Class of 2023 All-Upper Midwest Offensive Dream Team

Going into the summer camp season I try my best to have a loose itinerary of articles, subjects, and states I want to cover before Week 0 kickoff around the Midwest, and within this schedule, I always try and use June as a more creative, adjust on the fly, type month where I can try some different things involving the camp circuit and preseason awards. One of the things I wanted to do before camp szn hit its stride was get in a special feature involving the entire Upper Midwest, the U.S. region nearest and dearest to my heart. Generally defined as consisting of Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, I dug through dozens of programs and Hudl accounts of teams from these six greats to name one player position on a First, Second, and Honorable Mention team. I would love to see how this team of 2023s would stack up against other regional and sub-regional super teams from around the country, especially with this beefy OL paving the way. Stay posted for the upcoming & following features naming the Defensive and All-Upper Midwest 2024 teams as well. Congratulations to the selections! C/o 2023 All-Upper Midwest Offensive Team Quarterback First Team: [player_tooltip player_id="30316" first="Dante" last="Moore"] (Martin Luther King, MI) 6’2, 195 lbs. Considering Notre Dame, Michigan, LSU, and Oregon, among others Has led and won in huge, high-pressure situations against good competition. Monster production, obvious arm talent, smooth, and accurate to all levels and angles on the field. Poised and tough. Good size with room to continue to grow and fill in. One of the most recruited quarterbacks and prospects in the country for 2023. Second Team: [player_tooltip player_id="104081" first="JJ" last="Kohl"] (Ankeny, IA) 6’6, 225 lbs. Committed to Iowa State Massive build ideal for a pocket-passer. Iowa State legacy with offers from programs around the country coming out of a big-school Iowa powerhouse in Ankeny. Huge arm that allows him to make tough throws such as deep comebacks from the opposite hash and into small windows all around the field. Mobile for his size with clean mechanics and a quick release. Great pickup for Matt Campbell & co. Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id="56570" first="Lincoln" last="Kienholz"] (Riggs, SD) 2023. 6’3, 185 lbs. Considering Wisconsin, Wyoming, Washington, and NDSU Exciting gunslinger out of the Dakotas to make for two P5 QBs out of South Dakota the past two recruiting cycles. Very athletic, with great size and a lot of room to grow. Excellent production, great touch on his deep balls, and snappy arm with velocity on shorter throws and the arm strength to out-throw coverage. Passed a ton of P5 in-person eye tests and throwing evaluations. Would be surprised if he goes anywhere other than Wisco, but we’ll see. -- Running Back First Team: [player_tooltip player_id="162655" first="Cole" last="Cabana"] (Dexter, MI) 6’, 180 lbs. Committed to Michigan Speedster that has clocked near-elite times in the 100M with a 10.69 in 2021 and a 10.55 this year. Also cracked sub-22 seconds in the 200. Posted 2,187 AP yards and 28 TDs in nine games of 2021. Leads opponents, their pursuit angles, and tackle attempts in the dust. Straight-line speed is lethal. Also shifty and can help out and impact the passing game. [player_tooltip player_id="104565" first="Nate" last="White"] (Rufus King, WI) 6’, 175 lbs. Committed to Wisconsin Blew up on the recruiting scene this spring which resulted in the coveted home state offer from the Badgers, which resulted in a commitment a little more than a month later. Tallied 1,163 yards and 22 TDs in nine games of 2021. Shifty, explosive, fluid, and balanced. Easily floats and cuts by defenders and can break tackles in a variety of fashions. Has some power and pop for his size too. RBU loves them some instate ball carriers. A little ball of electricity. Second Team: [player_tooltip player_id="30346" first="Darius" last="Taylor"] (Walled Lake Western, MI) 5’11, 190 lbs. Committed to Minnesota The Golden Gopher commit out of WLW is a slippery and strong runner with an intriguingly balanced skill set and some good vision. I love seeing him easily run and slip through tackle attempts on his lower body without losing his balance, and he does a great job of setting up and exploding out of his cuts when he sticks his foot in the ground. Good speed and is a real strong runner for his size. Chose the Gophers over a plethora of Big10 offers and will be joined in Minneapolis by his current high school QB: Drew Viotto. [player_tooltip player_id="186866" first="Nolan" last="Ray"] (Brother Rice, MI) 6’, 200 lbs. Deciding between the likes of Stanford, Iowa, and Maryland, among others Rushed 145 times for 1,097 yards and 14 TDs in 2021. Also added 9 receptions for 198 yards and 2 TDs. Long strides help him pull away from defenders in the open field and I am a big fan of his patience and vision when reading and working off blocks. Good lower-body strength helps him stay upright through weaker tackle attempts at his lower body and has a long, lean 6’, 200-pound frame that is going to get even better at breaking tackles after he gets into a college strength program. Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id="112043" first="Carson" last="Hansen"] (Lakeville South, MN) 6’1, 195 lbs. Considering Iowa State and Kansas State Minnesota’s Gatorade Player of the Year as a junior in 2021, Hansen has been ultra-productive in Lakeville South’s Power-T rushing attack to the tune of 2,012 rushing yards off 168 carries for 23 TDs en route to a big-school, undefeated MN state championship. Long and athletic, Hansen shows off good burst and solid elusiveness and also contributes out of the slot as a quick-footed WR. Still some questions about where he best projects at the next level but having position versatility isn’t a bad thing! -- Wide Receiver First Team: [player_tooltip player_id="104750" first="Kai" last="Black"] (Urbandale, IA) 6’4, 205 lbs. Considering Iowa and Iowa State Great build for a 6’4 prep wideout who could possibly play TE in college depending on how he continues to grow and develop. Posted 54 receptions for 888 yards and 10 TDs last season. Strong at the catch point, displays a wide catch radius, and can catch CBs by surprise and pull away from them on deeper routes. Tough, can make catches over the middle and bounce off weaker contact and has a little bit of shake in his hips for a bigger wideout. Especially dangerous in the redzone and a strong wide receiver overall. Big in-state target for the Iowa programs. Semaj Morgan (West Bloomfield, MI) 5’10, 180 lbs. Committed to Michigan First Team All-State WR in 2021 after posting 61 receptions for 1,015 yards and 13 TDs as well as 10 kick returns for 291 yards and a TD. Jumps an outrageous 10’9 broad jump and 36" vertical. Exciting deep threat who can also turn a routine screen into a long, tackle-breaking TD run. Toasted defensive secondaries week after week in 2021 and possesses soft, strong hands that helped him snag a couple beautiful one-handed catches throughout his junior campaign. Gets out of his cuts well and is an explosive "X" receiver with game-changing speed. [player_tooltip player_id="152536" first="Alex" last="Mota"] (Marion, IA) SB. 6’1, 175 lbs. Committed to Iowa. Speed, speed, and speed. One of the fastest players in all of Iowa comes out the town of around 40K in Eastern Iowa and Marion High School in the projected slot receiver [player_tooltip player_id="152536" first="Alex" last="Mota"]. Although most of his prep experience lies at QB and safety, Mota is dynamic with or without the ball in his hands and physical when called upon, and after watching his elusiveness and play strength at 175 pounds is impressive on film. I think his range as a safety, strong lower body, and ability to drop his hips, change direction, and stride through tackle attempts will all translate well to the WR position in college. Second Team:[player_tooltip player_id="178996" first="Evan" last="Boyd"] (East Lansing, MI) 6’3, 190 lbs. Committed to Central Michigan Great size for a prep wide receiver with a long, wiry frame that would blow up in a college strength and conditioning program. Excellent hops who can get up, high point, and pluck the ball out of his air who can track and locate the ball well to boot. Long legs help him slip through tackle attempts and keep his balance and he can take a hit and stay upright well through contact. Works to get open well in zone coverage and has excellent balance and body control overall. [player_tooltip player_id="101181" first="Griffin" last="Wilde"] (Sioux Falls-Jefferson, SD) 6’2, 175 lbs. Considering South Dakota, South Dakota State, North Dakota The #1 pass catcher in the Dakotas, Wilde runs good routes and is explosive enough to help out on special teams as a kick and punt returner, where he excelled and popped off some great returns as a junior in 2021. Balanced skill set with speed, vertical ability, and YAC ability. Fearless and tough when making catches through contact. [player_tooltip player_id="112101" first="Chuck" last="Gilbert"] (Holy Angels, MN) 6’2, 180 lbs. Holds offers from Central Michigan, Northern Iowa, and MSU-Mankato. Performed well and had himself a strong day at the Golden Gophers prospect camp yesterday. Wide catch radius, possesses quick feet and a wide catch radius make him the #1 receiver prospect in the state of Minnesota for 2023. Solid speed at the top