Preseason Preview: Eagan Wildcats
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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 Oliver West Oliver West LB Southwest | 2026 MN is so great, I…
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Continue ReadingThe 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 Oliver West Oliver West LB Southwest | 2026 MN 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.
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 Nick Johnson Nick Johnson 6'0" | 170 lbs | RB Eagan | 2023 MN ‘s program won’t improve on last season.
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.
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 Keenan Wilson Keenan Wilson 6'2" | 280 lbs | DL Eagan | 2023 State MN and Jack Hansen, strong safety Jack Kruger Jack Kruger 5'10" | 170 lbs | DB Eagan | 2024 MN and linebacker Carter Will are all athletes who are ready to make some noise on Friday nights.
Offensively – led by running backs Landon Tonsager Landon Tonsager 6'0" | 175 lbs | RB Eagan | 2023 MN and Parker Faul Parker Faul 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Eagan | 2023 MN – 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 George Esser George Esser 6'0" | 217 lbs | OL Eagan | 2023 MN and Wilson – the Wildcats could be a fun offensive team to watch.
The Wildcats are also looking for significant contributions from sophomore quarterback Brooklyn Evans and senior wide receiver George Anderson.
Jack Hansen
Jack Hansen
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.
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. He played linebacker a lot last year but is likely better suited to play safety, the place Johnson sees him this season.
Highlights
Carter Will
Carter Will
Will is another Wildcat who might not be the biggest linebacker on the field, but his quickness and sure tackling made him a solid linebacker in 2022. He is best out in space but uses great leverage to get under blockers’ pads when he gets caught up in the trenches.
Even though he is tall, Faul is a physical inside runner who gets his pad level low and can burrow for those tough yards. Once he gets space or gets outside, he has good speed to get the corner or wreck defenders’ angles.
Esser has great footwork as an offensive guard. He is best when he can get out in space – pulling to lead his back around the corner or getting to the second level to pick up a linebacker. While his strength is working in space, he can anchor down and take on defensive linemen head-on when needed.