8 Metro Offensive Units to Watch in 2022

I hope everyone enjoyed my last PRzMN feature focusing on some Metro-area defensive units that I think are especially loaded going into the fall of 2022. A strong and experienced position group is a great thing to have for a high school football team and is one of those "x-factors" that can turn the tide of a football game and make a huge difference in close ball games, as well as help the rest of the offense or defense feed off their continuity and step their games up in return. In offensive settings, a loaded positional unit can contribute mightily to a one-sided scoreboard, more than a few blowouts, and offensive dominance on the stat line and snap to snap. You can’t win games if you don’t score points, and below I’ve named my PRzMN Top-8 Metro Offensive Units to Watch in 2022, all of which will be helping their program score a ton of points this upcoming fall. Get to know these potentially dominant position groups below, and thank you for reading! Eight Metro Offensive Units to Watch The Prior Lake Running Backs: [player_tooltip player_id="208274" first="Grayson" last="Spronk"] (6’1, 195 lbs), [player_tooltip player_id="112055" first="Joey" last="Krouse"] (5’10, 180 lbs.), [player_tooltip player_id="242455" first="Hunter" last="MacGillivray"] (2024. 5’11, 175 lbs), Joshua Burns (2024. 5’7, 175 lbs) Prior Lake is overflowing with talent coming into the 2022 season and has scholarship athletes at just about every level of the field to go along with some great depth provided by the 2024 class who are entering their first year as upperclassmen. Of all the loaded position groups on their roster, the RBs look particularly flashy and have certified themselves as one of the best RB units in the state going into this fall. I’ve long been a fan of the electric Lakers playmaker [player_tooltip player_id="112055" first="Joey" last="Krouse"], but thanks to the hard work of some of his peers he will be far from alone in carrying the weight of Prior Lake’s offensive firepower. Fellow senior [player_tooltip player_id="208274" first="Grayson" last="Spronk"], along with rising juniors MacGillivray and Burns, provides an overall versatile skillset and a lot of physicality for a RB room. They will also be running behind one of the better OLs in the Metro, so I think it’s safe to say expectations are high for the Laker’s RBs in 2022. [player_tooltip player_id="208274" first="Grayson" last="Spronk"]: A top newcomer in the recent 2023 update for PRzMN, Spronk is a monster in the weight room who originally got on my radar after he recorded a very impressive 340 power clean in February for the all-time PL record. That power shows up on film in his play strength and burst, and I’m also a fan of his vision and nose for the endzone when he gets inside the 10. He’s going to be a workhorse this fall and may be one of the more productive ’backs in the Metro this upcoming fall. [embed]https://twitter.com/GraysonSpronk/status/1491588737620496385?s=20&t=ZzPFp8c73wfbM0upaZiTpw[/embed] [player_tooltip player_id="112055" first="Joey" last="Krouse"]: More of a SB who has especially soft hands out of the backfield, I’ve been very high on Krouse and his playmaking ability since he’s been getting varsity minutes as a sophomore for budding powerhouse Prior Lake. Totaled 28 catches for 526 yards and 7 TDs and 55 carries for 401 yards and 3 TDs in 2021. Game-breaking speed, solid hips, and technically sound as a WR out of the slot and the backfield. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-247485" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/139-Joey-Krouse.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> [player_tooltip player_id="112055" first="Joey" last="Krouse"] - Prior Lake [player_tooltip player_id="242455" first="Hunter" last="MacGillivray"]: The rising junior has recorded a 225 lb. bench as well as a 225 lb. power clean this spring. Contributed mostly on JV but did get some varsity action last fall. Physically dominant JV-level runner who functioned as more of a FB and had no issues with running over potential tacklers. His play strength should help him see a lot more varsity reps in 2022. Good luck, Hunter! <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-247462" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/113-Hunter-MacGillivray.