can make tough catches through contact and break his routes off well without wasting steps and uses a deeper out-route well so far this season. He also has the strength to push back weaker blocking attempts and recorded a sack in his first three games as well. He could also benefit greatly from a college weight program, but shows good versatility and potential at multiple positions at the high school level. Lot of weapons for the Komets this year! Hudl: week 1-3
Bahjat Zakiel Bahjat Zakiel 5'9" | 180 lbs | RB Osseo | 2023 State MN (Osseo) RB. 2023. 5’10, 175 lbs.
The Orioles junior RB has been a TD machine through three games and is a patient cutter who sets defenders up before hitting the hole and allowing his blocks to work out in front of him. He also brings the speed to want to see from a prep running back and can take advantage when he sees daylight for a big run. His patience and efficient cuts show up through three games and he had some particularly good reps against Forest Lake. Hudl:
First 3 varsity games 👏🏾@hudl https://t.co/JfAMPgW2jP #hudl
— Bahjat zakiel ✪ (@bjzakiel) September 18, 2021
Joey Ulmen Joey Ulmen 6'0" | 185 lbs | DB Lakeville South | 2022 MN (Lakeville South) DB. 2022. 6′, 185 lbs. No reported college interest
The Cougar corner melts into the receiver well when in man coverage, which helped him make a huge PBU in the end zone against Eden Prairie, and he gets his head around quickly and keep his eye on the ball, which helped him record a huge interception against crosstown rival Lakeville North. He also is a willing contributor in the run and has put together some solid reps in coverage and run support through three games. Definite underrated name to know for college coaches as he has no reported offers or contact. Hudl: https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10431985/61465e7c5ca9b308680d5a2d
Amarie Hill (South St. Paul) DB. 2022. 5’8, 150 lbs. No reported college interest
3-game tape shows a CB who is a good tackler who is comfortable in a 1-on-1 situation with the football in the air. He had a particularly good game against Tartan and showed that he can drop his hips and cut off his back-pedal to come up and make a tackle. MIAC schools should start hitting this kid! Hudl: senior 1, 2, 3
Zach Juckel Zach Juckel 6'3" | 200 lbs | LB Lakeville South | 2022 State MN (Lakeville South) LB. 2022. 6’3, 205 lbs. Offers from UNI, USD, SDSU, SEMO, UND, Yale, Air Force, Princeton.
A sleeper of a FBS linebacker prospect became Lakeville South’s leading tackler last week as he tallied his 217th tackle of his career, becoming the Cougars all-time leading tackler. Through three games the senior – known as the “Swagless Soldier by my friends at LineofScrimmageMN – is taking on blocks well and closing on the football fast off the edge and out in space for the Lakeville South defense. He’s instinctive, and showed that off a few times on film such as his patience in sniffing out a screen against Lakeville North, and throughout his tape he has reps where he takes on multiple blockers before running down the football. He has length and good strength for his size, and is overall a tackling machine who is going to smash that Lakeville South record by the time season concludes. Hudl: 3 week
Walker Britz Walker Britz 6'1" | RB Mankato-West | 2022 State MN (Manakto West) RB/OLB. 2022. 6’1, 185 lbs. Went on a gameday visit to Augustana (SD), visited Hamline. Offered by Morningside
The RB had a tremendous opening play of his 3-game highlights as he broke 6 (by my count) tackle attempts against New Prague in a 50+ yard scamper for a huge Scarlett gain. He’s a longer RB/OLB prospect who is a good combination of speed and strength and laid a big-time truck stick against Owatonna on tape to follow up that NP run. He’s got vision and plays every rep as hard as he can, and is a good athlete who even threw a hurdle out there on tape as well. He’s fun to watch and flies around the football field. Hudl: weeks 1-3
Andrew Westermeyer (Wayzata) DB. 2023. 6’2, 195 lbs. No reported college interest or offers
Has recorded 23 tackles and 2 PBUs through three games and brings great size to the safety position. 3-game tape shows a safety who is patient in his back pedal and can high point the football, as well as come up and lay a bruising cut tackle in the run game. He showed some range and man coverage skills as well and had some good reps in coverage against Roseville. His best football is in front of him and I think he’s going to be a big Lake Conference prospect to know as a junior. Hudl:
