Minnesota's Best Offensive Lineup Going into '22: All Classes

I thought it would be fun to switch things up and give you guys a more entertaining feature as we grind through another offseason without football so I borrowed this idea from our PRzOregon scout [player_tooltip player_id="242423" first="Jordan" last="Johnson"] and am excited to present to you guys this special PRzMN article spanning all classes (2023-2026) of MN prep football: Minnesota’s Best Offensive Lineup Going into 2022. Super teams are always an amusing creation to build at the high school as offseason arguments of whose state, which class, and what positions are stronger cross the minds of football-hungry fans and followers such as our lovely subscribers at PrepRedzoneMN. With things beginning to solidify themselves among the top recruits in the state for the 2023 class and some compelling buzz building in the ’24 class of MN, I figured now is as good of a time as any to put together the best 11 high school offensive players in Minnesota regardless of class, school, division, or college projection. Just for fun, I even provided a second-team for you guys to scour and potentially debate. Stay tuned for the upcoming defensive feature as well. Thanks for reading! MN’s Best Offensive Lineup -- Quarterback: [player_tooltip player_id="105379" first="Tanner" last="Zolnosky"] (East Ridge) 5’11, 190 lbs. Junior. Got the nod over QB1 in the 2023 class due to a more pass-first skillset and projection to the QB position in college. Have known about and seen Zolnosky since he was a young freshman and have seen noticeable improvements and gains both physically and in his overall passing ability. Was the first 2024 in the class to receive a D1 offer as Bowling Green State pulled the trigger in early February. Captain of the Raptors as a junior. Touch, toughness, and accuracy are probably my three favorite traits on tape. I also like his mobility in and outside of the pocket and how he keeps his eyes downfield when evading pressure and can deliver the ball at a variety of angles and "off-platform" as the new buzzword goes. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-247444" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/96-Tanner-Zolnosky.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> [player_tooltip player_id="105379" first="Tanner" last="Zolnosky"] - ER Running Back: [player_tooltip player_id="112043" first="Carson" last="Hansen"] (Lakeville South) 6’1, 195 lbs. Senior. There’s still positional uncertainty for the Lakeville South senior stat monster [player_tooltip player_id="112043" first="Carson" last="Hansen"] at the college level, but there’s no doubt he’s the most dangerous and productive RB in Minnesota this coming fall. Very much earned his first two P5 offers from Iowa State and Kansas State in March. Returning Gatorade POY in Minnesota with great burst, short-area quickness, and top-end speed. I’ve broken his game down a ton so I’ll keep it short, but Hansen is my guy and I’m his #1 fan. Lot of versatility in his length, athleticism, and natural talent and is a monster of an assignment to handle in the Cougar’s Power-T running attack. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-138731" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/05/74_CarsonHansen_1.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> [player_tooltip player_id="112043" first="Carson" last="Hansen"] - LS [player_tooltip player_id="112044" first="Sawyer" last="Seidl"] (Hill-Murray) 5’10, 170 lbs. Senior. Electric, pure RB with an accomplished resume going into his last year of high school ball who I also loved watching play a ton of minutes in the MN state hockey tournament this past winter for the Pioneers. Holds three D1 offers from New Mexico State, Western Illinois, and Army West Point. Put up 18 TDs last fall and is going to post some eye-popping stats this fall thanks to his burning speed and efficient vision. I love watching his film; he popped off a ton of long TDs last fall where he barely was touched and made it look very easy. It’s well into two minutes of his junior tape until you see him get tackled. A big senior season should help catapult his recruiting stock. Wide Receiver: X: [player_tooltip player_id="105367" first="Daniel" last="Freitag"] (Bloomington Jefferson) 6’3, 170 lbs. Junior. Has a good case as the most athletic player in the