PrepRedzoneMN Showcase: Session 1 RB & LB MVPs

Yesterday's PrepRedzoneMN Showcase at the 'Tonka Dome brought together over 250 athletes from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and South Dakota representing four graduating classes and every offensive & defensive position on the gridiron. From monsters in the trenches, speed demons on the perimeter, and any other kind of player you can imagine, we had it all at yesterday's StockUp Showcase Tour stop in Minnetonka and I was on Cloud 9 after the day's conclusion. It's good to be home. The sessions were split between three phases of testing, positional coaching, and 1-on-1 competition, with the prospects coached up by MIAC, UMAC, and NSIC coaches and evaluated by additional DIII, DII, and NAIA representatives, plus our scouts, and the combine numbers sent to P5, FBS, FCS, and DII-JUCO programs around the country. Of all the standouts & studs that converged on Minnetonka for a few hours of work on a Sunday, some upperclassmen stock-riser, some familiar faces, and some future superstars caught my personal eye and earned themselves a PRzMN Showcase MVP nod from yours truly. Let's kick things off with the morning period (Session 1) and the Running Back & Linebacker MVPs who showed up and showed out over the three phases of the Showcase. Great work, boys!   Prepredzone Oliver's Top-3 Overall from the RBs & LBs:   1) [player_tooltip player_id='348767' first='Francis' last='O'Malley'] (Montevideo) RB. 2024. 6', 235 lbs.   2) [player_tooltip player_id='383119' first='Sawyer' last='Wilkie'] (Lakeville North) RB. 2024. 5'10, 210 lbs.   3) [player_tooltip player_id='313150' first='Malachi' last='Kohls'] (Minnesota Valley Lutheran) LB. 2023. 6'3, 230 lbs. Uncommitted   --   Running Backs   Bib #16: [player_tooltip player_id='348711' first='Theto' last='Hatley'] (Cretin-Derham Hall) 2025. 5'10, 165 lbs.   Started the session off with some heat and clocked some impressive 40-yard times of 4.66 and 4.59 in the early morning hours at the 'Tonka Dome. Used that top-end speed well in 1-on-1s on wheel routes out of the backfield.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/16-Theto-Hatley.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557355" /></figure>   Bib #108: [player_tooltip player_id='551414' first='Ryan' last='Kaydea'] (St. Michael-Albertville) 2024. 5'8, 160 lbs.   Twitchy and wiry 5'8, 160 pounds and caught my eye in 1-on-1 box drills versus the LB group. Was shifty and hard for opponents to track and tag in short-area situations. Could set up and break defenders ankles if they didn't play patiently.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/108-Ryan-Kaydea.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557441" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kaydea</figcaption></figure>   Bib #117: [player_tooltip player_id='551375' first='Joseph' last='Sohlstrom'] (Eden Prairie) 2025. 5'9, 180 lbs.   Passed the eye test and used his visible strength to make contested catches and receptions through contact. Sohlstrom is a converted DL that I could see stepping into that powerback or fullback role for the Eagles. Really nice, respectful, and determined young man who will impressive college coaches when they meet him in-person for his future recruitment.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/117-Joseph-Sohlstrom.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557449" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Sohlstrom</figcaption></figure>   Bib #127: [player_tooltip player_id='500522' first='Newmann' last='Thomas II'] (MPLS Patrick Henry) 2023. 5'9, 165 lbs.   Soft hands out of the backfield, good anticipation in space, and balanced, I was pumped to have some quality 612 representation at yesterday's Showcase and [player_tooltip player_id='500522' first='Newmann' last='Thomas II'] backed up his '22 statistics and production with how he moved in-person. No reported interest or offers and still uncommitted!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/127-Newmann-Thomas-II.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557458" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Thomas</figcaption></figure>   Bib #131: [player_tooltip player_id='368534' first='Beau' last='Wiersma'] (Kingsland) 2024. 5'10, 185 lbs.   One of the best route-runners in the RB group of Session 1's competitive portion of the PrepRedzoneMN Showcase. Consistently gave LBs trouble at the top of the route.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/131-Beau-Wiersma.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557461" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wiersma</figcaption></figure>   Bib #136: [player_tooltip player_id='551438' first='Trent' last='Josewski'] (Big Lake) 2024. 5'10, 175 lbs.   The junior speedster recorded one of the fastest 40s between the two sessions and posted a 4.5 flat in the 40-yard dash. Dude has some jets!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/136-Trent-Josewski.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557466" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Josewski</figcaption></figure>   Bib #141: [player_tooltip player_id='234760' first='Jaden' last='Blanck'] (Winona) 2025. 