Ian Segna (Lakeville South) RB/SS. 2023. 5’11, 170 lbs. No reported college interest
The accomplished baseball player is wearing the #22 jersey in the Cougars offensive backfield and made a huge TD catch down the seam against Eden Prairie, a nice TD run in the redzone against Lakeville North, and some tough running that shows off his lower body strength in the first three games of the season. He’s having a nice start to the season and a strong introduction to the Cougars varsity backfield so far in 2021. Hudl: games 1-3
Luke Fredin (Benilde-St. Margaret’s) DB/RB. 2022. 5’11, 170 lbs. No reported college interest
Shows some impressive reps in pass pro as a RB and some burst and quick cutting ability as a Red Knight RB through three games and specifically against Chaska. Also can come up and hit ya from the safety position and prevent ball carriers from gaining extra yards forward. MIAC schools should be all over this kid soon. Hudl: 3 game highlights
Hank Artz (Fairmont) DE. 2025. 6′, 225 lbs.
The soon-to-be #1 prospect in the 2025 class has a 4-game highlight tape that I was extremely excited to check out, and it did not disappoint as I loved what I saw in the quickness department, as Artz could freeze OL’s feet and cross face inside to make plays, and is already strong enough to power through and disengage from blocking attempts. He gets off the ball well and flies around to make a tackle, and I think the future is extremely bright for the freshman and he has P5 potential in his future if he keeps growing and developing. Hudl: 3 game highlight
Mitchel Jaskowiak Mitchel Jaskowiak 6'4" | 225 lbs | RB Glencoe-Silver Lake | 2022 State MN (Glencoe-Silver Lake) RB. 2022. 6’4, 230 lbs. Offers from St. Thomas, Bemidji State, and South Dakota
I can’t quite wrap my head around how a 6’4, 230 lb. RB doesn’t have more college interest at this point in time, but either way the massive prospect is running like a mack truck with cut breaks and bouncing tacklers off him like a bowling ball sends pins flying. He had some impressively physical reps versus I think Litchfield, and as a gunner on punt ran through two separate blockers and had a couple bruising runs through defenders. His stiff-arm is back in full strength, and overall he’s just fun to watch and looks incredibly unfun to tackle. I’m excited for the rest of his senior year. Hudl: senior first 3
Delaney Suraju Delaney Suraju 6'0" | 230 lbs | DL New Prague | 2022 State MN (Lakeville South) DT. 2022. 6′, 230 lbs. Visited Bethel University and St. Olaf College.
Suraju benched 370 and squated 520 this summer and attacks blocks off the LOS with strong, active hands and a low pad level. He’s able to drive opponents backwards with his first step and heavy punch and stuffs holes and ruins rushing attempts of opposing squads like Eden Prairie and Park so far this season. He also shows some closing speed as a blitzer and can take advantage of missed assignments or “easy plays” of pursuit. I’m excited to see how the strongman continues playing this fall.
Eli Anderson Eli Anderson 6'0" | 160 lbs | DB Fairmont | 2022 State MN (Fairmont) WR. 2022. 6’1, 160 lbs. Somehow he doesn’t have an offer yet…
The speedster is having a great start to his senior year and brings that PrepRedzone Showcase 4.53 hand-timed speed to the gridiron in a big way, as he’s capable of taking the top off the defense and turning a seemingly routine play into a splash gain. He’s had a few deep TD catches so far this season and had a sick one-handed catch that he grabbed while running, kept his balance, and ran the ball in for a score. He also had a very shifty TD run on a WR screen against Marshall where he made a few Tigers defenders miss with some quick and well-timed cuts, and had a nice post-corner route for a TD in the red zone against St. Peter. He’s still scoring TDs a minute into his 3-game tape and scoring them impressively, and with his combo of speed and elusiveness I think we may have a FCS sleeper on our hands….what a tape, Mr. Anderson! Hudl: weeks 1-3
Will Chlebecek (Lakeville South) TE/OLB. 2022. 6’3, 215 lbs. Just earned his first offer today from UNI!