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> [player_tooltip player_id="242455" first="Hunter" last="MacGillivray"] - Prior Lake ’24 Joshua Burns: The 2024 recruit put up a 315 lb. bench press at 170 pounds this spring and is looking to replicate his success in the weight room on the gridiron. A non-varsity contributor in 2021, Burns had some strong showings in 2021 JV action and uses his strong legs and consistently low pad level to bounce off tackle attempts and prevent opponents from getting a clean, square shot on him. I also like his quick feet and strong one-cut ability and how well he can execute screens out of the backfield. Solid hands for a RB. -- The Minnetonka Offensive Lineman: [player_tooltip player_id="241907" first="Luke" last="Speedling"] (2024 - 6’4, 245 lbs), [player_tooltip player_id="140479" first="Dakota" last="Egert"] (OT - 6’6, 240 lbs.) , [player_tooltip player_id="112045" first="Jack" last="Liwienski"] (OC - 6’3, 285 lbs), [player_tooltip player_id="242398" first="Cal" last="Worley"] (2024 - 6’3, 250 lbs.) I already wrote about the Skippers and I’m sure most of you know I think they’re a darkhorse for the 6A title this fall, and to go along with their aforementioned giant DL Minnetonka also has a loaded offensive line unit that consists of a lot of the same players as the DL. I’ll keep things shorter because I already have given these dudes some attention, but I would just not be giving proper credit to ’Tonka and their potential comeback from 0-8 in 2019 and 2-5 in 2020. [player_tooltip player_id="241907" first="Luke" last="Speedling"]: One of the better 2024 prospects in the state - especially in the OL- Speedling plays LT for ’Tonka and weighs in at a solid 6’4, 245 pounds coming into his upperclassman campaign. Powerful run blocker, especially at the point of attack, and does a great job of repositioning his hands and out-leveraging opponents after initial contact. Just from what I can see on film I think he can clean up his footwork in the passing game, but he’s powerful and always looking to finish once he latches on to a rusher. Will be interesting to see how his offseason went once the regular season begins in a few months. [player_tooltip player_id="140479" first="Dakota" last="Egert"]: Two-way, a nasty lineman who is a powerful down blocker as an OT and always works to finish. A lot of positional versatility who also has some active hands and has solid pad level for a taller tackle. I like him more as a defensive lineman but with some solid coaching, he could turn into a mobile and mean RT at the next level. Has taken spring visits to MSU-Moorhead, SMSU, Drake, and Northern State. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-138667" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/4_DakotaEgert_1.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> [player_tooltip player_id="140479" first="Dakota" last="Egert"] - Minnetonka [player_tooltip player_id="112045" first="Jack" last="Liwienski"]: One of a couple of very impressive offensive centers in the 2023 class, Liwienski is also an impressive DT who I think would be an excellent 3T at the next level. On the offensive side of the ball, he’s got a strong initial punch and gets off the ball low and hard who gets on DTs with noticeable power. Crushing double teamer, physically dominant and imposing compared to his competition, and has quick, active feet that help him scoop and even reach DL outside of his gap. I’m a big fan of this kid and was stoked to see some D1 offers begin to pour in. Navy, NDSU, SDSU, UND, Fordham, and Army are the latest to offer the ’Tonka rising senior. [embed]https://twitter.com/JackLiwienski75/status/1517951913718947841?s=20&t=42HNeMjupFgRGXyOXYmbYQ[/embed] [player_tooltip player_id="242398" first="Cal" last="Worley"]: Another 2024 standout lineman, Worley is a stout 6’3, 250 lb. OG who can work to the second level and will try to punish you if he gets his mitts on ya. I also really like what I can see from his pass set from the interior OL and he can maneuver and adjust in space which helps his versatility in terms of what plays he can execute successfully. I’m pumped to see how he continues to progress and develop. -- The Holy Angels WRs: [player_tooltip player_id="112101" first="Chuck" last="Gilbert"] (6’2, 180 lbs.), [player_tooltip player_id="312909" first="Jaylen" last="Boehm-Peterson"] (6’3, 175 lbs.), Will Snyder (6’, 165 lbs.), Brandon Fleming (2025 - 5’8, 135 lbs.), [player_tooltip player_id="112068" first="Joe" last="Miller"] IV (TE - 6’4, 235 lbs) I’m excited to see the Stars have a deep WR corps given the fact that the program has produced one of the best wide receivers in Minnesota as well as NFL history in Larry Fitzgerald. Led by WR1 in Minnesota for 2023, AHA has some impressive size but behind WR1 Gilbert there is still a lot to prove and he could use some support to beat off double teams and continue to keep the Star’s offensive passing game humming. However, the athleticism is there, with a more than capable TE to add to the bunch in [player_tooltip player_id="112068" first="Joe" last="Miller"]. The Holy Angels offense overall has a lot of production to replace now that [player_tooltip player_id="18427" first="Emmett" last="Johnson"] has