Tradition Continued: MN '23s Stepping into Big Cleats

If you’re familiar at all with my writing and general recruiting content, you already know that I am a big fan of pipelines and traditions. Whether that’s a lineage of recruits committing to the same college or heritage of excellence at a specific position on the gridiron at a high school, I am always keeping track of continued traditions in the Minnesota high school football landscape. Now that I’ve finished publishing the meat of the 2023 MN rankings update features, I want to finish things out with three more special articles for PrepRedzoneMN focusing on the rising seniors in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. To begin, I have been itching to write about some 2023 athletes who are stepping into the large proverbial cleats of a distinguished predecessor at their position and continuing a tradition of various kinds in their high school program. This could mean a player is going to be seeing a much larger workload than in 2021, will be taking over as the starter for a long-time stud, is representing a jersey number with a distinguished legacy, or is the next heavyweight recruit at a position their high school is known for, find out which Minnesota 2023s are stepping into big cleats for this upcoming high school football season below. Thank you for reading! Tradition Continued... [player_tooltip player_id="245478" first="Jaylin" last="Reese"] (OLB/DE) stepping into the cleats of [player_tooltip player_id="116204" first="Toby" last="Anene"] at East Ridge High School. Along with another Woodbury area prep in [player_tooltip player_id="116211" first="Joey" last="Gerlach"], [player_tooltip player_id="116204" first="Toby" last="Anene"] came onto the recruiting scene and PRzMN rankings late relative to their talent level and quickly established himself as one of the most dominant defensive forces in the Metro. Whether with his hand in the dirt or from a two-point stance, Anene was a terrifying matchup for opposing OTs and TEs thanks to his combination of strength and agility at 6’3, 230 as well as his closing speed in the backfield. He deservingly received a lot of attention from opposing coaches and schemes, which helped to allow the now #1 pass-rusher at East Ridge in 2023 6’2, 220 lb. [player_tooltip player_id="245478" first="Jaylin" last="Reese"]. With a similar build (6’2, 220) and presence off the edge, Reese primarily plays with his hand in the ground but has plenty of speed from the DE spot and flashes a lot of similarity to Anene in closing speed and ability to make and finish the play in space when given the opportunity, as well as how big of thump he can lay on QBs when he gets a clean shot. Both lived in opponents’ backfields last fall, but with the graduation of Anene and fellow NDSU signee [player_tooltip player_id="18429" first="Logan" last="Larson"], a ton more attention is going to be paid to Mr. Reese and he will have some big cleats to fill to continue the Raptors DL production and influence. However, the way Reese attacks blocks and can get to the sideline in pursuit bode well for him as a three-down defender and I’m excited to see how he leads his East Ridge defense in 2022. Reese has attended South Dakota, St. Thomas, North Dakota, UNI, NIU, Minnesota, Illinois State, and Iowa State junior days this spring. [player_tooltip player_id="237319" first="Jackson" last="Cercioglu"] (LB) stepping into the cleats of a talented line of linebackers to rock #25 for St. Thomas Academy. Beginning with former All-American North Dakota MLB Will Ratelle, who cut his teeth back in the late 2000s on the fields of Mendota Heights and the 651, jersey #25 for the Cadets is one of the more tradition-rich linebacking numbers in the Metro, with standouts Ian O’Brien and Ben Reppenhagen continuing the legacy of #25 for the Cadets and a plethora of different linebackers finding a lot of success for St. Thomas Academy over the past 20 years. Since 2020, the number has been rocked by 2023 graduate [player_tooltip player_id="237319" first="Jackson" last="Cercioglu"], who has earned two All-District nods going into his senior year and has visited North Dakota and South Dakota State for spring junior days in March and April. At 6’2, 210 lbs., Cercioglu flies around and enforces the run game like his #25 predecessors and does a good job beating blocking attempts with either speed or power. He also takes good angles and shows off solid speed in pursuit and will put a hurting on QBs if given a clean shot. If you’ve read my writing for a while than you know that STA has produced some of my favorite prospects and highlight tapes over the years, so you’d already know that I’ll be keeping a close eye on the Cadets Hudl account in 