One of the biggest stock risers in the entire state this season is Lakeville South’s Chlebecek, who just earned his first college football offer today in the form of a FCS offer from Northern Iowa. His 3-game highlights back up the offer, as he’s laid some crushing blocks from the TE position this year and brings maximum effort and hustle to every rep he plays. He’s got natural pop and makes sure he’s the low man every pop, so when you combine that with his insane foot drive and strength and you have a nasty run-blocker who can crumple you or drive you 15 yards downfield if you aren’t ready. He also showed some hands and pass-catching ability, so I doubt the offers are done for the senior Cougar. Hudl: game 1-3
Mitchell January Mitchell January 6'0" | 185 lbs | WR Richfield | 2022 State MN (Richfield) QB/WR. 2022. 6′, 185 lbs. Somehow doesn’t have a college football offer yet but is getting a lot of recruiting attention from Drake so far this season
The accomplished hooper made the switch from WR to QB this season and has recorded 718 passing yards and 7 TDs along with 101 rushing yards and 3 TDs so far this season. He’s an impressive athlete who could play a variety of positions in college and is especially dangerous with the ball in his hands. He’s a powerful strider with game-changing speed and great vision who can make defenders miss in a variety of ways. Also shows off some natural arm talent but I still can’t figure out why he doesn’t have a scholarship offer at this point in time. I think we may have another FCS sleeper on our hands here… Hudl: first 3
Josh DuBois (Coon Rapids) QB. 2022. 5’10, 170 lbs. No reported offers or recruiting attention
Senior tape shows a QB that will stand in the pocket and deliver an accurate throw with a big hit coming, as he did against Elk River in the first game of his tape. He also had a nice read-option run where he pulled it, slipped through a couple of tackles in the hole, juked a defender, and then another, and broke off down the sideline for a big gain against Brainerd. He shows some nice reps out of read-option plays, including quick and accurate throws on shorter routes, and also has some nice deep ball accuracy. He’d make for an intriguing DIII QB prospect who can get things done through the air or on the ground at the high school level. Hudl: senior midseason
Chuck Gilbert Chuck Gilbert 6'2" | 170 lbs | WR Holy Angels | 2023 State MN (Holy Angels) WR. 2023. 6’2, 170 lbs. Holds an offer from Central Michigan
The star WR for the Stars is one of only four MN juniors to hold a D1 football at this time and looks fast and fluid on his 3-game tape and use his long legs to cover ground in the open field and get to attempted tacklers toes to juke them out of their shoes. Also has been playing safety and can come up to make a tackle with no problem. A lot of his reps are option type runs, so I’d like to see a little more route running on his tape going forward to get a good sense of the now upperclassman wideout. You can definitely tell he’s a good athlete on film, however. Hudl: game 1-3
Payton Schulz (Lakeville South) DB/OLB. 2022. 6′, 185 lbs. Recently earned his first offer from St. Olaf College
The recent MIAC offeree exploded off of the edge for a huge sack against Eden Prairie to open his 3-game tape and beat a Park Wolfpack attempted block in super slick fashion as he avoided an incoming lineman with a slick cut and made a solid cut tackle on the ball carrier for a nice stop. He works straight down the LOS from the edge, can blitz, operate and move in space, and packs a punch at the point of contact. I couldn’t have been more thrilled to see my alma mater make for his first college football opportunity. Keep it up, Payton! Hudl: weeks 1-3
Aidan Boehle Aidan Boehle 6'6" | 210 lbs | DL Minnetonka | 2023 State MN (Minnetonka) DE. 2023. 6’6, 200 lbs. Been receiving some recruiting graphics from NDSU
