PrepRedzoneMN Player of the Year: Quarterfinal Selections
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I’m back to your regular scheduled programming and am reemerging on the PrepRedzoneMN grind with a heavyweight feature finally naming our 2021 PrepRedzoneMinnesota Player of the Year. I know I’m late to the game and most of the season’s hardware have been handed out already, but in my humble opinion it’s never too late for some awards! Additionally, my absence from publishing for our MN site was not by choice, and with all of the Minnesota high school games I watched this past fall I’m hoping it’s better late than never and you all can forgive my tardiness. It was a fantastic season of MN prep football in 2021, with new kings being crowned (hello Chatfield, goodbye Caledonia), breakout stars taking the Metro by storm (what’s up, Derrick Jameson?), and a plethora of memorable games and performances from International Falls to Albert Lea. There was also a diverse array of talent across the Metro and outstate, from the traditional P5 maulers in the trenches such as Lucas Heyer Lucas Heyer 6'5" | 295 lbs | OL Hill-Murray | 2022 State MN , Deylin Hasert Deylin Hasert 6'5" | 290 lbs | OL Marshall | 2022 State MN , and Tony Nelson Tony Nelson 6'6" | 265 lbs | OL Tracy-Milroy-Balaton | 2022 State MN to unique playmakers such as Kristen Hoskins Kristen Hoskins 5'9" | 165 lbs | WR Alexandria | 2022 State MN , Carson Hansen Carson Hansen 6'1" | 200 lbs | RB Lakeville South | 2023 State MN , and Emmett Johnson Emmett Johnson 6'0" | 180 lbs | RB Holy Angels | 2022 State MN . Of all the noteworthy players that made an impression on the 2021 season, PrepRedzoneMN has narrowed down the potential winner of the Player of the Year award to 50 quarterfinal selections from all across the state. Before we get going, I just want to make it clear that these quarterfinal nominations can come from any graduating class and any position on the football field, and were selected for a variety of reasons that includes stats, production, film, physical domination, team success, and a few other factors. Congratulations to all of the quarterfinalists! Stay tuned for the upcoming 15 semifinalists, 5 finalists, and the eventual 2021 MN Player of the Year! Thanks for reading.
PrepRedzoneMN Player of the Year Quarterfinalists
Jacob Deutschman Jacob Deutschman 6'0" | 195 lbs | QB Anoka | 2022 State MN (Anoka) QB. 6’1, 200 lbs. Uncommitted. @JacobDeutschman
As the signal-caller for the once downtrodden Tornadoes, Deutschman helped Anoka to a 6-4 record in 2021 after a 1-7 2019 campaign and a 1-5 2020. It was their first time above .500 since 2011. He went 223-336 for 2,478 yards and 16 TDs plus 305 rushing yards and nine TDs on the ground.
Brendon Buerkle Brendon Buerkle 6'2" | 195 lbs | QB Springfield | 2022 MN (Springfield) QB. 6’2, 190 lbs. Uncommitted. @BrendonBuerkle
Had a tremendously productive senior season that saw him rank near the top of the state leaderboards with 204 completions (second in MN), 3,082 yards (first in MN), and 43 TDs (first in MN). Named Second Team All-State, NewUlmJournal Offensive Player of the Year, and Academic All-State.
Kristen Hoskins Kristen Hoskins 5'9" | 165 lbs | WR Alexandria | 2022 State MN (Alexandria) WR. 5’9, 170 lbs. Committed to Minnesota. @kristenhoskins_
The twitchiest and most explosive player in the state. Had a prolific career up in Northern Minnesota that ended with 222 career receptions, 3,047 yards, and 37 receiving TDs. Also totaled 4 return TDs and 11 rushing touchdowns. Could turn a routine play into a splash gain in a heartbeat. Named a finalist for the Minnesota Mr. Football Award.