2022! [player_tooltip player_id="245761" first="Ty" last="Neils"] (LB) stepping into the cleats of [player_tooltip player_id="49868" first="Ryan" last="Haley"] at Mankato West High School. Speaking of MN programs that have birthed some beasts at the linebacking position over the years, Mankato West rising senior [player_tooltip player_id="245761" first="Ty" last="Neils"] has some big cleats to fill as he takes over the Scarlet LB corps from 2021 MN Mr. Football finalist [player_tooltip player_id="49868" first="Ryan" last="Haley"]. Haley, a 6’, 220 lb. Brown University commit, was extremely productive in 2021 and totaled 144 tackles, 36 TFLs, 15 sacks, 2 INTs, 2 FFs, 4 FRs, and 3 defensive TDs as Mankato West whooped on the entirety of 5A as they marched to a state championship at U.S. Bank Stadium. Haley also added 48 carries for 339 yards and 7 TDs on offense, so to say that the proverbial cleats that need to be stepped into are quite large would be an understatement. However, the 6’3, 205 lb. Neils flashes an impressive skill set that seems like it could be up to the task, as his junior film displays a LB with speed, speed, and more speed. He can diagnose a play and get out of his stance like his pants are on fire, and can go sideline to sideline as well as shoot gaps with pace and hustle. He’ll need anything and everything in his tool belt to set the tone that Haley provided to the middle of the Mankato West defense, but with the way the Scarlets staff coach up and develop their players I think he’s up to the task. [player_tooltip player_id="120007" first="Kaleb" last="Rector"] (OL) stepping into the cleats of [player_tooltip player_id="49838" first="Colton" last="Rada"] and an impressive lineage of lineman Chaska High School. The 5A powerhouse Hawks are beginning to put together a nice little institution of lineman over the past decade that really picked up steam when Bronson Dovich (C/o 2015 - Minnesota Gophers) and Matthew Kegel *C/o 2016 - Oklahoma State) began to assert their dominance in the SW suburbs of Minneapolis going on 10 years ago. Micah Roane (C/o 2018 - U of M and South Dakota), Ethan Jackman (C/o 2019 - Air Force), Max Lommel (C/o 2020 - MSU-Mankato), and most recently [player_tooltip player_id="49838" first="Colton" last="Rada"] (C/o 2022 - South Dakota) have continued the tradition of offensive maulers, which leaves some big cleats to fill and some lofty expectations for rising senior [player_tooltip player_id="120007" first="Kaleb" last="Rector"]. Luckily, the primarily interior offensive lineman looks up to par on film, as he’s a devastating blocker and can also get downfield and maintain enough body control to break down and pop DBs and third level defenders. I like his footwork when he pulls, traps, and pass sets as well, as he doesn’t waste any steps, looks comfortable and somewhat flexible in his stance, and can really generate a lot of power on impact. He laid some huge hits in 2021 and definitely had some defenders hesitating between the tackles through the Hawks ten games last fall. Look for him to step into an even bigger role along the OL in 2021 and will be aided by fellow rising senior Leo Smalley. At this point, Rector has visited St. Thomas, North Dakota, and Minnesota junior days and has a ton of NSIC attention as well. [player_tooltip player_id="105366" first="Auvon" last="Sager"] and/or [player_tooltip player_id="112087" first="Jeremiah" last="Sims"] (DL) stepping into the cleats of Odell Wilson, Quientrail Jamison-Travis, and Davon Townley at Minneapolis North High School. Minneapolis North High School has put out some recent heavyweight defensive line prospects dating back to Odell Wilson, who graduated in 2018 and ended up playing basketball in college at NDSU and Missouri Southern State. The 6’6, 260 lber. Wilson was followed by Quientrail Jamison-Travis, who almost went to Iowa State before having to take the JUCO route at Iowa Western, and now Penn State Nittany Lion defensive end Davon Townley, which leaves a lot of pass rushing expectations to 2023s [player_tooltip player_id="105366" first="Auvon" last="Sager"] and [player_tooltip player_id="112087" first="Jeremiah" last="Sims"]. Sager (6’5, 220), and Sims (6’7, 280 lbs.) are going to be the most imposing DL combination in the 612 and both bring a ton of pass rushing ability to the table thanks to their length, lateral agility thanks to the basketball background, and general physicality. Both of the Polars also have a quick first step and can play all over both the offensive and defensive lines, and when you combine the measurables with their varsity experience and ability to physically overwhelm smaller opponents, I think you have the makings for two of the more intriguing recruits in MN’s 2023 