24 MN Scholarship-Level 2024 SZN Highlight Evals.
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The numbers don’t lie, and once again our analytics show that you lovely subscribers like our straight-forward series evaluating new and updated tape from the 2022 season. With two, 40-evaluation features already out this fall, I wanted to switch things…
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Continue ReadingThe numbers don’t lie, and once again our analytics show that you lovely subscribers like our straight-forward series evaluating new and updated tape from the 2022 season. With two, 40-evaluation features already out this fall, I wanted to switch things up, highlight the upcoming senior class, and narrow the perspective down to focus on scholarship-level 2024 prospects from our Great State of Minnesota. To be clear, when I say scholarship I am referring to a DII, FCS, FBS, and even P5 projection, and because the NSIC and Missouri Valley recruit MN so well I am generally referring to programs from those two conferences when imagining DII and FCS suitors. Those scholarship numbers and amounts vary depending on the level you commit to, depending on other things, but a scholarship kid out of MN can straight-up ball, and I’m pumped to have evaluated 24 of them for this new PrepRedzoneMN feature highlighting some studs in the 2024 junior class. Get to know the standouts below, and thank you for reading!
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Anderberg came into the season well-known among MN 2024 recruiting fans and cemented himself as a scholarship-level RT in his junior film. The 6’6, 295 lber. gets off the ball and into his opponents quicky, is tough to disengage from for opponents, and can break down well enough to handle shutting down LBs in space and at the second level of the defense. With his size, coaching, competition, and now varsity experience it’s easy to see why he’s a scholarship-worthy OL, but just how high he projects to is up to the college programs themselves! We shall see.
Good size for the FS spot as a prep coming in at 6’2, 180 and is already a 2x All-District selection now going into his senior year. Douma does a good job of patiently reading the QB’s eyes and the WR’s route developments before triggering on the football quickly and playing the ball or the man well in the air. He’s a dangerous MOF defender who can also come downhill and tackle physically. Plays the game with good angles. Good frame to continue adding weight and muscle as well.
6’4, 250 lb. St. Thomas Academy OT and OC is a physical lineman capable of finishing opponents once he’s engaged and is athletic enough to fold, trap, and work around the LOS thanks to his balance, quickness, and footwork. Can easily win 1-on-1 blocking matchups and gets off the ball well for his size as well. With Minnesota’s and STA’s tradition of standout lineman he’s a no-brainer for a scholarship offer in the coming offseason and his eventual senior campaign.
Highlights
The 5’9, 195 lb. fullback opens his junior tape with some booming blocks on his low center of gravity both in-between the tackles and out in space. Pad level, initial pop, hand placement, and aggressiveness all helped him lay out DEs, LBs, and DBs alike, and can finish blocks either on initial contact or after he drives his legs and takes advantage of opponents getting off balance. Great hands out of the backfield and has a truckstick and some burst with the ball in his hands. Man, I love fullbacks, and Packer is a good one. With the NSIC’s affinity for fullbacks I think he’s probably already on some recruiting boards in the DII heavyweight conference.
Highlights
The 6’3, 270 lb. OL and DL brings a strong, mean, and dominant skillset to the table and is undoubtedly one of the nastiest junior lineman in the entire state. The Faribault Falcon is aggressive and works to finish on every block he’s engaged with, and plays with the hard-edge mentality and quest for physical dominance that I love to see in OL prospects. Also shows off his athleticism while playing DL, where he can work through multiple gaps with quickness and strength and generally flies around like his hair is on fire. Faribault is putting out some beasts in the trenches lately and Garcia is next-in-line and ready to carry on the tradition. Excited to see what college programs think of him and I could see FCS ball potentially in his future! Visited NIU and SDSU this fall and has interest from NDSU as well.
Highlights
Posted 63 tackles, 6 TFLs, 3 sacks, an INT, and a fumble recovery in a productive 2022 junior season and also returned 7 kicks for 201 yards and a TD as well. Just like his stat line shows, Eyafe is a dynamic athlete on the defensive side of the ball and his long legs help him carry good speed both at the top end and when changing direction. The aforementioned speed at the top end shows up when he’s impressively running down ball carriers 30-40 yards downfield and taking kicks to the house, and in terms of COD he can get out of his breaks well and also close on RBs, QBs, and WRs with efficiency. High-potential prospect with a good athletic skillset visible on the junior tape. NDSU has been in touch all fall and he got to Fargo for a game day visit in early October as well.
