PRzMN 2024 Rankings Update: Oliver's Favorite DBs, OLBs, Sleepers

I'm looking to round out my PrepRedzoneMN 2024 summer rankings update content with a hodgepodge wrap-up featuring long, rangy, and/or well-built DBs, standup OLBs with some promising edge presence, and some hard hitters & other miscellaneous favorite prospects of mine that I am a fan of for one reason or another. This one was a fun one for me to write and I hope you enjoy it as well. Stay tuned for the upcoming class of 2023 official rankings update followed up by my favorite time of the year: Preseason All-State. Thanks for reading! Rangy Defensive Backs [player_tooltip player_id="105417" first="Zechariah" last="Ladu"] (Rochester John Marshall) Safety. 6'4, 185 lbs. @LaduZach If we're being honest, of all the studs in the MN 2024 I may be most interested in the development of 6'4, 185ish pound Rochester John Marshall safety Zach Ladu. His eye-popping size and outrageous length make the already-impressive second play of his highlights even more impressive, where he covers a ton of ground as the boundary safety and goes across field to the opposite hash to beautifully undercut a pass against Northfield. He is also an absolute hammer as a tackler and one of the hardest hitters in the state in the class of 2024 and showcases his athleticism in offensive situations as a WR and PR. His DB film gets me the most excited though. He runs like a deer and shows very exciting range in run support and coverage for a 6'4 safety. I am very very excited about this young man's potential and future. [player_tooltip player_id="105393" first="James" last="Mankaka"] (Rochester Mayo) CB. 5'10, 170 lbs. @JamesMankaka The younger brother of 2022 Clemson Tiger PWO WR commit Michael, younger brother [player_tooltip player_id="105393" first="James" last="Mankaka"] plays on the defensive side of the ball as a CB and possesses length and ball skills, just like big bro. He'll also smack ya at 170 pounds and laid some big hits for an underclassman corner. There's a rep around :35 seconds into his tape that I really liked against Mankato West where the Rochester product shows off a smooth backpedal, breaks on the wideout's inside fake, but then smoothly plants his foot in the ground and flips his hips to man-turn into the WR and melt into him enough to disrupt him getting under the football. He also can break on the ball quickly and looks as athletic as his brother, who may be the biggest dark horse of a prospect in MN's 2022 class. Rochester is loaded with talent this fall! [player_tooltip player_id="105378" first="Simon" last="Seidl"] (Hill-Murray) DB/KR. 6', 170 lbs. @simonseidl88 I was outwardly excited when I finally got ahold of [player_tooltip player_id="105378" first="Simon" last="Seidl"]'s sophomore film, as it was the first tape I've ever seen from him after having him on my radar since right before his freshman year began. The younger brother of RB1 in MN's 2023 class, Simon is a dangerous returner with good vision and elusiveness who also showed off his speed on the third play of his sophomore highlights where he hawked down a loose Tartan RB thirty yards downfield. He's also got a great rep more than a minute into his tape where he makes a tackle on kickoff coverage so fast it looks like he was shot out of a cannon. Out on the perimeter as a corner I like his backpedal, ability to start and stop out of his breaks, and what looks like some pretty loose hips. He's dynamic, physical, and does everything with 100% effort. I would not be surprised at all to see his ranking move up upon the next update. It's a fun film, check it out: <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2HYJV0">Soph. SZN</a> [player_tooltip player_id="241912" first="Isaac" last="Davis"] (Park Center) S. 5'11, 175 lbs. @Isaac_Davis1 I just wrote about Davis a dayish ago in the 2025 rankings update top Stock Risers feature so I don't want to repeat myself here, but this kid is a heckuva tackler, and that's coming from a guy whose favorite part about football and watching film is tackling. I could watch him run the alley all day, and he's rangy in his pursuit and can go sideline-to-sideline after the ball. For 175 pounds he'll freeze a ball carrier in his tracks and can lay some strong tackles in tough 1-on-1 situations. He's one of the best tacklers in the class and saw his ranking rise in the latest update. We'll see if he's done! <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-327449" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/66-Isaac-Davis.