class. [player_tooltip player_id="112087" first="Jeremiah" last="Sims"] has received junior day invites from Dakota Wesleyan, MSU-Moorhead, MSU-Mankato, Southwest MN State, and Minot State. His counterpart Sager has received a fair amount of recruiting graphics from Northwestern and Wyoming and has earned junior day invites from Dakota Wesleyan, MSU-Moorhead, MSU-Mankato, UMary, Minot State, South Dakota State, and a spring ball invite from Iowa State. Go Polars! [player_tooltip player_id="295960" first="Charlie" last="Gleason"] (DE) stepping into the cleats of [player_tooltip player_id="116194" first="Mason" last="Wilson"] at Stillwater High School. I, along with our National Scouting Director Jake Lemming, were both big fans of Stillwater Ponies 2022 pass-rusher [player_tooltip player_id="116194" first="Mason" last="Wilson"], who showed off some impressive junior tape and put on a strong showing at a PrepRedzoneMN Showcase a couple of winters back. Wilson, a Minnesota-Duluth commit, will hopefully see his production and recruiting attention continued by 2023 6’4, 220 lb. DE [player_tooltip player_id="295960" first="Charlie" last="Gleason"], whose got some big cleats to fill this upcoming fall in beautiful Stilly. Gleason, who also wrestles for the Ponies powerhouse 3A wrestling squad, is off to a good start on both the production, film, and recruiting departments, as he is coming off his first D1 offer from Air Force four days ago and has also visited Wyoming, Iowa State, South Dakota State, Northern Iowa, and NDSU junior days this spring after putting some good things on film in his junior tape. Thanks to a strong lower body, he gets off the ball in a hurry - just like Wilson - and was a handful for OTs through their inside shoulder whether he was banging the guard or simply ripping through their arm pit. He can also cover some ground in pursuit and can lay some really painful and powerful looking hits on opposing QBs when he got home on a blitz. There’s a lot of strength in that 220 pound frame and is playing against some of the best lineman the Metro has to offer in his film, so I’d be surprised if Gleason doesn’t hear from at least another D1 suitor or two this spring. Love the film, Charlie! [player_tooltip player_id="312923" first="Nolan" last="Israelson"] (LB) stepping into the cleats of Sam Angell at Andover High School. Andover High School had a near magical run in 2021 before enduring a tough loss to rival Rogers in the AAAAA state quarterfinals and saw a ton of output, leadership, and game-changing plays from 2022 seniors [player_tooltip player_id="116449" first="Connor" last="Develice"] (QB), Caden Wheeler (RB), and especially LB Sam Angell. The Second Team All-Metro thumper Angell provided that irreplaceable physical presence from the linebacker position that was so key to the Huskies 2021 success, and if they want another shot at a 5A state championship they will need to see that defensive impact replicated by 2023 [player_tooltip player_id="312923" first="Nolan" last="Israelson"]. The 5’11, 200 pounder posted 85 tackles, 15 TFLs, 6 sacks, and 5 FFs through 11 games last fall for some noteworthy statistical success, and on tape the ILB can shoot gaps, navigate and circumvent traffic between the tackles, and explode through ball carriers with an impressive amount of speed. He flies around the gridiron and can cover a noticeable amount of ground when pursuing QBs and RBs and does a good job of consistently getting his hat on the ball to force those always-important turnovers. Israelson has a good chance of stepping into the cleats of his predecessor smoothly in 2022. Israelson has visited South Dakota State and Augustana on their junior day and has been invited to MSU-Moorhead, UMary, Bemidji State, Southwest MN State, and Sioux Falls junior days as well. [player_tooltip player_id="309078" first="Jacob" last="Royse"] (QB) stepping into the cleats of [player_tooltip player_id="116280" first="Camden" last="Dean"] at Lakeville South High School. [player_tooltip player_id="116280" first="Camden" last="Dean"] may have been overshadowed by some of his teammates on Minnesota’s best team in 2021-’22, but that doesn’t change the fact that he may have had the best arm of any QB in MN’s entire 2022 class. Also the owner of some athletic legs and some impressive intangibles, Dean leaves distinguished cleats for his successor, who may be 5’10, 165 lber. [player_tooltip player_id="309078" first="Jacob" last="Royse"]. Also a CB, Royse saw non-varsity action as the Lakeville South signal-caller in 2021 and showed off how he could get the ball out of his hand quickly and deliver an accurate ball into tight coverage, take off and hurt defenses with his legs when necessary, and make good decisions as