Nolan Dumonceaux
Nolan Dumonceaux
A big part of the Forest Lake big-time resurgence in 2022, Dumonceaux was a playmaker in both the run and pass game while lining up all over the defensive backfield and around the edge of the LOS. He’s a great tackler in space, can shoot gaps and trigger on the football with great timing and speed when playing a more OLB role, and does a solid job of reading and dropping underneath route runners to make plays on the ball. At 6’1, 180 lbs. he also brings a growing and notable frame that is strong enough to take on blocks and impact the run game and mobile enough to contribute in the pass game. Most likely projects to more of an OLB role in college and has NSIC written all over him. Forest Lake was one of my favorite teams to follow this fall and return a talented 2024 class next season. No reported interest or offers right now!
One of the best overall players in the 2024 class, Luverne’s 6’4, 225 lber. Conner Connell already has me psyched to see him live in our upcoming PrepRedzoneMN Showcase and built on some eye-popping sophomore tape in 2022. Finishing the season with 1,673 all-purpose yards, 18 TDs, 57 tackles, and 6 TFLs in a dominant junior campaign, Connell displays an impressive skillset that I think would project best to the TE position in college. Runs, cuts, and breaks off his routes more like a WR and has a giant catch radius and made some impressive catches this past fall on inaccurate balls and/or in tighter coverage. Also has some rare mobility at 6’4, 225 and is elusive in the open field and cover ground like a much smaller pass catcher. Also laid some big hits as a LB and has some reps playing QB while rocking his #42, which I personally love. Impressive pass-catcher at a massive 6’4, 225 with an FCS/FBS and potentially P5 ceiling, in my opinion. Can’t wait to see him live and evaluate further soon. The Gophers, Iowa State, and NDSU got him on campus this fall for game day visits.
The 6’1, 190 lb. SS finished his junior season with 56 tackles, 10 TFLs, 4 INTs, 4 PBUs, a FF, a touchdown, and a punt block that led to a TD. Uses his read steps very well in coverage and does a good job of patrolling and making plays in man or zone around the flats and hook/curl areas of their coverage. Rannow also runs the alley impressive in run support and is a strong tackler who can limit plays to minimal gains thanks to how fast he identifies and gets to the ball. Already is experienced and productive in a strong SMB program and sports a good frame that would do well among scholarship competition.
Another highly-ranked 2024 prospect, Chanhassen’s 6’5, 205 lb. OLB Sam Macy has been on our radars for a while now and is seeing his hard work begin to pay off this fall as South Dakota offered a FCS scholarship and he visited NDSU, Minnesota, SDSU, and the aforementioned Coyotes this fall. A thunderous hitter as a sophomore, Macy has been a nightmare out on the edge for QBs and RBs and has done a great job of building on his ability to get off blocks. I see his offseason work paying off in that respect, and I love watching him use his hands to violently disengage or attack bigger opponents with his outside shoulder free and still giving himself a chance to make a play on the ball. His closing speed is also great, and Macy got to diversify his portfolio in 2022 by opening some big holes as a TE on offense. He definitely belongs in the Missouri Valley and is working hard to up his game to the FBS and potentially P5 ranks as a prospect.
Highlights
The well-built Buffalo junior comes in at 6’4, 225 and has hopefully been passing the eye tests at his unofficial fall visits to Central Michigan, NDSU, North Dakota, NIU, and SDSU this fall. The ILB/TE finished his junior season with 67 tackles, 5 TFLs, and a FF in seven games of action and is an eye-popping ILB thanks to his size, mobility, and thunderous tackles. Osterbauer flows to the ball beautifully and covers a ton of ground moving laterally before finding the hole and coming downhill like a runaway train off the tracks. Also made some nice catches as a TE, had the wherewithal to pick the ball up and execute a game-breaking 85-yard scoop & score, and can take on blocks seemingly unaffected thanks to the strength in his frame. Also looks not fun to get hit by and I could see him playing at any of those spots he visited so far this fall. MN is putting out some massive prep LBs lately and I am all here for it!
Highlights
Tyler Smith
Tyler Smith
The 6’1, 185 lb. CB/S/nickel was a ballhawk in 2022 with 5 INTs who can play the deep ball in the air and shows noticeable range in both coverage and run support. He closes on ball carriers impressively and so quickly that they don’t have time to react or try to work a move, and the second play of his highlight show off grown man stick in the MOF where he triggers on a deep slant and lays a hard and technically sound tackle on a Buffalo WR and slams him into the turf while knocking the ball loose. Love his game as a nickel/safety and I think he’s another surefire NSIC-level DB prospect who will see his recruitment take off sooner rather than later. Chan is loaded in their 2024 class.