Derrick Jameson (Maple Grove) RB. 6’1, 190 lbs. Uncommitted. @JrJameson
Took the Metro by storm and proved himself to be a nightmare for opposing defensive coordinators with one of the most dangerous combinations of speed and strength in Minnesota. Rushed for 1,038 yards and 17 TDs and added three punt returns and a receiving TD for good measure. Named a finalist for the Minnesota Mr. Football award.
Emmett Johnson Emmett Johnson 6'0" | 180 lbs | RB Holy Angels | 2022 State MN (Holy Angels) RB/SS. 6’, 195 lbs. Committed to Nebraska. @EmmettJohnson_
The Minnesota Mr. Football award winner had a spectacular senior season that culminated in him receiving and accepting a scholarship offer from the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Was one of the biggest stat-monsters in the state and recorded 326 rushes (second in the state), 2,484 rushing yards (first in the state), and 41 TDs (second in the state). Electric with the ball in his hands an a thunderous force from the defensive backfield as well.
T.J. Chiabotti (North Woods) RB/LB. 5’11, 195 lbs. Uncommitted. @tjchiabotti24
One of my favorite senior films I’ve seen. Forced countless missed tackles over the course of his career up in Tower, MN. Also a ballhawk on defense who only holds an offer from St. John’s. Minnesota Mr. Football finalist.
Connor Develice Connor Develice 6'1" | 210 lbs | QB Andover | 2022 State MN (Andover) QB. 6’1, 215 lbs. Committed to UW-River Falls. @ConnorDevlice
Announced his commitment to the UWRF Falcons today! Led a surging Huskies 5A squad to a 10 win season with a heartbreaking 21-20 loss in the 5A quarterfinals to rival Rogers capping his senior season. Tough, smart with the football, and strong in both his arm and his legs. Threw for almost 2,000 yards and tossed 27 TDs to only four interceptions.
Eli Gillman Eli Gillman 6'0" | 195 lbs | ATH Dassel-Cokato | 2022 State MN (Dassel-Cokato) RB. 6’, 200 lbs. Committed to Montana. @eli_gillman
One of the toughest players to tackle in the state. Strong, quick, and physical at the point of contact. Carried his Dassel-Cokato 3A squad to a state championship basically on his shoulders. Also a great kid with a good head on his shoulders who is going to be a beast at the FCS level. Totaled 303 rushes (third in the state), 2,211 yards (second), and 42 TDs (first) in his senior campaign. Mr. Football fnalist, MN Vikings All-State Team, All-Metro.
Ryan Haley Ryan Haley 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Mankato-West | 2022 State MN (Mankato West) RB/LB. 6’, 215 lbs. Committed to Brown. @ryanhaley_2
Joins former teammate Jack Foster in Rhode Island at the Ivy League institution Brown University. Captain of the 5A state champion defense and packs a punch. Led the state in tackles (136) and sacks (15). Intense game speed and nonstop motor. Mr. Football finalist, MN Vikings All-State, MN All-Star Game selection.
Lucas Heyer Lucas Heyer 6'5" | 295 lbs | OL Hill-Murray | 2022 State MN (Hill-Murray) OL. 6’5, 295 lbs. Committed to Stanford. @LHeyer77
Heading to one of the best public colleges or universities in the entire world. Arguably the most dominant lineman in the state who mauled at the point of attack and exceled in both run and pass block settings. #1 recruit in the state before Trey Bixby moved back home. Minnesota Vikings All-State team, AP All-State First Team, Mr. Football finalist, All-Metro, All-Everything,
Andrew Karls Andrew Karls 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB Apollo | 2022 MN (St. Cloud Apollo) ATH. 6’2, 180 lbs. Committed to Morningside. @KarlsAndrew
Had one of the most productive 2021s of any prep in Minnesota as he went 138-257 through the air for 1,624 yards and 13 TDs. He also rushed for a school-record 248 carries, 1136 yards, and 17 TDs. He also added 55 tackles (37 solo), 6.5 TFLs, 5 PBUs, 2 FF, and an interception. Was named Minnesota Vikings All-State, District MVP, and was nominated for Mr. Football. Morningside is getting a natural football player.
