Stock risers: Southeast Minnesota – Part I
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Continuing around the state of Minnesota, my virtual travels take me to the southeast corner of the state to review more high-level talent on the gridiron to watch this fall. This story is part one of two stories highlighting some…
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Continue ReadingContinuing around the state of Minnesota, my virtual travels take me to the southeast corner of the state to review more high-level talent on the gridiron to watch this fall. This story is part one of two stories highlighting some of the top returning talent from the Rochester area. Credit has to go to the Rochester Post Bulletin for supplying a good starting point for the story.
Sam Backer Sam Backer 5'11" | 190 lbs | RB Chatfield | 2023 State MN Chatfield RB/DB
Backer might be the best pure runner in the Class of ’23. He has the speed to get to the outside and explodes through the hole on inside runs. He has excellent vision to see cutback lanes and has outstanding footwork in the open field – take a look at his spin move. He is also a powerful and willing blocker. He has position flexibility as a read-option quarterback and is a hard-hitting defensive back.
Carter Holcomb Carter Holcomb 5'9" | 165 lbs | WR Rochester Mayo | 2024 State MN Rochester Mayo WR
As a sophomore, Holcomb is already one of the most dangerous kick and punt returners in the state. He has the instincts and speed that most good returners have, but he is also one of the more physical returners you will see. As a wide receiver, he is a guy to watch. Holcomb’s speed and power after the catch stand out like his return skills. He has good hands and will go out and get the ball even if overthrown.
Reese Tripp Reese Tripp 6'8" | 320 lbs | OL Kasson Mantorville | 2023 State MN Kasson Mantorville OL/DL
Already committed to play for Minnesota, Tripp has the body of a run-stuffing interior lineman. While he does take on double teams and stuff the run with the best of them, he is a much more explosive interior player than the typical big man. He is an absolute road grader as an offensive guard – driving smaller defensive linemen sometimes twenty yards down the field. For a man as big as he is, he keeps his hips low and comes off the line of scrimmage with a solid pad level. I am a sucker for a big man who can move – Tripp’s was one of my favorite highlight packages I have seen in a while.
Drew Schindler Chatfield DB
Schindler reads the game well. That allows him to be in good position when the ball is thrown his way. If he does get out of position, he can run with most receivers in the state. That speed makes him great against the run, too, as he closes the gap on running backs and receivers quickly. When he closes the distance, he hits hard, but unlike some guys who go for the big hit – he goes for the big hit but makes sure he wraps up. Schindler also has excellent ball skills and body control when he gets chances to make plays on the ball.