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> Davis [player_tooltip player_id="242378" first="Will" last="Steil"] (Rocori) CB. 6'1, 185 lbs. @will_steil25 Another player who I'll keep it shorter with as I just wrote about him a couple of days ago, Steil is one of the most technically sound DBs on this list and brings size and length to the CB position. He does a great job of getting his head around and locating the ball quickly while in coverage and understands how to defend the edge and the sideline in run support. With the bloodlines of his brother - a former two-sport beast and D1 baseball signee - the future is bright for the Rocori rising junior athlete. [player_tooltip player_id="241915" first="Obe" last="Eyafe"] (Andover) S. 6'2, 190 lbs. @OEyafe Rangy in both his frame and how much ground he can cover in coverage + run support, Eyafe is one of the hardest hitters in the class regardless of position, and he plays with violence, aggression, and speed. If you haven't yet, check out my recent feature highlighting some c/o 2024 JV contributors who are set to break out on the varsity scene this coming fall. Eyafe and 16 more rising juniors are featured: [embed]https://prepredzone.com/2022/06/przmn-2024-rankings-update-jv-players-set-to-breakout-in-22/[/embed] [player_tooltip player_id="242405" first="Grady" last="Rannow"] (SMB) S. 6'1, 185 lbs. @grady_rannow The SMB Wolfpack has been a hotbed for DB talent the past few years - especially for my beloved St. Olaf Oles as well as the Iowa State Cyclones - and bring another well-built and experienced safety to the recruiting table in rising junior Rannow. In his sophomore season of 2021, he posted 42 tackles, 6 TFLs, 4 PBUs, 1 FF, and an INT and shows some excellent pursuit angles on film. He's consistent at keeping outside leverage on the ball carrier and forces them to cut back inside and can tackle in space as well as cover out of the slot. Good tackling form as well! [player_tooltip player_id="242450" first="Sam" last="Haug"] (Concordia Academy) S. 6', 200 lbs. @SamTyHaug More of a SS/OLB hybrid, Haug can take advantage of QB mistakes and picked off passes and laid good hits as a flat/curl defender but also has a rep of him carrying a WR or TE downfield and breaking up a pass down the seam. He can line up and cover out of the slot, blitz as a standup OLB, and tackle strongly in space with a full head of steam. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-330707" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/82-Sam-Haug-300x192.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="192" /> Haug [player_tooltip player_id="368533" first="Owen" last="Beyer"] CB. 6'1, 170 lbs. @OwenBeyer6 In ten games of 2021, the Huskies cornerback posted 18 tackles, 6 PBUs, 1 INT, and gave up 0 TDs in coverage out on the perimeter for Owatonna's defense. His long arms are an asset at breaking up passes at the point of the catch and help him to stay in position when covering bigger and more physical wideouts who try to box him out to secure a catch. When he gets his head around and has time to locate the ball he can make some nice plays on the rock as well. Promising OLB Prospects [player_tooltip player_id="105369" first="Sam" last="Macy"] (Chanhassen) 6'5, 205 lbs. @SamMacy13 One of the most appealing prospects in MN's 2024 class and a part of three stud LBs in the Top-10 rankings after the latest update, Macy is long, lean, and explosive, and is the most dangerous EDGE defender in his class. A standup OLB who does his best work from the 5T spot, Macy who can beat blocks with speed or power, he was a nightmare for opposing QBs last season. He can lay the boom, shows a strong punch and a little bit of bend, and has already caught the attention of the Golden Gophers, who hosted him on a gameday visit last fall. He's going to be a good one! [player_tooltip player_id="241905" first="Tykeilan" last="Moore"] (Fridley) 6'2, 195 lbs. @TykeilanM A 2x All-Conference track & field selection and All-Conference HM pick on the gridiron, Moore uses his long arms to get his hands up into passing lanes as well as separate and work around blocks and his long legs to run down ball carriers in pursuit. He also uses that track athleticism to help contribute offensively as a WR. It'll be a big year for him and his recruiting stock. [player_tooltip player_id="224835" first="Cooper" last="DeSutter"] (Eastview) 6'1, 195 lbs. @C_DeSutter Playing varsity Metro ball with the big boys, DeSutter reads and diagnoses plays well, and does a good job of holding the edge. He is capable of sticking his foot in the ground and getting upfield quickly as well as avoiding blocks with quick feet and active hands. He does a good job of breaking down before a tackle and I like the angles he uses to get to the ball as well. Eastview has more than a few exciting 2024s about to enter their first year as upperclassmen, without a doubt including DeSutter. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-327469" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/04/110-Cooper-DeSutter.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="200" /> DeSutter [player_tooltip player_id="242380" first="Logan" last="Ness"] (Coon Rapids) 6'2, 160 lbs. @LoganNess6 Also, a standout baseball player who will captain the Cards baseball team this spring, Ness could use a sandwich or two, but despite being undersized he's got some good film and posted 62 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a FF last fall on varsity for CR's defense. He has some impressive reps of running down QBs thanks to how quickly he can get upfield and cover ground in pursuit. He triggers and flies to the football impressively and with intent and is also a strong tackler for 160ish pounds. I can't wait for his junior film. [player_tooltip player_id="242425" first="Owen" last="Graner"] (Winona) 6', 175 lbs. @owengraner Can operate around the LOS or even in the defensive backfield as a safety. The Winona 2024 laid some big hits as a sophomore and is a strong tackler and is effective as a blitzer, edge defender, and in zone coverage. I really like how Winhawk