Raiders of the Lost Tunnel: Hastings Practice Report & Eval

Our trip down the river to Hastings, MN uncovered a fun fact.  Turns out there was once a tunnel under Vermillion street from the old high school to Todd Field, the home venue of the Raiders.  What's not a secret?  Todd Field remains a true treasure of Minnesota football and the Raiders have multiple playmakers with college level size. Stephen Reifenberger, WR, 6'5 205 (2022)<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/Stephen-Reifenberger-crop-2933x1926-1633998550.jpg"><img class="wp-image-215587 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/Stephen-Reifenberger-crop-2933x1926-1633998550-300x197.jpg" alt="Stephen Reifenberger" width="198" height="130" /></a> Long, broad and explosive off the ground.  Most of Stephen's 20+ catches have him leaving his feet and high pointing.  More impressive is his ability to keep the ball from the defenders after catching it up top.  While blocking, he covers up and also has the ability to finish defenders.  Top football options are UND, St. Thomas, South Dakota and UMD. Next Level: Top of Route (need to see the same separation coming back to the ball). <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13076075/Stephen-Reifenberger">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13076075/Stephen-Reifenberger</a> &nbsp; Brenden Freier<a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/Brenden-Freiermuth-crop-2602x1709-1634001371.jpg"><img class="wp-image-215602 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/Brenden-Freiermuth-crop-2602x1709-1634001371-300x197.jpg" alt="Brenden Freiermuth" width="190" height="124" /></a>muth, ILB/RB, 6'2 210 (2022) As a running back, his lean, burst and off arm are impressive.  All three qualities will make for a dominant edge rusher.  He is fluid in his drops, can snag a ball on defense and transition the other way.  Brenden initiates contact on both sides of the ball and it will serve him well as special teams contributor early in his college career.  Versatility, size and a 30+ vertical = scholarship level football player.  He has interest in those type of schools: U of M, St. Thomas and USF. Next Level: Patient or Processor? <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13076064/Brenden-Freiermuth">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13076064/Brenden-Freiermuth</a> &nbsp; <a href="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/Ben-Witt-crop-2602x1709-1634003554.jpg"><img class=" wp-image-215617 alignleft" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/Ben-Witt-crop-2602x1709-1634003554-300x197.jpg" alt="Ben Witt" width="199" height="130" /></a>Ben Witt, OL/DL, 6'0 250 (2022) Ben is a bulldog who could balance a tea pot on his back prior taking defenders to the ground.  Football IQ is high: he understands scheme, takes great angles and the necessary path.  His snap and step is top level.  In fact, his first step looks better at center than tackle.  We think he is best on offense, but in the right fit, his leverage, extension and ability to disengage could serve a defense.  His top school choices are GAC, UMD, UWEC and Winona State. Next Level: Master the craft of communication as a center. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13076061/Ben-Witt">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13076061/Ben-Witt</a> &nbsp; Rico Cooper, WR<img class="wp-image-215627 alignleft" style="font-size: 1rem;" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/10/Rico-Cooper-crop-3226x2118-1634004867-300x197.jpg" alt="Rico Cooper" width="198" height="130" /><span style="font-size: 1rem;">, 6'0 180 (2023)</span> Rico shows an ability to win off the LOS (press release).  He has some scoot after the catch and runs precise routes.  Thus far, most of his game on field is at level one, so we are anxious to see more highlights downfield over the next year and a half. &nbsp; Next Level: Win at level 3. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13076532/Rico-Cooper">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13076532/Rico-Cooper</a> &nbsp; Jon Chorlton, Punter/ILB, 6'0 200 (2022) Punter and resident tough guy!  Jon is a bit of a throw back with his contact techniques and everybody feels it when he arrives.  Considering his style, he has a surprising amount of patience in his game and his hustle is the best we've seen on film this year.  His punt operation is a swift one step and his hang time is above average for the high school level. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13076069/John-Chorlton">https://www.hudl.com/profile/13076069/John-Chorlton</a> Next Level: Most interested in playing lacrosse out east. &nbsp;