end and is a good athlete overall. Honorable Mention: Jaylin Townsend (Beecher, MI) 6’1, 160 lbs. Has visited Central Michigan Clocked a 10.75 100M dash time this spring, which should help blow up his recruitment. Dangerous after the catch, where you see that verified track speed show up in droves. Can run a variety of routes and impact special teams as well. Explosive with the ball in his hands. -- Tight End First Team: [player_tooltip player_id="234420" first="Khamari" last="Anderson"] (Cass Tech, MI) 6’4, 225 lbs. Committed to Cincinnati Highly touted and a great pickup for the defending CFB Playoff entrant Bearcats. Freaky fluid and smooth for a 6;4, 225+ pound TE prospect who runs like a WR and blocks like an OL. Long, physical, and shows dominance as both a pass-catcher as well as a blocker. Sky-high ceiling and talent as a TE/DE at Detroit powerhouse Cass Tech. [player_tooltip player_id="30328" first="Brennan" last="Parachek"] (Dexter, MI) 6’6, 250 lbs. Committed to Michigan State Committed to the Spartans to play both football and baseball. Massive side with a large, enticing frame that is mobile and fluid for his size with scary-impressive body control and moves after the catch. Long, dynamic, and also mean and physical as a blocking TE or on the defensive side of the ball as a DE. Natural football player with talent and the ability to dominate on any given rep. Second Team: [player_tooltip player_id="112125" first="Sam" last="Peters"] (Maple Grove, MN) 6’4, 225 lbs. Has worked very hard to transform his body and add 40 pounds to his 6’4 frame since he first got on college program’s radars, and possesses the athleticism, mobility, and blocking tenacity in person enough to have the Minnesota Golden Gophers offer him his first P5 scholarship yesterday. Junior tape shows an athlete with a great frame that can make a big impact in the passing game who runs a larger route tree than most TEs. Helped lead the Crimson to a big-school state championship appearance in 2021. [player_tooltip player_id="104763" first="Carson" last="Rhodes"] (Nevada, IA) 6’7, 245 lbs. Committed to Iowa State Younger brother of Augustana University (SD) and former Nevada playmaking machine Ayden Rhodes, younger brother Carson blew his brother’s DII recruitment out of the water and is a bonafide P5 TE prospect who signed with the instate Cyclones. Outstanding length for a TE who can swipe back and run the seam successfully in the passing game but does his best work as a run blocker. Great technique, strength, and effort as a blocker, and is mobile enough to block in space and tough enough to lead blocker through the hole as an HB. Three-down TE prospect who is going to turn into a monster in the Cyclones weight program. Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id="206422" first="Nollenn" last="Tabaska"] (Brookfield East) 6’7, 230 lbs. Holds offers from Central Michigan and Army West Point The #1 TE in a state that has produced some monster TEs in the past, Tabaska caught 14 balls for 243 yards and 4 TDs in 2021. Plays WR in high school but will man the TE spot at the next level. Legit threat in the passing game who can win 50/50 balls and hurt defenses deep. Can overwhelm smaller defenders with his length as a run blocker. -- Offensive Line First Team: [player_tooltip player_id="24023" first="Kadyn" last="Proctor"] (Southeast Polk) LT. 6’7, 330 lbs. Considering Iowa, Penn State, Michigan, Oregon, and Alabama among others Extremely athletic, bendy, flexible, and mobile for a gargantuan 6’7, 330+. 5-star talent who is going to be playing big-time football on Sundays soon. You don’t see big guys this athletic very often. [player_tooltip player_id="30318" first="Amir" last="Herring"] (West Bloomfield, MI) LG. 6’3, 280 lbs. Considering Michigan and Nebraska as finalists Very bendy in his stance. Can play OT or OG who can pull, reach, and seal very well for an interior lineman of that size. Great hand placement who works to finish extremely well and has some solid initial pop. [player_tooltip player_id="30317" first="Johnathan" last="Slack"] (Martin Luther King, MI) iOL. 6’3, 275 lbs. Committed to Michigan State. 