a passer. I’ll be keeping a close eye on the Cougars QB competition going into the fall. [player_tooltip player_id="140725" first="Chase" last="Ullom"] (LB) stepping into the cleats of many great linebackers to play for Wayzata High School. Wayzata High School had one of the best lines of linebackers in the entire history or MN prep football, and the Trojans would also be in the argument for the state’s best producer of offensive lineman and tight ends if one wanted to talk shop all day long. For now though, we’ll keep it with LBs, and with a history that includes AJ Tarpley, James Laurinaitis Chris Wipson, Foster Conzet, Jesse Addo, Parker Hlavacek, and Loshiaka Roques, you’d be hard pressed to find another high school program with that kind of positional tradition of the middle of the defense. For 2023, 6’1, 210 lb. [player_tooltip player_id="140725" first="Chase" last="Ullom"] will anchor the Trojans Dside, and he’s following a junior campaign that saw him record 91 tackles, 5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, and an interception. On tape, Ullom closes on the football well and is consistent at powering his legs through contact and stopping RBs in their tracks. He can also take on blocking attempts of guards with his hands and good pad level and it looks like he reads his keys quickly and effectively. This spring, Ullom has visited St. Thomas, Concordia-St. Paul, Illinois State, and Eastern Illinois for junior days and is still chasing that elusive first scholarship offer. [player_tooltip player_id="112048" first="Josh" last="Och"] (WR) stepping into the cleats of pass catchers [player_tooltip player_id="49835" first="Charlie" last="Coenen"] and [player_tooltip player_id="116258" first="Josh" last="Kirchoff"] at Chanhassen High School. Chanhassen has had a nice little contingent of receivers over the past 4 years with the end of an era ending in the spring of 2022 with [player_tooltip player_id="49835" first="Charlie" last="Coenen"] heading to Wyoming to play football and [player_tooltip player_id="116258" first="Josh" last="Kirchoff"] also graduating from a successful athletic career with the Storm. In their place stands Southern Mississippi baseball commit Josh Och, who will attempt to certify himself as the best among the trio as he heads the Storm’s offense in 2022. He’s got a significant amount of production and offensive presence to try and duplicate in his predecessor’s absence, but seeing how much body control he possesses and how well he plays the ball in the air, not to mention his top end speed as a deep threat, his tool belt may be deep enough for another year of Chan having one of the best passing attacks in the Metro. Thanks to a strong lower body and some pop in his pads, Och also flashes a balanced YAC threat that helped him post 35 receptions for 598 yards and 4 TDs in 2021. I’m hoping he can double those receiving numbers this upcoming fall. [player_tooltip player_id="112141" first="Jordan" last="Olagbaju"] (RB) stepping into the cleats of Derrick Jameson Jr. and an accomplished line of ball carriers at Maple Grove High School. Man, Derrick Jameson Jr. took the MN high school football world by storm last fall. After a more than stellar junior season, Jameson Jr. exploded into Mr. Football contention as Maple Grove marched all the way to the big school state championship game at U.S. Bank Stadium. Taking over the reigns of the Crimson RB room from Evan Hull and Isaac Collins is no easy task, but Jameson Jr. was more than up for the challenge, and his successor [player_tooltip player_id="112141" first="Jordan" last="Olagbaju"] has some of the biggest cleats to fill of any possibly any athlete on this list. Olagbaju, a 5’10, 205 lber., only played in five games in 2021 but showed solid speed, vision, and physicality in non-varsity action for the Crimson. He’ll have to grind and put together a big offseason for the adjust to full-time varsity reps, but with the Maple Grove staff in his corner hopefully the RB room has another beast waiting to get let out of the cage. Olagbaju has visited St. Thomas, Southwest Minnesota State, Concordia-St. Paul, and Minnesota State University-Moorhead this spring. [player_tooltip player_id="246043" first="Jonah" last="Hviding"] (WR) stepping into the cleats of [player_tooltip player_id="116453" first="Evan" last="Schimming"] at Princeton High School. The proverbial cleats of the Princeton High School wide receivers would be tough to literally fill when transitioning from 6’5, 195 lb. 2022 [player_tooltip player_id="116453" first="Evan" last="Schimming"] to 5’10, 155 lb. Jonah Hviding, but symbolically the 2023 wideout Hviding is more than up to the task. The speedster tallied more than 1,000 all-purpose yards and 9 TDs