Analysis & Evals: SD’s Augustana Commits

<strong>Sioux Falls</strong> - Augustana University Vikings did not have to travel too far to find talent in the 2021 recurring class signing 10 players this year within the state of South Dakota. The players that inked their names to join the Vikings Football Program for the upcoming season include five top 50 players in the Dakotas from the Prep Redzone rankings. Here are the 10 names and breakdowns of the South Dakota prospects that will be wearing the blue and gold for the next season: <strong>Noah Heesch, DB, Bon Homme</strong> Heesch played RB and was utilized heavily in the passing game. Heesch will make the move to DB for the Vikings, and at his size of 6’2 and great ball, vision will benefit him in the position change. Heesch is also a dangerous kick returned with breakaway speed. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="56249" first="Tate" last="Johnson"], RB, Brandon Valley</strong> Johnson is a very elusive RB that will make even the best defender miss tackles, and with great speed, once he makes a man miss you will not be able to chase him down. By the time he is done with the Vikings, he will have a chance to have his name mentioned with some of the great Augustana RB to come through the program. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="56261" first="Tommy" last="Thompson"], QB, Sioux Falls Lincoln</strong> Thompson senses pressure well and has the legs to get him out of a collapsing pocket, and will tuck the ball and run without hesitation and will lower his shoulder and drag a few defenders with him. Do not let his legs fool you he has a strong arm to drop a dime 40 yards downfield. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="56262" first="Jacob" last="Wagner"], OL, McCook Central</strong> Wagner is a big physical tackle standing at 6’6 and he is no stranger to breakfast because he loves pancakes. Wagner has good hand placement, and that is paired nicely with an explosive first step of the line. Wagner will create gaps for the run game and can pull to lead block. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="56244" first="Lincoln" last="Boetel"], DB, Harrisburg</strong> Boetel mostly plays safety and has really good vision on the bell and play recognition, and will just a lot of routes and pick the ball off. Boetel is also a heavy hitter and will make a WR second guess running a slant route in the middle of the field. <strong>Zach Richardson, DL, Canton</strong> Richardson played a lot of LB during his high school career and that will help him greatly as he moves to the DL for the Vikings. Richardson weighing 260lbs has great speed for his size. He is a great rusher and wraps up well so once he gets his hands on you your not getting away. <strong>Max Struck, DB, Brookings</strong> Struck is a good blitzing corner and is disruptive in the backfield whether that is in the passing or rushing game. Struck is physical of the LOS with the WR to knock the receiver off his routes. Struck will play pair nicely with Boetel also joining the secondary group. <strong>Gradee Sherman, TE, Viborg-Hurley</strong> Sherman is the jack of all trades, kind of have to be when you play 9-men football. Sherman is an explosive edge rusher on the defensive side of the ball. On the offensive side of the ball, he is a strong physical blocker paired with his good hand he will be a very good utility TE for the Vikings. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="56275" first="Ethyn" last="Rollinger"], WR, Harrisburg</strong> Rollinger is a good-sized WR at 6’3 and impeccable speed for his size. He can play slot and line up out wide and makes good cuts to win his 1-on-1’s and you better hope he does not get past your safety because if he does it is going to be six more times than not. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="56348" first="Liam" last="Porter"], TE, Rapid City Central</strong> Porter is a really good blocking TE that can also line up as a WR and a solid route runner. He has good size and good speed for his position, but Porter shines in the blocking game. He is a very good downfield blocker as well as a lead blocker in the run game. Porter will play a big part in blocking for the Vikings in both the run and passing game.