Preseason Preview: Eagan Wildcats

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first program on my list is the Eagan Wildcats. Although I don't plan on diving quite as deeply into the individual prospects as my esteemed colleague [player_tooltip player_id='1257447' first='Oliver' last='West'] is so great, I will dive into previewing some of the 6A schools. Over the next few weeks, I plan on doing similar previews of Minnetonka, Burnsville, Lakeville North, Park, Edina, and White Bear Lake. I am hoping to get a few more responses from the coaches I contacted, and if those continue to come in, this list will expand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats picked up two late regular season wins in 2021. While that win total might not make most programs plan parades, it signifies the baby steps this program has been making. They are only a couple of seasons removed from a winless season. With their experience coming back this season, there is no reason to think Coach [player_tooltip player_id="313008" first="Nick" last="Johnson"]'s program won't improve on last season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Part of my optimism for the Wildcats' program and 'The Pit' - one of the best student sections in the state – is the return of fifteen starters.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Coach Johnson is especially excited about the likely improvement on the defensive side of the ball. They have a quartet of juniors anchoring the defense. Defensive linemen [player_tooltip player_id="287254" first="Keenan" last="Wilson"] and Jack Hansen, strong safety [player_tooltip player_id="348741" first="Jack" last="Kruger"] and linebacker Carter Will are all athletes who are ready to make some noise on Friday nights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Offensively – led by running backs [player_tooltip player_id="313010" first="Landon" last="Tonsager"] and [player_tooltip player_id="313006" first="Parker" last="Faul"] - Johnson expects all his skill position players to be back. If they can find enough offensive linemen – to go along with returning starting offensive lineman [player_tooltip player_id="313005" first="George" last="Esser"] and Wilson – the Wildcats could be a fun offensive team to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Wildcats are also looking for significant contributions from sophomore quarterback [player_tooltip player_id='1582446' first='Brooklyn' last='Evans'] and senior wide receiver George Anderson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62e9c9793dabe","name":"acf/evaluation-block","align":"","mode":"preview","anchor":"acf-block-6629c7b1484d8"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"id":"block_62e9c2da5ad33","name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Jack Hansen","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2024","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Eagan","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_team":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"Hansen is an excellent complement to Wilson; Hansen relies less on power and more on quickness and leverage. He splits double teams due to a quick first step off the line of scrimmage. He uses his hands well to keep blockers off his legs and body – allowing him to get off blocks effectively. A two-way player, Hansen is also an effective blocking tight end.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["348741"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"Kruger was best last year when he was coming downhill. He is not the biggest athlete; he relies on speed and anticipation to make plays. 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