Prep Redzone Minnesota Showcase: Receivers and defensive backs

Brian Jerzak

December 8, 2021 @ 11:03 AM

While watching the quarterbacks, I also got a good look at the pass-catchers and defensive backs. For my final Minnesota Showcase story, I will highlight some of the guys the quarterbacks were throwing to and trying to avoid. Like the quarterbacks, plenty of athletes put on a good show for the college coaches in attendance. Here are some receivers and defensive backs who I felt put up performances that made them stand out. [player_tooltip player_id="119523" first="Maddox" last="Biever"] Pipestone Area WR 2022 Biever was impressive from the first route he ran. He made a leaping catch early. He ran a great route getting separation. The most impressive pass-catcher I saw on the day capped off the route with a leaping catch on the sidelines. He ran another great route leaving the defensive back behind. He made a great adjustment on an underthrown deep ball and made a one-handed grab. [player_tooltip player_id="246030" first="Michael" last="Gross"] Eden Prairie WR 2023 Great route running was the first thing I noticed watching Gross. Great routes lead to plenty of space and separation multiple times. His route running, combined with good speed and athletic ability, made him a tough assignment for all the defensive backs. His best moment highlighted his hands and athletic ability when he made a catch on a fifty/fifty ball. Clay Kameron DB Minneapolis North 2023 Like Biever, Kameron stood out from the first rep he took. Almost every rep he took, he was in tight coverage. The few times he did get out of position, he showed excellent recovery speed. He undercut a route for an interception. Although he didn’t get a second interception, Kameron got his hands on another ball, deflected it harmlessly away. [player_tooltip player_id="242487" first="Marcus" last="Lomanga"] Bloomington Jefferson WR 2024 Lomanga showed why he is one of the highest-ranked players in our newly released 2024 rankings. Early, he showed his athletic ability making a contested catch. Then, he showed his separation ability on a deep route in which he had to stretch out and make a nice catch on a slightly overthrown ball. [player_tooltip player_id="246046" first="Jalen" last="Smith"] Mankato West WR 2024 Smith showed good route running. His footwork helped him get some good separation. He showed great hands when he outfought the defender, making a contested catch. Wilson Cordell Robbinsdale Armstrong DB 2023 Cordell used excellent positioning as he picked off a deep ball. The defensive back was in better position than the receiver. [player_tooltip player_id="237907" first="Jake" last="Borman"] DB St. Thomas Academy 2023 Borman showed good instincts and quickness as he undercut a route to deflect a pass. [player_tooltip player_id="116453" first="Evan" last="Schimming"] Princeton WR 2022 Schimming showed excellent body control and made a nice, contested catch. [player_tooltip player_id="246009" first="Jordan" last="Karras"] River Falls WR 2023 Karras made a nice adjustment on a deep ball for a catch.