5'10, 185 lbs.   The 2025 standout was a coaches favorite and generated a lot of buzz over the course of the three phases of session 1. Explosive, shifty as a route runner, and fast at the top-end, Blanck did a great job of solidifying his high ranking in the 2025 class and defended it well at yesterday's Showcase. Also loved seeing his confidence and competitive spirit in-person, where he expected himself to win every rep and worked harder when he didn't. Seems like a fun prospect to have on your squad.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/141-Jaden-Blanck.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557470" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Blanck</figcaption></figure>   Bib #145: [player_tooltip player_id='313303' first='Ej' last='Mathis'] (Totino-Grace) 2023. 5'10, 180 lbs.   The unsigned senior possesses eye-popping length and good speed that served him well in both 1-on-1 box, short-area drills as well as in 1-on-1 routes out of the backfield. No reported interest and offers and still uncommitted!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/145-EJ-Mathis.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557472" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='313303' first='Ej' last='Mathis'] </figcaption></figure>   Bib #153: [player_tooltip player_id='551371' first='Jeffrey' last='Branson'] (Farmington) 2024. 5'11, 180 lbs.   Awesome change of direction skills (4.37 short-shuttle) and a standout athlete amongst his peers, Farmington junior [player_tooltip player_id='551371' first='Jeffrey' last='Branson'] is another fantastic product of the Tigers S&C program and stood out during testing, positional coaching, and 1-on-1s with his shiftiness, soft hands, and power. I did not come into the Showcase knowing about Branson III but came away impressed and with him firmly on my radar. Great showing by the junior.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/153-Jeffrey-Branson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557480" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Branson</figcaption></figure>   Bib #189: [player_tooltip player_id='348812' first='Ramero' last='Trevino'] (Willmar) 2024. 5'10, 210 lbs.   Passed the eye-test and was a thick, powerful RB who kept LBs on their heels and always braced for potential contact. Trevino is the type of RB I'd have come off the bus first when rolling up to an opponents stadium.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/189-Ramero-Trevino.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557517" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Trevino</figcaption></figure>   Bib #190: [player_tooltip player_id='383119' first='Sawyer' last='Wilkie'] (Lakeville North) 2024. 5'10, 205 lbs.   I came away very impressed with the Lakeville North junior RB and he came away as one of my top overall MVPs from both the RBs and LBs in the first session of the PrepRedzoneMN Showcase. Cut up, eye-popping build, explosive change of direction skills, soft hands, and great speed as well. I would not want to meet this kid in the hole, and Wilkie showed his balanced skillset in excellent fashion yesterday in Minnetonka. Respectful young man with a high work rate and a competitive attitude.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/190-Sawyer-Wilkie.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557518" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wilkie </figcaption></figure>   Bib #199: [player_tooltip player_id='348767' first='Francis' last='O'Malley'] (Montevideo) 2024. 6', 235 lbs.   Of all the cut up weight room monsters among the LBs and RBs, Montevideo RB [player_tooltip player_id='348767' first='Francis' last='O'Malley'] takes the cake in the eye-test department. A verified 6', 235 lber. who looks like he's in training for Mr. Olympia, O'Malley's change of direction ability was very impressive and showed another dynamic to his already North-South dominance with the ball in-hand. Was dominant in pass-pro drills for the RBs, showed soft hands out of the backfield, and could beat defenders in 1-on-1 situations in a variety of ways. A surefire D1 RB in my opinion with FBS upside. Great kid to talk to, humble, and just wants a chance.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/199-Francis-OMalley.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557526" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">O'Malley</figcaption></figure>   Linebackers   Bib #47: [player_tooltip player_id='551313' first='Brayden' last='Staples'] (Alexandria) 2024. 6'1, 175 lbs.   Stood out during 1-on-1s between the LBs and RBs. On swing and out routes out of the backfield he closed quickly and played with good angles. Was also patient and could flip his hips on wheel routes and in-breaking routes as well.   Bib #172: [player_tooltip player_id='368596' first='Taran' last='Blasy'] (Park of Cottage Grove) 2024. 6'1, 210 lbs.   