state, regardless of age. Took the First Team "X" spot over a senior as I think his hunger and competitiveness is going to equal some impressive production after he missed almost all of his sophomore football season to an injury that he is 100% back from. I’m hoping he can add a P5 football offer to his high-major basketball offers. Going to have an outrageous catch radius and will be a nightmare in 1-on-1 contested-catch situations. I’m very excited to see how he runs with the ball in his hands, and I already know he’s got hip flexibility and an elite vertical on his 6’3 frame that would look a lot better in pads than a basketball jersey in this humble scout’s opinion. Make sure to stay on top of his Hudl game highlights week to week. Z: [player_tooltip player_id="112055" first="Joey" last="Krouse"] (Prior Lake) 5’10, 180 lbs. Senior. Have covered Krouse a lot, especially recently, but the Prior Lake 2023er is one of the most dynamic offensive weapons in the state and will be a focal point in 2022 as the Lakers hope to make a legit push for a 6A state championship. Krouse has a nose for the endzone and takes advantage of mismatches in coverage out of the slot and occasionally in the backfield. Quick, balanced, and can stack and pull away from DBs when the ball is in the air. I like his hands as well. Offensive Line: RT: [player_tooltip player_id="112042" first="Grant" last="Chapman"] (Anoka) 6’5, 280 lbs. Senior. People are sleeping on the next best prospect from Anoka, who put the 2023 OL class of Minnesota on the map when he was the first to receive a P5 offer when Iowa State pulled the trigger in February of 2021. He also holds Kansas and Kansas State offers, but all of those happened in ’21, so I’m hoping things will pick back up during the camp circuit this summer. Is strong enough to finish big DEs from around the Metro, is experienced in pass protection, and looks like he has a good pass set, can pull, and has the bend to handle speed rushes to either shoulder. Needs some strong senior film to solidify himself as a P5 offensive lineman as well. RG: [player_tooltip player_id="246024" first="Reese" last="Tripp"] (Kasson-Mantorville) 6’7, 325 lbs. Senior. One of all of the monster OL prospects to make this super team I think I would least like to go against the outstate behemoth. Tripp has one of the highest ceilings in the state - no pun intended - and is still growing into his hulking 6’7, 325-pound frame, a fact that must be scary for 2022 opponents who I bet are already anticipating that matchup against KM in the regular season and beyond. Moves well at his size and can maneuver and block in space, shows some explosiveness through contact, bullies smaller opponents, and gets off the ball well. Lots of run blocking experience so we still have to see how his feet and bend translate to pass pro at the college level, but as a high school OT in Minnesota he’s going to be a dominant force and physical presence throughout the southern part of the state, Class 4A, and all of Minnesota. He’s going to play tackle in college but for the sake of this team, he’ll play RG due to his run blocking prowess and Chapman’s experience in pass pro against Metro DEs. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-247422" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/71-Reese-Tripp.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> [player_tooltip player_id="246024" first="Reese" last="Tripp"] - KM OC: [player_tooltip player_id="112045" first="Jack" last="Liwienski"] (Minnetonka) 6’3, 275 lbs. Senior. Liwienski has been a prospect I have particularly pushed for in the recruiting space, and although I hate using "I" statements when it comes to how I do or do not influence MN prep exposure, I felt particularly vindicated when the ’Tonka product reeled in his now double-digit list of college football offers at the FBS and FCS levels, especially from the NDSU Bison. Fires off the ball, plays low, and is quick in both his hands and feet. Great size for a high school iOL and is physically dominant and aggressive like his Skipper counterparts before him. LG: [player_tooltip player_id="112069" first="Jerome" last="Williams"] (Osseo) 6’4, 285 lbs. Senior. Fans of MN prep football always look forward to watching kids from their home state at the next level - especially when they’re going to be Gophers - but I’m going to be feeling extra grateful