moved onto college ball, so I’m interested to see how these boys can step up now that the spotlight is on the ’23s. [player_tooltip player_id="112101" first="Chuck" last="Gilbert"]: WR1 in Minnesota’s 2023 class, Gilbert holds MSU-Mankato, Northern Iowa, and Central Michigan offers and possesses quick feet that help him cut impressively both throughout his routes and/or when the ball is in his hand. I also like his top-end speed and ball skills, and I think a big senior season would help his stock as a recruit. I realize AHA had a helluva workhorse in Nebraska signee [player_tooltip player_id="18427" first="Emmett" last="Johnson"] this past season, but I want to see Gilbert’s production and overall impact game to game increase now that he is a senior and the best player on the roster. I’ll be eagerly keeping an eye on the Holy Angels wideout next fall. [embed]https://twitter.com/chuckgilbert3_/status/1517893570153390080?s=20&t=42HNeMjupFgRGXyOXYmbYQ[/embed] [player_tooltip player_id="312909" first="Jaylen" last="Boehm-Peterson"]: Great size for both the receiver and DB position and according to the film he’s a DB first with an intriguing frame for either a CB or S. Good ball skills and physical from the CB spot which should translate well to the WR position when he’s called upon. Long, good vertical ability, and solid speed. Would love to see him get more WR reps as a senior in 2022. Will Snyder: Accomplished 7-on-7 wideout with soft hands that can run the route tree. Brandon Fleming: Non-varsity contributor in 2021 but recorded some impressive reps against JV and freshman competition. Those reps are of a high enough quality that it would not surprise me if he landed on varsity in 2022. He’s out running, out jumping, and overall was a splash play machine last fall. Can’t wait to see how he continues to grow and improve. [player_tooltip player_id="112068" first="Joe" last="Miller"] IV: Main position is at DE but he is absolutely athletic enough to contribute as a TE. Strong, and has the length and frame to possess a wide catch radius and some physical dominance at the catch point. Would also not be fun to try and tackle in the open field. The Eden Prairie Tight Ends: [player_tooltip player_id="295822" first="Jermell" last="Taylor"] (6’4, 220 lbs.), [player_tooltip player_id="112086" first="Chiddi" last="Obiazor"] (6’6, 230 lbs.) The Eden Prairie Eagles have some very well-built TEs come through their program in the last decade, with Zach Hovey, Jeff Athey, Josh Lanasa, Ben Becker, Clayton Witherspoon, and Will Mcginley all showing off impressive builds that fit their run-first, pound it down your throat offenses that have won EP many championships in the Mike Grant era. This time around, EP has a TE group with a lot of pass-catching potential and capability that will be incredibly useful in their 2022 campaign. Both of the TEs listed are more pass-first options with bigger bodies, so I want to see them prove a little bit more in the run blocking, physicality department to embody the TE position. Still, they are an impressively athletic duo who both have the potential to be the hottest TE prospects out of Eden Prairie since Zach Hovey! [player_tooltip player_id="295822" first="Jermell" last="Taylor"]: Powerfully built at 6’4, 220 and has athleticism in droves. Dynamic pass-catcher who can "Moss" opponents in 1-on-1 situations and smoothly execute screens as well as deeper routes downfield. Was used very well in 2021 and was able to get behind defenses on many occasions and most importantly, make the play. Also dynamic after the catch in how he breaks tackles. Does have some run blocking reps on his junior tape but is still primarily a pass-catcher who moves well at his size. Taylor needs more recruiting attention. [embed]https://twitter.com/jermell_taylor/status/1510384575381389316?s=20&t=42HNeMjupFgRGXyOXYmbYQ[/embed] [player_tooltip player_id="112086" first="Chiddi" last="Obiazor"]: Eye-popping length who is a handful off the edge as a pass-rushing DE. Offensively, Obiazor has a basketball background that could prove incredibly useful in the pass game and specifically in red-zone situations. Has the speed and lateral agility to dominate LBs and safeties in coverage and the vertical ability to high point the football in contested situations. Needs to work on his physicality to help out in the blocking game. [embed]https://twitter.com/ChiddiO/status/1469382599625871362?s=20&t=42HNeMjupFgRGXyOXYmbYQ[/embed] -- The St. Thomas Academy RBs: [player_tooltip player_id="19005" first="Love" last="Adebayo"] (5’8, 190 lbs.), [player_tooltip player_id="105372" first="Savion" last="Hart"] (2024 - 5’11, 190 lbs.), [player_tooltip player_id="242420" first="Cody" last="Packer"] (2024. FB - 5’9, 205 lbs.), Niko Vargas (2024 - 5’9, 155 lbs.) There is a heckuva one-two-punch in Mendota Heights for the STA Cadets in 2023 "thunder" Adebayo and "lightning" Hart. They are going to be a not-fun combo to game plan against for defensive coordinators and present one of the most dangerous backfields in all of the state. To go along with their speed and power, I’m pumped to see how the addition of fullback [player_tooltip player_id="242420" first="Cody" last="Packer"] adds to the mix because there isn’t anything better than a true fullback. These kids run hard, and with the disappointing end to the Cadet’s season in the state semis, I think they are going to be as hungry as they’ll ever be running on the fields of the St. Paul metro this coming fall. [player_tooltip player_id="19005" first="Love" last="Adebayo"]: Great YPC average as he totaled 150 carries for 1000 yards and 14 TDs in the St. Thomas Academy lengthy 2021 prep campaign. At 5’9, 190, Adebayo is a load to try and bring down and will throw out a truck stick with zero hesitation coming through the hole. He’s a fearless runner with contact balance, second effort, and quick feet, and I love watching him tote the rock. There will be a lot of broken tackles left in his wake in 2022. He’s still waiting for that first offer! [player_tooltip player_id="105372" first="Savion" last="Hart"]: Outstanding prospect in the 2024 class - especially as a RB coming out of MN. Posted 1,056 yards and 18 TDs in his 2021 sophomore season. Shifty, has the speed to eviscerate defenders’ angles and possesses balance as well. Also doesn’t have a problem running with physicality and lowering the shoulder. Can defeat tackles in just about any way asked of him and makes it look very easy to boot. Also, his speed stands out on film as only a sophomore against some of the better RB prospects in MN in the past decade. I would love to get some legit track times but we’ll see how he keeps reporting things on Twitter. Could be contention for a Gopher offer in the coming years. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-247454" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/106-Savion-Hart.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> [player_tooltip player_id="105372" first="Savion" last="Hart"] - STA [player_tooltip player_id="242420" first="Cody" last="Packer"]: The fullback of the group. Man, I love fullbacks. Great build for the position with a naturally low pad level and the nose for a big pop. Mostly a JV contributor but was a brick wall who smacked the mess out of a few kids last season. Prototypical fullback prospect who I think is going to come into 2022 angry and ready to rock someone! <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-330644" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/8-Cody-Packer-300x189.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="189" /> [player_tooltip player_id="242420" first="Cody" last="Packer"] - STA Niko Vargas: Rising junior who showed off some contact balance as a JV back last season. -- The Shakopee Sabers RBs: [player_tooltip player_id="295817" first="Jadon" last="Hellerud"] (5’10, 200 lbs.), Brandon Johnson (5’10, 200 lbs.) , [player_tooltip player_id="246045" first="Ari" last="Gaiters"] (5’10, 185 lbs.), Devin Mendez (2024 - 5’11, 170 lbs.) The Sabers had a loaded backfield in 2021 and now lose the talents of RBs Elijah Sandridge and Chandler Ross Jr. Thankfully, they have some dudes ready to step up and fill into that "next man up" mentality. Led by the powerful and ferocious Hellerud, the RB room at Shakopee all offer a different spice of running style that will keep defenses on their toes as they try to process the triple-option offense of the 6A up-and-comer. [player_tooltip player_id="295817" first="Jadon" last="Hellerud"]: Bruising, and embodies his wrestling pedigree in his running style as he will run over, slip through, cut by, stiff arm, and generally power through tackle attempts with the ease of a demolition derby truck. I wholeheartedly enjoy watching him abuse would-be defenders as well as show off some very impressive vision that helped him record more than a few electric runs last fall. Going to be one of the toughest RBs to tackle in the Metro and I am and always will be a fan of two-sport athletes who elect to play football in college. Someone needs to offer this kid. [player_tooltip player_id="246045" first="Ari" last="Gaiters"]: Received plenty of varsity reps in 2021 and had himself a particularly nice performance against Farmington where he used his smaller stature to his advantage and ducked behind blockers and downfield traffic to bob and weave to big plays and TDs against a tough Tiger defense. Solid burst, can use the sideline to his advantage and can utilize quick cuts and opponents over commitments to break tackles