Jacob Weckop (Randolph) QB. 6’2, 180 lbs. Uncommitted. @JacobWeckop
Completed the fourth most passes in the state with 149 and also added 2,544 yards (second in MN), and 29 TDs (fifth in MN). Took over some Friday nights with both his arms and his legs and highlighted the fact that they make some legit football players down in Randolph.
Matthew Donovan Matthew Donovan 5'10" | 175 lbs | WR Kasson-Mantorville | 2022 State MN (Kasson-Mantorville) QB. 5’10, 175 lbs. Committed to Bemidji State. @MattDonovan22
Was the lynchpin of the Kasson-Mantorville 4A state runner-up squad in 2021 and was a big play waiting to happen from the QB position. Great quickness in his feet and possessed breakaway speed to take advantage of of defensive mistakes. Filled in the big shoes left by his older brother and former South Dakota standout WR Riley Donovan. Was very used to popping off long TD runs.
Carson Hansen Carson Hansen 6'1" | 200 lbs | RB Lakeville South | 2023 State MN (Lakeville South) RB. C/o 2023. 6’1, 195 lbs. @CarsonHansen21
One of my personal favorite prospects in the entire state and a sensational junior RB for the 6A state champions who eased into the varsity backfield of the Cougars as a sophomore two seasons ago. Long strides that can cover ground and slip through tackle attempts effortlessly. Great short-area quickness and has no problems in the physicality department. Would make an excellent Minnesota Golden Gopher if I do say so myself. Was named Minnesota Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior in 2021.
Mekhi Collins Mekhi Collins 6'4" | 205 lbs | WR Mankato West | 2022 State MN (Mankato West) WR. 6’5, 200 lbs. Committed to NDSU. @MekhiCollins2
Matchup nightmare with great size, speed, and vertical ability. Led the state with 19 TDs and also averaged almost 18 yards per reception. Can high-point the football and get downfield in a jiffy for a legit 6’5 WR. Going to be the second-coming of Christian Watson in Fargo. AP All-State First Team.
Cayden Holcomb Cayden Holcomb 5'10" | 180 lbs | ATH Rochester Mayo | 2022 State MN (Rochester Mayo) WR. 5’9, 175 lbs. Committed to Winona State. @holcomb_cayden
One of the smoothest and most natural football players in Minnesota who started on varsity as an eighth grader five seasons ago. Wicked quick out of his breaks who can matchup and get open on any DB he came across. Soft hands, tough, and competitive. The best player in Rochester in 2021.
Zach Juckel Zach Juckel 6'3" | 200 lbs | LB Lakeville South | 2022 State MN (Lakeville South) LB. 6’3, 205 lbs. Committed to Air Force. @ZJuckel
Lakeville South’s all-time leading tackler and an overall tackle machine who finished tied for second in the state with 128. Flew around the fields of the Metro like his hair is on fire and could go sideline-to-sideline to make a play anywhere on the field. Also strong in coverage and possesses some strong instincts. Named AP All-State, All-Metro, and All-District. Going to do great things at the United State military academy.
Jacob Meissner Jacob Meissner 5'10" | 200 lbs | RB Providence Academy | 2022 State MN (Providence Academy) LB/RB. 5’11, 200 lbs. Uncommitted. @JacobMeissner28
A wrecking ball of momentum and power, Meissner played all over the field in his Providence Academy career and put the hurtin’ on opponents no matter he lined up. Was strong enough to play DL, fast enough to play LB, and athletic enough to contribute as a hurdlin’, truck-stickin’ ball carrier. Was all over the field and never took a play off.
Jerome Williams Jerome Williams 6'5" | 280 lbs | OL Osseo | 2023 State MN (Osseo) OL. 6’5, 285 lbs. C/o 2023. Committed to Minnesota. @nolimitjerome
Announced his commitment to the hometown Gophers today! Congratulations, Jerome! One of the most athletic lineman who in the state with outstanding strength, balance, and flexibility. Can play all over the OL and can move and block in space. One of the top recruitings in Minnesota for 2023. Pumped he’s going to be a Gopher.
