Hayden’s Hotshots: Best Players from Kasson vs Mankato East (D)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As exciting as the high-powered offense of Kasson-Mantorville was, the tenacity of the Mankato East offense was great as well. But the defense showed out last Friday night. A ton of players who went completely under my radar balled out for both teams. Meet the Hotshots. Risers, and Sleepers from the Kasson-Mantorville vs Mankato East game!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Hotshots:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='368530' first='Easton' last='Suess']: KM 2024 Edge 6'5" 205 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This dude's size instantly got him a look on the roster. But often kids of this size don't pan out. Suess was not the case. The big man lined up as a DE but I could easily see him dropping into coverage with his coordination and feel of the field. He picked off the East QB on their first drive and returned it 20 yards breaking several tackles along the way. He continued to tear apart the Cougars the rest of the night with several sacks, TFLs, and a blocked punt as well. Strength, speed, length, and finesse this kid has it all. A must-watch for college coaches.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Antone Elias: KM 2023 DE 6'6" 210 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Suess and Elias made the perfect pass rush duo. Elias is a little bigger and stronger and had just as much of an impact defensively. Elias bullied the offensive tackle across from him, and also racked up some sacks and TFLs. He boasted a great bull-rush and even utilized a tough rip move. Elias was a two-way starter and looked like he had plenty of gas in the tank all game. I would consider him a must-watch for opposing teams and college coaches alike.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Caisen Thome: KM 2025 DB 6'1" 175 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thome came into this game incredibly hyped up by some fans and old teammates. He met and dare I say exceeded the hype. Thome has great tangibles, and apparently is the heir to the QB mantle. He had clamps all night, and was fantastic in man coverage, recording several PBUs and an interception early in the game. He has good speed and showed off a surprisingly good vertical when high pointing his interception. He didn't allow a catch on him all night and the sophomore has a very bright future ahead of him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Risers:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Dominic Mann: KM 2024 LB 6' 170 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mann, who was a state qualifying wrestler last season, showed off his versatility on Friday night. I've found that wrestlers are often the most aggressive and tenacious athletes on the field and Mann was no exception. The hard-hitting middle linebacker was a force up the middle and ransacked runningbacks all night. Good size, and can read an offense, all while being full of toughness and grit. Watch out for Mann over the next few years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Levi Keim-Wolfe: ME 2024 LB 5'9" 190 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although a little short, Keim-Wolfe flew around the field making plays and hitting like a player 6 inches taller. He was ferocious in the run game and had much better speed than someone who shares his frame typically has. Broc Barwald was a dog all game, but Keim-Wolfe was one of the only defensive players to slow him down. I didn't get to see much of him in pass coverage, but the junior has a bright future ahead if it's anything like his run game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Benjamin Glogowski: ME 2023 LB 5'10" 160 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The yin to Keim-Wolfe's yang, Glogowski was an equal threat on Friday. A little smaller, than his counterpart, but Glogowski made up for it in other ways. He was like a blast from the past, a 90's to 00's middle linebacker with a neck pad and insane hitting power. He made a great addition to the Cougar's defense and was a solid leader all night long too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size">Sleepers:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='313112' first='Brian' last='Thilges']: ME 2023 LB 6'1" 190 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The linebacking trio for the Cougars was great, and Thilges was no exception. He showed up in the second half and started recording tackles left and right. Thilges has good size and is a solid run defender. He gets off blocks well and could end the season being a team wrecker for teams that underestimate him.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Owen Nelson: KM 2025 LB 5'9" 175 lbs</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nelson was another great young star for Kasson that shone on Friday night. He got more reps later in the game, but the sophomore balled out in the snaps he got. A heavy hitter who filled gaps quickly, Nelson will develop quickly into a long-term varsity starter and should get some college attention over the next few years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->