every week to watch Williams play high school ball for the Osseo Orioles. Athletic, explosive, physically strong, and impressive in both run and pass blocking. Always looking to finish. Legit NFL potential and is a kid I am particularly stoked to watch in college for the hometown team. Coached by my former DC Ryan Stockhaus, who is now the HC at Osseo. I’ll namedrop him at every opportunity given, he’s a special leader of young men and a great dude to hang out with now that I’m older and grown-up. LT: [player_tooltip player_id="112105" first="Greg" last="Johnson"] (Prior Lake) 6’5, 280 lbs. Senior. The fastest rising 2023 in the state in terms of under-appreciated skill & talent, Johnson has shot up from basically unknown to a Top-3 level talent in the state of Minnesota in the matter of a month or two. Has the bend and flexibility to play tackle in the Big10 and is impressive in space at a legit 6’5, 280 who can continue to block and find work downfield against faster, quicker LBs and DBs. Strong technique, is great at using his understanding of leverage to finish blocks, and best of all is still growing and adding muscle. Plays like he is comfortable in his body and overall moves very well for his size. Also has been competing against fellow Gopher commit [player_tooltip player_id="112052" first="Martin" last="Owusu"] - a defensive lineman - for now, four years, so that’s some good competition in practice to see every day. Going to be a good fall for Mr. Johnson. Tight End (Y): [player_tooltip player_id="19001" first="Jaxon" last="Howard"] (Robbinsdale Cooper) 6’4, 245 lbs. Senior. Highest profile recruit in the past decade. Biggest name in Minnesota for the class of 2023 with NFL upside, athleticism, and family genetics. You’ll be seeing him on the defensive team as well. Second Team: Quarterback: [player_tooltip player_id="112054" first="Jacob" last="Kilzer"] (Maple Grove) 6’3, 200 lbs. Senior. Coming off his first D1 scholarship offer from Ohio a day, which came to him as an athlete. Also has an FCS roster from St. Thomas as a quarterback. Recently posted some impressive numbers at the Elite11 Regional in Las Vegas that totaled a 92.55 overall rating. Posted a legit 4.66 40, 31.3 vertical, 4.25 shuttle, and 34.5’ power ball toss. Strong-armed, will stand in there and make accurate passes through contact and is elusive and dangerous when he tucks the ball and runs. Also has played in some big games, and high-pressure situations, and is also an accomplished baseball player. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-330781" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/159-Jacob-Kilzer-300x237.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="237" /> [player_tooltip player_id="112054" first="Jacob" last="Kilzer"] - MG Running Back: [player_tooltip player_id="19005" first="Love" last="Adebayo"] (St. Thomas Academy) 5’8, 190 lbs. Senior. I double dipped with Cadet RBs and couldn’t help myself when picking both senior Adebayo and junior Hart to this All-Minnesota Offensive feature. My favorite thunder & lightning combo in MN for 2022, Adebayo possesses contact balance, quick feet, and power in his game and will run you over like an F150 over a plastic bag on the highway. I love RBs with a lower center of gravity and toughness in droves and Adebayo checks a lot of those boxes and makes him very fun to watch in my opinion. [player_tooltip player_id="105372" first="Savion" last="Hart"] (St. Thomas Academy) 5’11, 190 lbs. Junior. The lightning to Adebayo’s thunder, Hart is a natural RB with game-breaking speed and the ability to break tackles in any way asked of him. Big play tailback as a sophomore going against tough 5A competition whose speed is obvious and noticeable on film and looks like it’s to the level of a P5 back. Good size and still growing. Also a huge fan of his shiftiness. <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 Wide Receiver: X: [player_tooltip player_id="112101" first="Chuck" last="Gilbert"] (Holy Angels) 6’2, 180 lbs. Senior. Was recently featured in my "8 Metro Offensive Units in 2022" as a part of a talented Holy Angels WR corps that should stand out among Metro wide receiver rooms this fall. Quick, solid route runner at the prep level, and has ball skills you’d like to see from a 6’2 pass catcher. Solid speed for his size as well. Going to be a big summer and fall for Mr. Gilbert