Auvon Sager Auvon Sager 6'5" | 240 lbs | DL MPLS North | 2023 State MN (MPLS North) DE. 6’5, 220 lbs. C/o 2023. @AuVon5
Yet another D1-caliber defensive standout from the 612 and Minneapolis North. Led the state in sacks for most of the season and finished fourth with 12.5 in 11 games. Going to be a monster next season.
Chase Carter Chase Carter 6'6" | 220 lbs | DL SMB | 2022 State MN (SMB) DE. 6’6, 220 lbs. Committed to Michigan State. @JiggyCdot
Already signed and enrolled at Michigan State and the upstart Spartans of East Lansing. First Team AP All-State, All-Metro, and finished third in the state with 13 sacks. The most naturally gifted pass-rusher in Minnesota with an explosive first step, bend, length, and quickness. One of the rare MN hoopers as of late to choose football over basketball too.
Jaxon Howard Jaxon Howard 6'4" | 245 lbs | DL Cooper | 2023 State MN (Robbinsdale Cooper) TE/DE. 6’4, 245 lbs. C/o 2023. @11JaxonHoward
The most prolific recruit in Minnesota since Seantrel Henderson. Holds offers from just about every P5 program in America and backs up the hype with his play. Fluid and strong at 6’4, 245 lbs. with more room to grow. Will get the chance to either play TE or DE at the next level. Great genes and athleticism and his best football is in front of him.
Antonio Bluiett (Buffalo) DB. 6’2, 175 lbs. Committed to North Dakota. @AntonioBluiett
In his first season of high school football the Buffalo Bison ballhawk picked off six passes, broke up 12 more, and only allowed one reception all season long. Also possesses great height and length for the CB position and and athleticism from his former hoops background to play the ball well in the air. Earned himself a D1 football scholarship after coming into the season not on anyone’s radar. All-Metro, AP First Team All-State, and All-District, and now a D1 athlete.
Drew Kittleson (Blooming Prairie) QB/CB. 6’4, 190 lbs. Committed to Minnesota State University-Mankato. @kittelson_drew
The Awesome Blossom leader and two-way playmaker passed for 2,195 yards and 34 TDs and added 9 TDs rushing as well. Strong arm and a true dual-threat who could run by or run through the majority of tackle attempts he saw. Will play wideout for the Mavericks. Was also named an MN All-Star and a Mr. Football finalist.
Asher Zubich Asher Zubich 6'1" | 185 lbs | QB Mountain Iron-Buhl | 2023 State MN (Mountain Iron-Buhl) QB. 6’2, 185 lbs. C/o 2023. @AsherZubich
The 9-man All-State selection helped lead MIB to the state tournament and was tied for second in the state with 34 TD passes. Also ranked fourth in passing yards with 2,460 yards and 14th with 131 completions. One of the best players in 9man football this season and will compete for the #1 9-man spot in 2022.
Teigan Martin Teigan Martin 6'6" | 220 lbs | TE Mayer Lutheran | 2022 State MN (Mayer-Lutheran) TE/DE. 2022. 6’6, 220 lbs. Committed to Liberty University. @teigan_martin
Only player to be named All-Metro on both sides of the ball in 2021. Great call there by my man Jim Paulsen. Martin was the most dominant and physically gifted player in Class A and could play anything from DT to WR and do it well.
Joel Bowman (Hillcrest Lutheran) WR. Uncommitted.
Led the state in receiving with 1,324 yards and finished third in receptions (73) and is tied for second in TDs with 16. Also added 42 tackles and 3 interceptions as a DB. Monster reception numbers from the 9man ranks.
Evan Swenson (Minnetonka) DB. 5’10, 175 lbs. Uncommitted. @EvanSwenson2
Against some potent passing attacks in the Metro the senior Skipper picked off seven passes and returned one for a TD. Named AP All-State First Team, All-Metro, and All-District. Helped turn around Minnetonka from the bottom of their district to a future state-title contender.
