Hidden Gems – Part 1: Defense
3A- Breck Linebacker Alex McKenna
McKenna was mainly a defensive player in his Junior season for the Mustangs. With a great frame for a linebacker, standing at 5’11”, 215 lbs. McKenna has shown tremendous strength and speed coming off the edge. He is an absolute nightmare for opposing offenses constantly being in their backfield for a great portion of the game. He also has great instinct blitzing, giving the Quarterback and Running back nearly less than a second to react to his presence. McKenna also knows to keep containment and not letting the blitz be his only priority, signs of a great role player. Alex McKenna will be a huge force in his final season for the Breck Mustangs and should be on a lot of college teams watch lists.
2A- Blue Earth Area Linebacker Zac Murphy
Murphy is a two-way player for the Buccaneers entering his senior campaign. A little undersized at 5’11”, 165 lbs. for a linebacker and offensive lineman, Murphy has shown signs to be a technician on the field. He has great hand placement and leverage to be an avid blocker on the line. On defense, he does an awesome job reading his keys and filling the hole to make his fair share of tackles for loss on opposing offenses. His agility makes him difficult for him to block along with his strength and determination to make the tackle. If Murphy bulks up for his senior year, he will make a strong case for some Big South honors if not, some State recognition with some college recruiting calls as well.
1A- Blooming Prairie Defensive Back Karson Vigeland
Vigeland is primarily a defensive player, but has shown flashes that he can play both ways for his senior season for the Blossoms. He is a lanky, but strong 6’4″, 195 lbs. who has plenty of speed an agility. Vigeland takes great angles to put himself in prime position to make plays. He shows versatility in playing well in both man-to-man defense and playing centerfield as well, also has proven to be a sure handed defender. He does his job in the defensive backfield, whether that is making the tackle or batting a pass down, or picking it off. If Vigeland has a solid Senior season and the Blossoms make a big playoff push, he will find himself on a lot of recruiting lists.
Blooming Prairie’s Karson Vigeland breaks up a pass intended for United South Central’s Roel Perales in the Minnesota Class A State Football Tournament Saturday in New Ulm. Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com9-Man- Mountain Iron-Buhl Defensive End
Drake is a two-way player for the Rangers, standing at a solid 6’3″, 195 lbs. coming of the edge. Drake has shown a great deal of strength, fighting through blocks rather than running around them. With that strength, Drake is also a scrappy player, going for a lot of strip-sacks and batting passes down. Being a District Defensive Lineman of the Year and the Rangers making a State push, you can bet on them wanting to go the distance in the 2019 season. Drake has been on the All-District team three times and has more than likely landed himself on the radar of college football coaches.