The stats caught my attention initially and the pinpoint accuracy and touch kept it. Stewartville had a heckuva 2022 run and Helder was a big part of it, posting a 69% completion percentage (109-158) and 1,556 yards and 24 TDs to only three interceptions and comes in at a solid 6’2, 195 lbs. Also posted 3 rushing TDs and carries a 3.7 GPA. The stats, and the film, speak to his decision-making and ball security, and he’s got a smooth throwing motion that can throw with accuracy in and outside of the pocket. Also gets the ball out of his hand quickly, with good timing, and can hit a variety of throws on the route tree. Good-lookin’ home state gunslinger I think NSIC schools should get eyes on.
The St. Thomas Academy playmaker is competing for the RB1 spot in MN’s 2024 class and has built on his already-impressive sophomore tape with a 1,356 rushing season at a 8.75 YPC average and 26 TDs junior rushing showing with some great things going on tape. Specifically, I love the top end speed and shiftiness, as Hart is elusive in the open field with quick, deliberate cuts and that final gear of speed to dust pursuing defenders. Good vision and balance as well, as some of his cuts involve Hart cutting powerfully back across the field and dropping his lips low to the ground to keep the angle as tight as possible. We need some verified numbers behind that speed, but the junior is already a certified playmaker and productive RB who has visited the Gophers and NDSU this fall.
Highlights
On a team full of strong, physical, and athletic talents, junior QB Logan Butler from the Mighty Hutchinson Tigers reports intriguing size and testing numbers including his 6’3, 185 lb. frame, 34-inch vert, 11′ broad jump, and 4.5 pro agility as well as some beautiful flowing hair that looks great as he’s tossing TDs downfield or busting defenses with his legs. The ball snaps out of his arm with easy strength and velocity, as he can flick his wrist and send the ball 50 yards downfield with ease or fit the ball into tight windows quickly and accurately. His smooth mechanics, powerful arm, poise in the pocket, toughness, and the aforementioned flow all give off vibes of a certain NFL QB known his hair, and I’m very interested in Butler’s arm talent and ball placement and am excited to see him compete for the QB1 spot in the upcoming 2024 rankings update. This dude can sling it. Hutch is looking to repeat as state champs after Thanksgiving as well.
Highlights
Borene has boosted his stock and broke out onto the 2024 recruiting scene in notable fashion, cementing himself in the FBS & P5 recruiting discussions with Navy extremely interested off the jump. Minnesota, Iowa State, Columbia, NIU, North Dakota, and Washington have all also reached out, and at 6’6, 240+ pounds and a reported 4.8 40 and 31-inch vertical, it’s easy to see why. In 5 games, Borene recorded 32 tackles, 6 sacks, 8 TFLs, and a FF, and I love his length and first step, which immediately get OTs on their heels and trying to adjust to his rush path while off balance. He can show a little bend around the outside shoulder, quickness to beat blocks to the inside gaps, but also understands leverage and keeping the QB in the pocket while not allowing him to get outside and into space. Also uses his hands well, can get his arms into passing lanes, and has good speed for his size. It will be very interesting to see how the offseason junior visits and summer camp circuit go for the junior.
Highlights
The Braham stat-monster was productive and then some in 2022 and finished his junior campaign with 30 total TDs (21 rushing and 9 passing), 1,420 rushing yards, 723 passing yards, 29.5 tackles, and 2 INTs and was his district’s Offensive MVP this season. He opens his tape with big hits, shifty TD runs around the edge, and accurate passes to the MOF to highlight his dynamic ability, and I really like watching him lay the wood and run the rock in particular. Contact balance and a shifty gait help him break tackles in a variety of ways, and he’s also capable of running the option with efficiency. His speed also helps him close on ball carriers impressively and finish the big runs he pops off. NSIC schools should get in touch quickly, as natural playmakers from the Land of 10,000 Lakes like this are generally excellent and successful Northern Sun signees. Get at him!
Highlights
Dylan Schultz
Dylan Schultz
True NGs/DTs are always highly sought after on the recruiting trail and 6’2, 280 lb. Wayzata 1T Dylan Schultz shows the size, strength, and skillset to play scholarship ball in the NSIC as a junior. He possesses an excellent base that is well anchored and able to hold a gap through blocks and tackles, without even giving up a step. His powerful hands, strength, and that aforementioned base help him dominate and freeze 1-on-1 blocks, and prevent RBs from getting anywhere past the LOS when he gets ahold of them. Standout run supporter who is going to be a monster as a senior. No reported college interest or offers for the college coaches reading!
