Commitment Report: Riley Mahlman (2020)

The Lakeville South Cougars' football team had a breakout season in 2019. After winning just one game three years ago, they had been hovering around the .500 mark the past two seasons. They made an impressive run in the playoffs last year and kept that going into this year. They finished 10-2 and lost in the state semi-finals. One of the biggest reasons – literally and figuratively – has been senior <strong>Riley Mahlman</strong>. "We started pretty solid," Mahlman said. "It was a great season. It didn't end the way we wanted, but I loved the guys I was playing with. We had good chemistry." Another reason for the Cougars' improved results is because of last year's change to an offense like Elk River, and Barnesville have found success with. "On offense, we were successful running the ball and popping big plays," Mahlman said. "On defense, we were good at preventing big plays. We gave up a lot of yards, but we didn't give up many points. Bend, but don't break was a huge mentality for us. Our defense did a good job of that all year." Right in the middle of the season, the drama surrounding former head coach Tyler Krebs came to light. "We just had a next man up mentality," the two-way starter said. "Of course, it was a huge loss for the program and hurt us, but we pushed through it. I don't think it hurt us in the long run." Mahlman's role expanded his senior year. "My senior year went pretty well. I played both ways most of the season. I didn't do that last year. It was different getting used to it, but I thought I played well. I think I stepped up on defense. I didn't know if I had it in me." At 6'9" and 275, Mahlman was a big factor in the running game. "I played tight end the past two years. I am not going out for passes a ton. I down block and set the edge with my tackle – creating holes for the running backs." The two-sport athlete fit into his new defensive role quickly. "I played a four-technique defensive end," Mahlman explained. "I was there to take up double teams. I would get a pass rush once in a while. We ran a 3-4, so the defensive line's role was to take up blocks and free up the linebackers." Mahlman – who likes deer hunting, fishing for walleye and bass, and going to baseball and hockey games - went from one successful team to another. "I am playing basketball right now. We are 10-1 so far. I mainly play defense and score once in a while." This spring, he will be focusing on football and the weight room. "It is a lot of squatting and benching," Mahlman said about the South weight program. "We do a lot of Olympic lifts too. We do low reps and focus on power." Mahlman decided about college before his senior football season. "I am committed to Wisconsin, so I am only hearing from a few coaches now. Recruiting was stressful at times, but I learn how to get through it. It is not a bad position to be in. I am blessed to be in this position." Mahlman – who was also considering Ohio State, Northwestern, and Notre Dame - knew early on Wisconsin was where he wanted to be. "When I saw Wisconsin, it was just a good fit for me in a lot of ways. I like the coaching staff there. They have a lot of guys who go through there that go to the NFL. That has always been a goal of mine – always to achieve the next level. Wisconsin was a perfect fit for me." "All the schools were recruiting me as a tackle, Mahlman explained. Wisconsin liked my size, my frame, and my athletic ability. They thought I was the prototypical guy that they recruit there. They see me putting on some weight and adding some football knowledge to make me the best I can be." The best he could be helped the Cougars to their best season in years.