Will Chlebeck (Lakeville South) TE/OLB. 6’3, 225 lbs. Committed to Harvard. @WChlebecek
The surprise prospect from a loaded Lakeville South roster, Chlebeck took 2021 by the reigns and was one of the most dominant and physical presences in the Metro that resulted in him quickly earning his first D1 offer at the end of September from Missouri Valley heavyweight Northern Iowa. Escorted a ton of kids into the turf during 2021 and couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play football in the Ivy League for the Harvard Crimson.
Sawyer Skanson (Maple Grove) LB. 6’2, 210 lbs. Uncommitted. @sawyer_skanson
The heart and soul of the 6A runner-up Crimson, Skanson was a kid I kept hearing about from opposing coaches and players throughout the season and ended 2021 with 118 tackles. Good size, impressive closing speed and played with good angles in pursuit. Strong in coverage and breaking down in space. Also a standout hockey player.
Charlie Boucher Charlie Boucher 6'3" | 230 lbs | TE MPLS Southwest | 2022 State MN (MPLS Southwest) LB. 6’3, 225 lbs. Committed to St. Thomas. @CharBouch8
One of the best to ever put on my beloved Southwest Lakers jersey. Finished his career with 211 tackles, 53 TFL, and 19 sacks and holds the school record for TFLs despite the shortened 2020 COVID season. Tough, ate blocks for breakfast, and can do everything asked of him on the gridiron and then some. Good blitzer and one of the most dominate forces in the 612. MN All-Star Game selection, MN Vikings All-State, First Team AP All-State, 2x All-Metro and has been a pleasure to watch as an avid Lakers fan.
Tommy Hamann Tommy Hamann 6'3" | 225 lbs | LB Wayzata | 2022 MN (Wayzata) DE/OLB. 6’4, 220 lbs. Committed to Iowa State. @hamann_tommy
One of the biggest stock risers of the 2021 season. Built on a good junior campaign with a strong offseason that earned him a PWO from Iowa State and scholarships from South Dakota State and North Dakota. After committing to the Jackrabbits, Iowa State came in during the Early Signing Day and bumped that walk-on up to a full scholarship, which he happily accepted. I love seeing a kid explode onto the P5 recruiting scene and it looks like Hamann has the physical traits and intangibles to continue a strong tradition of Trojans finding success at the FBS level. Second Team AP All-State, All-Metro, and All-District.
Joey Gerlach Joey Gerlach 6'3" | 195 lbs | LB Woodbury | 2022 State MN (Woodbury) DB/LB. 6’2, 210 lbs. Committed to Minnesota. @joey_gerlach
Another prospect who burst onto the P5 recruiting scene in tremendous fashion towards the end of the Early Signing Day, Gerlach had some fantastic junior film that put him on the map of D1 programs and resulted in an offer and commitment to South Dakota State. Additionally, he also caught the eyes of Gophers coaching during their summer camp, which paid off as Minnesota reached out with a scholarship near the Early Signing Day period. The MN All-Star, MN Vikings All-State, and All-Metro selection shows great range as a hybrid SS/LB and a playmaking mentality to go along with athleticism and a willingness to come up and hit ya. In the Gophers strength & conditioning program he is going to grow into a monster and brings some impressive mobility to the Minnesota LB room.
Tony Nelson Tony Nelson 6'6" | 265 lbs | OL Tracy-Milroy-Balaton | 2022 State MN OL/DL. 6’7, 270 lbs. Committed to Minnesota. @TonyNelsonTMB
Possibly the steal of the entire 2022 class, Nelson was one of the most dominant players in the state who tossed opponents aside like rag dolls on the fields of Southwest Minnesota and brings exceptional athleticism to the table at a legit 6’7, 270 pounds. In his junior tape he even played LB at that size and looked like a tornado on the field who swallowed up anyone he ran into during a game. He’ll play tackle for the Golden Gophers and has the chance to be a great one when it’s all said and done! All-State.