in different fashions. He’s got plenty of juice for the RB position and is poised for a big senior season now that the backfield of Shakopee has opened up a little. Brandon Johnson: Primarily a JV contributor but did get varsity action and popped off some big runs against the likes of Anoka and Eagan as an underclassman. Good size that can run through contact and get you extra yards. Devin Mendez: Non-varsity RB in 2021 who showed off good contact balance for his size and should be able to help provide some depth to an already loaded backfield next season. Can utilize space well and follow his blocks for big gains. -- The Bloomington Jefferson Jaguar WRs: [player_tooltip player_id="105367" first="Daniel" last="Freitag"] (2024 - 6’2, 175 lbs.), [player_tooltip player_id="313070" first="Max" last="Clark"] (5’8, 160 lbs.), [player_tooltip player_id="242487" first="Marcus" last="Lomanga"] (2024 - 6’3, 210 lbs.), Tevin Ekse (2024 - 5’8, 150 lbs.) [player_tooltip player_id="313072" first="Nathan" last="Habermas"] (6’7, 200 lbs. I’m pumped to add the other Bloomington high school team to these positional features as the Jags have what could be an outstanding WR corps in 2022. Led by the #1 two-sport star in Minnesota [player_tooltip player_id="105367" first="Daniel" last="Freitag"], there is quite a diverse array of body types and play styles in the Jefferson wideout room that would make a QB feel very secure going into a Friday night contest. There’s speed, size, length, physicality, and athleticism and with some young bucks leading the group they are only beginning to reach their potential. [player_tooltip player_id="105367" first="Daniel" last="Freitag"]: Injured for every game but opening night in 2021 but is the #1 player in the state for both football and basketball for a reason. An elite athlete with great length, vertical ability, and route-running ability. Can’t wait to watch him in a full season on the gridiron this fall. [player_tooltip player_id="313070" first="Max" last="Clark"]: Almost took a kick back to the house against Apple Valley. Solid at creating separation out of the slot and has some YAC ability thanks to some standout speed. [player_tooltip player_id="242487" first="Marcus" last="Lomanga"]: PRzMN Showcase veteran and standout with great size and a ton of positional versatility. Uses his big body to his advantage and was tough when making contested catches as well as after the catch. Primarily saw JV action in 2021. Can break off his routes pretty well for a young buck with bigger size. Tevin Ekse: Enticing body control at the wideout position who will go over the middle for potentially tough catches and I think he also got some varsity reps at DB last season. [player_tooltip player_id="313072" first="Nathan" last="Habermas"]: At 6’7, 200, Habermas presents a mismatch coverage assignment and an especially potent red-zone target. He snagged a beautiful high-point TD against Armstrong where he floated through the air and plucked the ball right out of the beautiful Friday night sky. I hope he gets some more action next fall. -- The Chaska Hawks OL: Leo Smalley (6’2.5, 265 lbs.), [player_tooltip player_id="120007" first="Kaleb" last="Rector"] (6’3, 280 lbs.) Preston Lorenz (6’2, 255 lbs.). & co. I’m not sure who the starting five is going to be for the Chaska Hawks offensive line, but I do think that I know three of them, and the trio are already experienced, good-sized bruisers who are going to be the focal point of the Hawks offense now that the accomplished RB Jack Boyle and WR [player_tooltip player_id="49909" first="Colin" last="Dussault"] have moved onto the next level of their football careers. A good football team always starts in the trenches, and if you’re looking to build a championship contender around a position group I’d always pick the OL, so to think that the Hawks are going to experience a big drop-off in 2022 would be a costly underestimation. Soar Hawks! Leo Smalley: Violent and effective puller who pulverizes opponents in the run game thanks to his quick feet, explosiveness out of his stance, and general mobility. Does a good job of re-engaging with defenders and adjusting his hands and leverage to move them where he wants them to go. Good strength at the point of attack. Definite scholarship level talent and will hope to continue a growing and strong tradition of Chaska Hawk offensive lineman. [player_tooltip player_id="120007" first="Kaleb" last="Rector"]: Coming off his first offer from DII Minnesota-Duluth. Crushing blocker with a strong initial punch who will send you flying if he gets a full head of steam. Good footwork in both the run and pass games. Preston Lorenz: Mostly played DE but has a good first step and some noticeable strength that he uses to get off blocks in run defense. --