defenders play and tackle and Graner is no exception. He's got a rep where he explodes through a hit on kickoff coverage that made for one of the biggest smacks I saw out of the 2024 class of Minnesotans. [player_tooltip player_id="368531" first="Matthew" last="Heinen"] (Champlin Park) 6'1, 205 lbs. @MatthewHeinen12 Thick and physical, Heinen has the speed to play on the outside and is strong enough to bang heads as an inside LB and eat blocks from interior offensive lineman and fullbacks. Made some impressive tackles while opponents were still engaged and blocking him. Having the 6A varsity experience he had as a sophomore will be useful these next two seasons. A few of my Favorite Sleepers [player_tooltip player_id="205273" first="Damian" last="Tapio"] (Mountain Iron-Buhl) RB. 5'8, 180 lbs. @DamianTapio21 An electric 9man RB, Tapio broke six tackles on the opening run of his highlights and broke through the tackles like a knife through room temperature butter. His strong lower body helps him power through contact and pull away from defenders in pursuit of him in the open field. Opponents look scared to hit him straight up in his sophomore tape and his dangerous combination of speed and strength helped him create a diverse variety of highlights and broken tackles in his wake. Also a standout wrestler and baseball player, Tapio is one of the best 9man players in the entire state and is a small-school sleeper of a RB in MN's 2024 class. [player_tooltip player_id="105371" first="Monte" last="Gillman"] (Dassel-Cokato) RB. 5'7, 175 lbs. @montegillman Extremely athletic, Gillman is the younger brother of 2022 PRzMN POY and Montana Grizz signee Eli Gillman and shares his brother's splash play ability and play strength, only in a smaller package. Monte averaged 7.8 yards per carry last season and will be a four-year starter for Dassel-Cokato when his prep career is all said and done. At 5'7, 175 pounds he is explosive as a ball carrier who can run by you untouched or run you over, especially for a smaller back. Remember that athleticism I mentioned? Monte came off the edge as a PAT blocker and actually caught the kick out of the air right off the kicker's foot for a play I have never seen before in my many years of watching football. I wouldn't worry about the size when recruiting this kid; someone is going to get a stud. <img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-330870" src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/Monte-Gillman5-300x240.jpg" alt="" width="300" height="240" /> Gillman [player_tooltip player_id="368596" first="Taran" last="Blasy"] (Park of Cottage Grove) LB. 6'1, 200 lbs. @taran_blasy Earned one of my notable "hard hitter" marks while I was evaluating film for the 2024 update. Blasy has good size and varsity experience for a rising junior and posted 41 tackles and a safety last season for the Wolfpack. He'll go head-to-head with a RB in the A or B gap with no issues and also crushed some opponents as a blocking RB in pass protection and on kickoff coverage. He's powerful at the point of contact and plays with a high motor to boot. [player_tooltip player_id="368597" first="Riley" last="Peters"] (Pequot Lakes) OL/DL. 6'2, 260 lbs. Another prospect who earned a "hard hitter" note from me on my rankings update evals, Peters is a bruiser as an offensive guard and DT who is a destructive puller but also has the feet to mobility to pull off reach blocks and opposing DTs. I like his pop! [player_tooltip player_id="242420" first="Cody" last="Packer"] (St. Thomas Academy) FB. 5'9, 210 lbs. @CodyPacker_ The purest fullback in the 2024 class, and if you've read my stuff for a while you know I love me a fullback. Packer has no problem sticking his facemask into an opponent's chest and taking on taller opponents between the tackles or out in space. Primarily played JV in 2021 but after another offseason in the weight room, I have a feeling he's going to be seeing a lot more varsity action this fall. With great, natural pad level and a ton of pop in his pads, he's awesome to watch if you like fullbacks. <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" /> Packer [player_tooltip player_id="221722" first="Andre" last="Woods"] (Robbinsdale Cooper) DT/OG. 6'2, 285 lbs. @DreWoods_52 His sophomore film shows an offensive guard recruit, but Cooper Hawks' Woods has been tearing it up on the summer camp circuit as a defensive lineman and shows off a solid array of pass rush moves from the interior of the DL and plays with a low pad level and active hands. I want to see more tape on him as a defensive lineman in pads under Friday night lights this upcoming season. [player_tooltip player_id="105405" first="Will" last="Quick"] (Centennial) CB. 5'10, 160 lbs. @WillQuick11 The highly-ranked CB is very technically sound and used that savvy to start at CB for 6A big boy Centennial as an underclassman, where he posted 10 PBUs and 2 interceptions with the Cougars. Fluid backpedal, gets low in and out of his breaks and doesn't waste steps, and plays the ball well while it's in the air. He's sticky against any type of receiver, can press or play off man, and has no problem supporting the run. I think he's a higher ceiling type DB who can make up for the height difference with athleticism and technique. Centennial is loaded with ballers for this upcoming season.