3x All-State, 3x All-Region, and a First Team Dream Team pick in the state of Michigan. Plays for one of the traditionally strongest programs in Michigan and the entire Midwest. Quick-footed can work to the edge and block in space, da has a compact, sturdy build, and is always looking to finish. [player_tooltip player_id="112069" first="Jerome" last="Williams"] (Osseo, MN) iOL. 6’4, 285 lbs. Committed to Minnesota #1 offensive lineman in Minnesota and a four-star prospect who made for an athletic and notable pickup for the home state Gophers. Mobile, explosive out of his stance, and impressive in both the run and pass blocking game, where he can maintain good body position and work to finish. [player_tooltip player_id="112105" first="Greg" last="Johnson"] (Prior Lake, MN) OT. 6’5, 280 lbs. Committed to Minnesota Flexible, strong, and a newcomer to the P5 recruiting scene who made for a steal of a commitment for the instate Gophers before programs around the Midwest and the country could stick their heads in the mix. Experienced and aggressive in both run and pass blocking situations and can get downfield and lead block like a FB or TE as opposed to an OT. Best football is in front of him. Second Team: [player_tooltip player_id="323526" first="Aaron" last="Bradley"] (Southfield, MI) OT. 6’6, 275 lbs. Holds offers from the likes of Louisville, Minnesota, Purdue, and Jackson St [player_tooltip player_id="30321" first="Cole" last="Dellinger"] (Clarkston, MI) iOL. 6’4, 280 lbs. Considering LSU and Michigan State, among others [player_tooltip player_id="246024" first="Reese" last="Tripp"] (Kasson-Mantorville, MN) OL. 6’7, 330 lbs. Committed to Minnesota [player_tooltip player_id="30324" first="Dylan" last="Senda"] (Divine Child, MI) iOL. 6’5, 280 lbs. Committed to Northwestern [player_tooltip player_id="241276" first="Jacob" last="Booth"] (Swartz Creek, MI) LT. 6’5, 250 lbs. Holds offers from Kansas, Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, and more Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id="295969" first="Beau" last="Johnson"] (Spring Lake Park, MN) OT. 6’7, 250 lbs. Committed to North Dakota State [player_tooltip player_id="323538" first="Matthew" last="Nehf"] (Dewitt, MI) iOL. 6’4, 275 lbs. Holds offers from Central Michigan, Kent State, Western Michigan [player_tooltip player_id="112042" first="Grant" last="Chapman"] (Anoka, MN) iOL. 6’5, 280 lbs. Holds offers from Kansas, Kansas State, Iowa State [player_tooltip player_id="104378" first="Brandt" last="Rice"] (Wausau West, WI) iOL. 6’5, 285 lbs. Holds over 15 D1 FCS and FBS offers [player_tooltip player_id="146547" first="Thomas" last="Paasch"] (Green Bay SW, WI) 6’6, 295 lbs. Committed to Northern Illinois -- Athlete First Team: [player_tooltip player_id="19001" first="Jaxon" last="Howard"] (Robbinsdale Cooper, MN) 6’4, 250 lbs. Deciding between Minnesota, Miami, LSU, and USC. Plays TE and DE in the outer-ring Minneapolis suburb of Robbinsdale. Blue-chip prospect who is physically dominant at the point of attack no matter what position he plays. As a TE, he can play all three downs and flex out wide as well as block or run routes as an in-line TE. Moves like he’s 50-60 pounds lighter and is too big and strong for DBs to maneuver around or move through to break the ball up. Play strength and technique is excellent as a blocker and he’s the biggest, baddest dude out on the field every game he plays in. Can’t wait to see where he ends up. [player_tooltip player_id="24030" first="Jamison" last="Patton"] (Ankeny, IA) QB/DB. 6’2, 190 lbs. Deciding between Iowa State, Nebraska, UCLA, Iowa Transferred from Des Moines-Roosevelt to powerhouse Ankeny this past offseason, where he’ll most likely play WR. Dual-threat QB who projects to DB at the next level. Strong, smooth, and dangerous with the ball in his hands. Second Team: [player_tooltip player_id="105190" first="Kooper" last="Ebel"] (Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn, IA) QB/S. 6’3, 200 lbs. Holds offers from Nebraska, Iowa, Vanderbilt, Iowa State among others QB/LB combination with a ton of power in the contact department and arm strength as a passer. Also efficient with the ball in his hands with good speed for his size and a variety of means to break tackles. Absolute thumper on the defensive side of the ball. [player_tooltip player_id="152617" first="Zach" last="Lutmer"] (Central Lyon, IA) QB/S. Committed to Iowa Just recently committed to play B1G football in his home state for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Rushed for 1,246 yards and 31 TDs on offense and posted 47 tackles, 4 INTs and 2 FFs on defense and projects to safety at the next level. Quick, balanced, and overall very dynamic. Lined up all over the field in 2021 and could do anything asked of him offensively or defensively. Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id="104114" first="Nolan" last="DeLong"] (Durant, IA) RB/LB. 6’1, 200 lbs. Holds offers from Northern Iowa and St. Thomas Classic small town, two-way Iowa prep prospect with toughness and power. Rushed for 1,591 yards and 18 TDs in 2021 as a RB and 60 tackles and 8 TFLs on defense. Solid combination of speed and strength as a tailback who can finish big plays and break tackles with speed, quickness, or physicality. Another natural football player who can do whatever asked of him on the prep gridiron. --