Deylin Hasert Deylin Hasert 6'5" | 290 lbs | OL Marshall | 2022 State MN (Marshall) OL. 6’5, 290 lbs. Committed to Iowa State. @DeylinHasert
Yet another D1 talent out of one of the most fertile recruiting grounds in MN in the Marshall Tigers. Strong at the point of attack and a mauling run blocker who has improved year after year and is far from reaching his ceiling as an offensive lineman. Quick feet, capable of pulling off a number of different blocks, and technically sound. Going to be yet another Minnesotan to find success in Ames.
Martin Koivisto Martin Koivisto 6'6" | 290 lbs | OL Shakopee | 2022 State MN (Shakopee) OL. 6’7, 300 lbs. Committed to Central Michigan. @Martin_Koivisto
Can really run at his size and is capable and effective in space when breaking down to complete a block. Big hands a solid frame that will blossom under a FBS strength & conditioning program and is heading to a great staff at Central Michigan that loves them some Minnesotans. Helped bring Shakopee into the mix as a serious big-school state championship contender. It all starts in the trenches! All-Metro, MN All-Star.
Ozzie Meyer-Rice (Kittson County Central) DL/RB/LB. 6’1, 205 lbs. Committed to Jamestown.
9Man All-State, District Co-MVP, and All-District pick who was a stat-monster on both sides of the ball rushed 184 times for 1,635 yards and 19 TDs at an 8.9 YPC clip. This was good for 10th in the state in rush yards and 14th in TDs. Also tallied 120 tackles (8th in the state), 14 TFLs, 5 sacks, 3 PBUs, 2 FRs, and an interception defensively. I’m always pumped to see 9man standouts play football at the next level.
Gavin Sweeney (LeRoy-Ostrander) DE. 6’4, 200 lbs. Committed to Upper Iowa. @GavinSweeney24
My pick for the best player/prospect in the 9man ranks comes from the state champion Cardinals and their DE/TE/ATH Gavin Sweeney. Menacing pass-rusher who used his great length to his advantage and had no problem running through contact. Heading to the Northern Sun and the DII ranks. 9man All-State.
Drew Berkland Drew Berkland DB Wayzata | 2022 State MN (Wayzata) ATH. 6’1, 185 lbs. Committed to Minnesota (baseball). @drewberkland
A fantastic athlete who I wish was playing college football something fierce. Berkland played everywhere for the Trojans and started in their defensive backfield as a sophomore and showed off a ton of potential that I believe would have resulted in D1 offers as a safety. He stepped in as an offensive weapon for the Wayzata program when they needed it most provided a big spark as a WR on an offense that is known for pounding the rock. Going to be a great Gopher either way! All-Metro as a WR in 2021.
Colin Nagel Colin Nagel 6'3" | 230 lbs | TE Hutchinson | 2022 State MN (Hutchinson) TE/QB. 6’3, 230 lbs. Committed to Minnesota-Duluth. @colinnagel20
Excitedly continued a tradition of XL Hutchinson athletes to run the offense from the QB position and brought home the 4A state championship for the Tigers as the offensive lynchpin. Ran like a F350 lost its breaks and will bring a strong and solid frame to the TE position for the UMD Bulldogs next fall.
Grady O’Neill Grady O’Neill 5'10" | 165 lbs | ATH Saint Thomas Academy | 2022 MN (St. Thomas Academy) ATH. 5’10, 165 lbs. Committed to Wisconsin (PWO). @gradyoneill7
One of the fastest players in the state with game-changing speed on the top end and the ability to break open a play in the blink of an eye. Also possessed burst, quickness, and will join fellow Cadet and 2021 Wisconsin PWO commit Garrison Solliday in Madtown next season. All-Metro as an athlete.
Charlie Rykes (Breck) QB/DB. 6’, 190 lbs. Uncommitted.