The 6’3, 220 lb. Orono Spartans DE and OT caught my eye as a sophomore defensive end and has improved his skillset and athletic numbers in the last offseason. Can beat blockers with quickness or strength, work off double teams, and impact the run and pass game from his 5T spot. His strong initial punch or counter attacks with his hands help him separate from blockers and find/destroy the ball with good closing speed, and if the man in front of him is smaller than Schleeter than he’s simply too athletic to handle. As mentioned, there’s a good variety of blockers getting beaten in his junior DE tape and in a diverse set of ways as well. Also was a strong OT on the Spartans offense. No reported interest or offers as of yet!
Highlights
The Mounds View wideout boosted his stock from his junior play and is continuing to see it rise going into the offseason. At 6’2, 175 lbs. and coming off a 2022 season that saw him post 70 catches for 691 yards and 6 TDs plus an INT defensively, Nystrom was an All-Conference pick and showed off his overall athleticism that originally got our scouts interested in him as an underclassman. A threat to take the top off the defense or turn routine WR screens into impressive TD runs, Nystrom can also drops his hips well for a WR of his size to create separation, is powerful and quick in the open field with the ball in his hand, and is strong at the catch point through tight coverage and contact. Can line up at multiple WR spots as well. NIU, Minnesota, and Kansas State all reached out with game day invites this fall.
Logan Bunker
Logan Bunker
A 6’1, 210 lb. RB and LB hoping to win a state championship with his Elk River squad in a couple of weeks, Bunker has been one of the breakout stars of the 2022 season and has consistently productive on both sides of the ball this fall. His LB highlights are impressive, and I love his hard hitting and playmaking playstyle, represented well in the first play of his regular season film where he crushes a QB, knocks the ball out of his hand, plays the bounce well and scoops the rock up for an easy TD run. He shoots gaps and finds space to run down the ball in both the run and pass game, and his athleticism can also be highlighted by his offensive highlights, where he shows off balance, vision, and big play speed. NSIC schools needing a LB should be all over this kid soon. Elk River makes them tough.
With a notable spurt of in-state Gophers offers to the 2024 class occurring this season and the OL position always crucial in the recruiting scene, Willmar’s 6’6, 255 lber. Hayden Venenga is a name that Gopher fans should be keeping an eye on during the offseason and for the next cycle. The LT has visited the Gophers twice this fall, as well as SDSU and UND, and the junior film is looking great, as his length and the room he has to fill in would make a collegiate S&C coach excited but still shows strength in his initial punch and on second effort. He looks balanced and flexible for a kid of his size, and has authoritative reps in both run and pass blocking. If he can add a little more pop in the strength department and can dominate more consistently I can definitely see a P5 lineman on tape, but he’s already an athletic ball of clay that collegiate OL coaches love to get their hands on and mold. Big name to keep an eye on the rest of this school year and beyond!
The powerful 6′, 215 lb. SMB RB made the 4A Preseason All-State team and built on his physical sophomore film with an 853-yard and 14 TD showing as a junior Wolfpack ball carrier. The tape looked so good I mentioned him in our PrepRedzoneMN Midseason Breakout Stars report, and he opens the 2022 tape with a brutal truckstick that he then carries forward and bounces off a would-be dogpile for a TD run channeling Jerome Bettis or Brandon Jacobs. His contact balance and overall balance is great, and for a bigger back he’s got game-breaking speed that can take advantage of holes in the defense and lots of daylight. Also shows off some efficient cuts in the open field as well as a spin move or two, and as a scout and football fan who enjoys big backs and his kind of running style, I absolutely love watching him run, break tackles, gain yards after contact, and generally keep defenders on their toes thanks to that always available truckstick. I would be pumped to have join my hypothetical RB room. Visited NDSU this November and the Bison have been all over him this season. Please watch his Hudl if you haven’t seen the tape yet!
Highlights
Older brother Michael is playing ACC ball for the Clemson Tigers as a true freshman WR in 2022 and younger brother James is showing high potential as a junior for Rochester Mayo during their fantastic 2022 campaign. The 5’11, 170 lb, CB visited Iowa State this fall on a gameday visit, but is generally quiet on the recruiting front, just like his brother was at this point in their junior seasons. Just like his sophomore film, Mankaka is a rocket out of his breaks, but has leveled up and shows powerful COD skills as a WR, both when running routes and when the ball is in his hands. Coordinated, fearless, and possessing soft hands, James made some excellent snags as a WR this fall, but defense and his quick-twitched coverage skills are where he really shines. Loose hips, quick feet, technique, and top-end speed all helped him shut down just about every WR he faced this fall. Also can contribute in run defense. I hope programs don’t sleep on this kid like they did his brother!