as he tries to build on early Central Michigan and UNI offers from 2021. Z: [player_tooltip player_id="295959" first="Demeir" last="Flemino"] (East Ridge) 6’, 160 lbs. Senior. A top newcomer in the 2023 PRzMN rankings update, Flemino has some strength in his 160-pound frame that shows up in how he breaks tackles as well as how he blocks. Can drop his hips in and out of his breaks to create separation and is dangerous as both a vertical threat and in the open field. Should be able to get some buzz going around him when he starts breaking ankles during 1-on-1s at college camps this summer. Offensive Line: RT: [player_tooltip player_id="19004" first="Peyton" last="Lange"] (SMB) 6’9, 375 lbs. Senior. Possesses eye-popping size and the strength that comes with it is simply too hard to ignore. Crushing run blocker and does have pass pro experience. Experienced (I believe this is four years of starting varsity reps), and was named captain of the Wolfpack squad for this coming season. RG: [player_tooltip player_id="19003" first="Ryan" last="Retzer"] (Belle Plaine) 6’3, 285 lbs. Senior. Four-year varsity starter on the gridiron going both ways who will be named All-District four times after this fall has concluded. Also a three-sport athlete with a 3.9 GPA for an overall impressive resume going into his last season of high school football. Violent puller with a strong initial punch who can also break down and block smaller defenders in the open field. Great foot drive who can get up and under opponents’ pads and work to finish blocks after some re-engagement work. Strong, quick-footed, and can operate in a zone-blocking scheme. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-100080" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/01/2-9-4-crop-510x335-1611613560-300x197.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="197" /> [player_tooltip player_id="19003" first="Ryan" last="Retzer"] - BP OC: [player_tooltip player_id="112090" first="Noah" last="Lindsay"] (Rosemount) 6’1, 280 lbs. Senior. All-District in football and All-Conference in track and field. Currently holds two DII NSIC offers at the time of this article’s publishing. Offensive center and leader of the Rosemount OL thump to him and noticeable strength both at the initial contact point and when he works and rips opponents to the turf. Great technique and understanding of zone blocking. Reps against some of the best defensive linemen in the state during the regular season and also in his high school program. LG: [player_tooltip player_id="295969" first="Beau" last="Johnson"] (Spring Lake Park) 6’7, 250 lbs. Senior. One of two or three prospects in the 2023 class who I underestimated and ranked too low given their ability, Johnson was just hard to read and get a good look at on tape and I misjudged his athleticism at 6’7, 250+. Johnson is a run-blocking specialist with great bend for 6’7 and a good get-off at the LOS, and a frame that makes college strength and conditioning coordinators drool with excitement. His best football is in front of him. Plays OT for SLP but I slide him inside for this article due to his run blocking experience at the prep level. LT: [player_tooltip player_id="241907" first="Luke" last="Speedling"] (Minnetonka) 6’4, 245 lbs. Junior. Had a tough time choosing between the ’Tonka product and another Metro-area 2024 OL standout but ultimately chose Speedling due to some pass pro reps on his sophomore tape and nice strength as only a 230-pound underclassman LT for the Skippers in 2021. Works to finish against bigger opponents thanks to some nice leg drive and understanding of leverage. I’ve mentioned it before but if he can clean up his footwork in his pass set I think he’s got the chance to be another high-profile OL prospect. Tight End (Y): [player_tooltip player_id="112125" first="Sam" last="Peters"] (Maple Grove) 6’4, 220 lbs. Senior. The next FBS-level TE prospect out of MN who is grinding for that coveted P5 offer that will hopefully come to fruition this summer camp szn or doing/directly after the 2022 fall season. Currently holds 12 Division 1 and 8 FBS offers as a tight end. Intriguing frame that should be able to add and hold weight well. Legit receiving threat from the TE position who can pull away from defenders in the open field and make catches through contact. Also shows some capability as a blocker out in space or as an inline TE.