Recruiting Report: Austin Freerksen (Byron-2021)

Byron High School - located around an hour and a half Southeast of Minneapolis - is an underrated athletic hotbed of talent for football, basketball, and wrestling, and is the home of recent All-Section/District/Conference Byron grad and now Minnesota State-Mankato WR [player_tooltip player_id="1574" first="Michael" last="Coble"]. Next in line to take over from Coble as the next Bears’ gridiron star is 6’1, 195 lb. c/o 2021 RB Austin Freerksen, who is coming off a junior season in which he ran for over 1,300 yards and 16 TDs and has a lot more to prove in 2020. Freerksen is a big, strong RB that has good vision and can shake you with a hard jump-cut, or simply run through you if he prefers, and his athletic ability has gone far from unnoticed as he is being recruited by multiple Division I programs, as well as some of the NSIC’s powerhouse teams. The rising senior and Byron Bear stud was kind enough to give Northstar Football News some of his time to discuss his ’19 season with Byron, who he’s been in contact with in-terms of recruiting, what he could add to a college program, and more. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy! <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2CJzmz">Junior Year Highlights</a> [caption id="attachment_18688" align="aligncenter" width="372"] #27[/caption] NFN: Hello and thank you for your time, Austin! Please begin by sharing with our readers a little bit about yourself, when you began playing football & what you love about the game, and some measurables/stats/and your lifts. Freerksen: "Im from Byron, Minnesota. I started playing football at a very young age and was playing in full pads by 3rd grade. In my free time I enjoy fishing, hanging out with friends, and going to the gym. The main reason I enjoy playing football is just for an escape. It frees my mind of all other worries and stress in my life. I also love the team atmosphere and growing bonds with my teammates. Height: 6’1” Weight: 190 40: sub 4.7 Bench: 255 Squat: 415 Power Clean: 265 (sophomore year) Deadlift: 500. Stats: 1308 rushing yards 16 touchdowns." NFN: Tell us a little bit about Byron’s season in 2019. What were some highlights and lowlights? What did you learn from it? And how was your season personally? Freerksen: "Our season last year was just a taste of what we are going to be doing next year. It was out first year in 4A play and being from a smaller town we didn’t have strength in numbers. We did have a great mentality though, we never counted ourselves out. That single handily was the highlight of my junior season. The only lowlight I can think of is not making it to state. That’s always been a goal of mine and it’s what we’re coming for next year. Personally, I think I had a good season, but I am not satisfied with it. I know there is always something I can improve on and get better from." NFN: What were expectations like coming into the season this past fall? How was Byron’s offseason for both yourself and the team? What were some things you specifically worked on? And what do you like about the Bears’ program? Freerksen: "Going into last year I had one expectation for myself and the team. That expectation was to walk into each week with a clean record and just try to get to 1-0 on the week. Compared to the year before that, we had a lot more people committed to the weight room and became better overall athletes. Largely due to Jake Kirsch @ ETS in Rochester. In the off-season I also worked on getting faster/stronger and went to a camps to better myself. Lastly, one thing I really love about the Byron program is the brotherhood that is held within. It’s like a second family to me!" NFN: Forsure! Now talk about sections. How was the Kasson game, what happened that contest, and how do you think you matchup with them next year? Freerksen: "The Kasson game is what it is. They had a good game plan coming in and executed it. Next year I’m loving the match up and can’t wait to go out there and compete. They have some good players that they are returning so they definitely aren’t a team to underestimate at all." NFN: I agree. So what’s up with recruiting? Who are some teams you’re interested in and in contact with? Did you attend any camps this past offseason? Also, what are you looking for in a potential college program? Freerksen: "I’m interested in U of M, SDSU, NDSU, Mankato State, & North Dakota. I am not one to put down a college because of division so yes I am interested (in all levels of college football). I really just need to learn more about different colleges and what they entail. I have been in contact with SDSU, North Dakota, NDSU a little bit, Winona State, UMD, and Bemidji State. Last year I attended the camp at NDSU & also went to a team camp at Duluth. The recruiting process for me has been good but very stressful. With this coronavirus I won’t be able to go on any visits as of now so that sucks. One thing I’m looking for in a college is simply for it to feel like home. I want to be comfortable in the environment so I can be the best I can be!" NFN: Well said. This COVID-19 stuff is obviously unprecedented. We at Northstar wish we could help the 2021 class more. Last but not least though, what can you add to a college football team and what do you do well as a football player? Freerksen: "They will get someone who day in and day out comes in and works with there head down. One thing I do well as a football player is I play with a different kind of physicality. This comes from my wrestling background and countless years of fighting with my older brothers. Another thing I do well is I compete every single play no matter the scoreboard or circumstances." The years of fighting off his older brothers will be all worth it soon, as the future Byron grad has the skills, size, and intangibles to earn that coveted first offer soon. Don’t be surprised when it happens!