Went 141-259 for 2,084 and 23 TDs while adding 86 rushes for 507 yards and 12 TDs on the ground. Also was an impressive safety that posted 123 tackles, 13 TFLs, 5 FRs (1 for TD), 4 sacks, 4 interceptions (2 returned for TDs), and 2 PBUs. Also handled punting duties! Talk about dynamic, man. Heart, soul, and spirit of the Mustangs in 2021. Also cool for me to see such a grinder come out of the private school ranks.
Christian Wendland (Tracy-Milroy-Balaton) DB/WR. Uncommitted.
.Had himself a heckuva statistical season. Was tied for first in the state with eight interceptions and was also seventh in the state with 986 receiving yards on 48 receptions and added 10 TDs through the air as well.
Roman Voss Roman Voss 6'4" | 215 lbs | ATH Jackson County Central (MN) | 2026 State MN (Jackson County Central) QB. C/o 2026. 6’3, 190 lbs. @romanvoss2
The youngest player to make the quarterfinals, Roman Voss Roman Voss 6'4" | 215 lbs | ATH Jackson County Central (MN) | 2026 State MN started for the Huskies as an eighth grader and at 6’3, 190 lbs. and not even 14 years old I’d say there is about as much to get excited about in this QB prospect that the state has seen in a long time. His older brother Rudy is playing QB at South Dakota State and got some legit reps in this fall for the FCS heavyweight. Can’t overlook that type of potential.
Colton Gregersen Colton Gregersen 6'2" | 235 lbs | DL Burnsville | 2022 State MN (Burnsville) LB. 6’2, 230 lbs. Committed to Minnesota (PWO). @GregersenColton
One of the hardest hitters in the state, Gregersen holds the edge with violence, aggression, and a physical edge that is evident in his hands, pads, and lower body. Good variety of pass rush moves who can transition from speed to power and packs a wallop once he gets to the ball. Named Second Team All-Metro, Second Team AP All-State, and an MN All-Star selection. Loved watching him smack kids as an upperclassman and also got significant carries as a RB in 2021.
Carter Callahan (Becker) RB/LB. 6’1, 230 lbs. Uncommitted. @CarterCallaha17
A plus-sized RB and brickwall of a linebacker who helped lead the Bulldogs to the Class 4A state semifinals, Callahan played the game with a hard-nosed, downhill attitude but also possessed some noteworthy quickness for a kid of his size. One of the stronger lower bodies of any prospect in and played with great instincts and a knack for the big play. Didn’t mind putting in the dirty work in the trenches but also capable of taking a game over and making splash plays in crunch time. Becker is always so tough.
Peyton Schumacher Peyton Schumacher 5'10" | 170 lbs | RB Hutchinson | 2025 MN (Plainview-Elgin-Millville) DB. Uncommitted. @pmschumacher20
First Team All-State and helped lead Plainview-Elgin-Millville to the Class 3A state championship.
Toby Anene Toby Anene 6'3" | 230 lbs | LB East Ridge | 2022 State MN (East Ridge) RB/LB. 6’3, 235 lbs. Committed to North Dakota State. @tobyanene22
Put out some impressive junior tape and is fluid and powerful at 6’3, 230+ who really stepped his game up and played RB as a senior to make for one of the largest ball-carriers in Minnesota. Going to play DE for the Bison and was a MN All-Star game selection and All-District pick.
Carter Birr (Albany) RB/CB. Uncommitted. @carterbirr
Minnesota Vikings All-State and yet another continuation in a underrated and growing tradition of standout Albany Huskies RBs and college prospects.
Darius Givance Darius Givance 6'2" | 200 lbs | RB Champlin Park | 2022 State MN (Champlin Park) DB. 6’2, 200 lbs. Committed to North Dakota State. @DariusGivance
One of the best athletes in the state who is explosive, fast, and physical. At 6’2, 200 pounds he is fast enough and has the hips to play corner but is strong enough and physical to the point that he could play LB. Dynamic and special defensive talent out of Champlin Park and the always competitive Rebels program. CP hasn’t had a D1 athlete since 2015 when Jack Darnell also committed to the Bison.