The converted WR sports a lean, long frame that works well for the DE position and offers an intriguing amount of potential in a college S&C program. Boehle shows great lateral quickness who can beat block attempts inside, and can get to the backfield in a jiffy, both of which he did in solid reps against Edina and Blaine to open his 3-game tape. His first-step and bend are both visible on film as well, so overall there is a lot to like and a high ceiling for the lean, aggressive Skipper. I’m pumped you’re on the defensive side of the ball, Aidan. Keep it up! Hudl: Week 1-3 highlights
Carson Hansen Carson Hansen 6'1" | 200 lbs | RB Lakeville South | 2023 State MN (Lakeville South) RB. 2023. 6’1, 195 lbs. Recently went on a gameday visit to North Dakota, North Dakota State
One of my favorite preps in the 2023 class of MN – and a RB who I think can perform at the FBS level – popped off a 63-yard TD vs. Eden Prairie where he torched the Eagles angles in pursuit, a 64-yard TD run versus EP where he slipped through two tackle attempts going through the first level of the D, juked a DB out of his cleats to free up the middle of the field, and then long-strided downfield for an easy six. He also popped off a 72-yard TD run vs. Park where he basically went untouched thanks to some excellent vision and footwork, and a couple other big gains through three weeks that show off his deep skill set, strong legs, and game changing speed at the top end. Man, I love watching this kid run the football. Hudl: Week 1-3
Adam Wodtke Adam Wodtke 6'0" | 195 lbs | LB Robbinsdale Cooper | 2022 State MN (Robbinsdale Cooper) LB. 2022. 6′, 205 lbs. Receiving mail from MSU-Moorhead and Augsburg College
First three game tape displays a downhill LB who flows to the ball well and does a good job of staying strong and upright when meeting RBs in the hole for a big hit. He can flow through the traffic between the tackles well and reads his keys to make sure he’s in the right spot to make a play on a run. Good size for the position as well. Hudl: 3 games played
Lance Nielsen Jr. Lance Nielsen Jr. 6'0" | 190 lbs | ATH Centennial | 2023 State MN (Centennial) DB. 2023. 6′ 175 lbs.
The junior DB made a beautiful jump on the ball for an INT against Totino-Grace on a slant, laid a massive hit in run support against STMA, scored a TD as an option RB on a pitch against TG as well, and undercut a seam route for a nice interception against STMA as well. He’s a playmaking two-way prospect who is long and natural on the football field and plays bigger than his 6′, 175 lbs. would suggest. He had a fun tape to watch and I’m excited for more. Hudl: junior 1-3
Reese Littlefield Reese Littlefield 6'3" | 235 lbs | LB Centennial | 2023 State MN (Centennial) LB/TE. 2023. 6’2, 225 lbs.
Brings excellent size to the gridiron and as a junior LB Littlefield has made some nice tackles on special teams and in run support from his MLB spot. He’s a force in the middle who finishes through contact and can beat blockers with either speed or power. His size is very intriguing and he’s a brickwall in the middle of the Cougars defense. Hudl: week 1-3
Ezra Hudson (St. Louis Park) DB. 2022. 5’10, 185 lbs. No reported offers or interest
The Orioles safety had a great interception against Two Rivers that saw him jump zone hitch/curl and a big hit against St. Anthony Village where he undercut the ball-carrier and flipped him over his shoulders for a great cut tackle and finish. He’s comfortable with the ball in the air, has the speed to keep with faster WRs and run them down in the open field, and has a solid back pedal who can read the QB eyes and make plays on errant passing attempts. Also doubles as a RB and shows some nice balance at the position. Hudl: 3 game