last fall thanks to his ability to freeze a DBs feet at the top of the route as well as how he can cleanly make receptions through contact. His speed can also break a game wide open, as he can burst out of his stance and fly by defenders angles before they can adjust. He’s fun to watch and should be an electric offensive presence in 2022. No reported recruiting interest or offers at the time of this article’s publishing. [player_tooltip player_id="112066" first="Kelly" last="Johnson"] (WR) stepping into the cleats of [player_tooltip player_id="116189" first="Kristen" last="Hoskins"] at Alexandria High School. I don’t think there’s a 2023 in the entire state of Minnesota who could fill the cleats of Gophers commit and Alexandria 2022 grad [player_tooltip player_id="116189" first="Kristen" last="Hoskins"], so it’s a little unfair to compare him to his teammate and 2023 wideout [player_tooltip player_id="112066" first="Kelly" last="Johnson"], but as the receiver next up to lead the Cardinals WR corps it still must be done. Johnson exhibited some intriguing qualities in his junior film such as toughness, body control, and positional versatility. Whether lining up at the X or in the slot, Johnson can do damage downfield or over the middle and can get up and high point the football through contact for a big play. He’s also got soft hands, solid concentration, and some strength in breaking tackles after the catch. I’m pumped to see what he can do as WR1 for Alexandria this upcoming fall. [player_tooltip player_id="19017" first="DaNari" last="Connors"] (RB) stepping into the cleats of [player_tooltip player_id="18433" first="Camden" last="Royal"] at Robbinsdale Cooper High School. Taking over for a legit P5 prospect is never an easy task, and Cooper’s [player_tooltip player_id="19017" first="DaNari" last="Connors"] has some big cleats to fill as looks to step into the role of Iowa Western commit [player_tooltip player_id="18433" first="Camden" last="Royal"], who was criminally overlooked in 2022 and will be an excellent continuation of the Reivers running back success the next two seasons in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Connors has some game himself though, and possesses big play speed, solid start-stop burst, and the lower body strength to run through weaker tackle attempts. I’ll also be checking out who takes over as the Cooper Hawks QB in 2022. Connors just attended the Golden Gophers junior day earlier this month and is just at the beginning of his recruitment. Whoever has to step into the cleats of Mr. Football winner [player_tooltip player_id="18427" first="Emmett" last="Johnson"] (RB) at Holy Angels High School. I scoured the Holy Angels Stars Hudl account as well as the Stars players Twitters for who may be following up Nebraska RB commit [player_tooltip player_id="18427" first="Emmett" last="Johnson"] but couldn’t find any kind of hint or indication of who it may be. I’ll make sure to keep y’all posted! Jared Chiabotti (RB) stepping into the cleats of his older brother at Northwoods High School. The Chiabotti last name is going to be remembered for a long time in the legacy of Northwoods High School up north in Tower, Minnesota, and I am quite happy that there will be another season with a Chiabotti ball carrier in pads for the 2022, despite it being the last. Older brother TJ had some of the most electric highlights of any senior in the state this past fall and was a walking big play who could run, jump, spin, truck, and cut his way to the end zone no matter how many tacklers stood in his way. Stepping into the RB1 role now is younger bro Jared, who is an impressive two-sport athlete himself and carries a lot of that athleticism and explosiveness of his older sibling. You got a fan in me, Jared! [player_tooltip player_id="112072" first="Conner" last="Grems"] (LB) taking over the cleats of [player_tooltip player_id="116210" first="Grant" last="Achterkirch"] at Owatonna High School. I was a big fan of Owatonna High School 2022 LB and St. Thomas commit [player_tooltip player_id="116210" first="Grant" last="Achterkirch"], so my eyes will definitely be on his understudy [player_tooltip player_id="112072" first="Conner" last="Grems"] to take over in the middle of the Huskies defense. Grems can go sideline-to-sideline like his predecessor and brings a wallop to the point of contact, crumpling both blockers and ball carriers alike. Also a RB and a missile of kickoff coverage contributor, Grems is a three-down LB who can play outside or between the tackles and has the athleticism to match his predecessor Achterkirch. Southern Minnesota reppin, Conner! Mr. Grems has been invited to Sioux Falls, South Dakota State, UW-Eau Claire, Southwest Minnesota State, and UMary junior days.