The thumper on film showed he can do more than hit and was the Linebacker MVP of Session 1 at the PrepRedzoneMN Showcase. Technically-sound, good change of direction skills, and closed space like magnet. Definitely helped raise his already-scorching stock. Was also very locked in, took the words of the college coaches to heart, and worked to get better each and every rep.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/172-Taran-Blasy.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557503" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Blasy</figcaption></figure>   Bib #175: [player_tooltip player_id='391542' first='Ethan' last='Larson'] (Barnesville) 2024. 6'1, 190 lbs.   Loved his length and overall size, and Larson showed that he could scoot as he posted a 4.53 in the 40-yard dash. RBs were obviously having a hard time getting on top of the junior in 1-on-1 drills.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/175-Ethan-Larson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557506" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Larson</figcaption></figure>   Bib #191: [player_tooltip player_id='551335' first='Charlie' last='Zok'] (Detroit Lakes) 2024. 5'11, 210 lbs.   Passed the eye test and looks and plays powerfully and with a high motor. Did well in 1-on-1 man coverage situations with RBs on short and deeper routes and showed he could be an asset in coverage. Detroit Lakes showed out in force yesterday in Minnetonka.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/191-Charlie-Zok.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557519" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Zok</figcaption></figure>   Bib #208: [player_tooltip player_id='447667' first='Evan' last='Hatton'] (Mounds View) 2024. 6'1, 200 lbs.   Excelled and really impressed me in pass coverage. Comfortable and patient, he did a good job of reading the RBs hips, staying home, and keeping his feet active until the RB definitively cut. Also did a good job of getting his hands on and disrupting the RB routes when given the chance.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/208-Evan-Hatton.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557531" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Hatton</figcaption></figure>   Bib #214: [player_tooltip player_id='242442' first='Will' last='Martin'] (Detroit Lakes) 2024. 6'2, 220 lbs.   A verified 6'2, 220 lbs. that looks imposing and physically impressive when padded up, Martin was flexible, could flip his hips in pass coverage, and ate up space well in 1-on-1 settings. Used his standout length to his advantage as well, and broke up passes at a variety of distances and angles. The Lakers' LB corps is already my favorite in the state for the 2023 season. Looked and carried himself like a strong teammate and worked well with his teammates during the Showcase.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/214-Will-Martin.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557537" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Martin</figcaption></figure>   Bib #220: [player_tooltip player_id='313150' first='Malachi' last='Kohls'] (Minnesota Valley Lutheran) 2023. 6'3, 230 lbs.   Kohls', a Preseason All-State pick with outrageous production the past two seasons, has an impressive and verified 6'3, 230 lb. frame with room to grow and add muscle and mass. Could absolutely play LB at the next level and was strong in coverage all morning long during Session 1. Could read and anticipate routes, was strong at the catch point, and had COD skills like a linebacker 30 pounds later. Physically and athletically impressive and a must-know unsigned LB for college programs still recruiting seniors from MN. He gave me a little bit of insight into his recruitment and I will be eagerly watching it and staying in touch for the rest of its process. I also liked seeing him work with the other LBs and support his peers during the event.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/220-Malachi-Kohls.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557544" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kohls</figcaption></figure>   Bib #221: [player_tooltip player_id='242384' first='Eli' last='Judson'] (Eastview) 2024. 6'3, 220 lbs.   Eye-popping frame that looked lean, mean, and strong at a verified 6'3, 220 lbs. with more room to grow. For his size, he was also an asset in pass coverage and locked down a variety of routes from RBs out of the backfield. Had the speed to stay on top of vertical routes and could break down and contest three-step drops and quick passes around the flats and hook/curl. Love the Eastview LB room returning for next season.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/221-Eli-Judson.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557546" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Judson</figcaption></figure>   Bib #222: [player_tooltip player_id='363115' first='Jacob' last='Wrbanek'] (Maple Grove) 2025. 6'3, 200 lbs.   Was all of his 6'3, 200 lbs. and will look good in front of prospective college coaches during the upcoming junior day/camp circuit, especially for his age. Saw a lot of varsity action in 2022 and showed off why at yesterday's Showcase, as he did well in 1-on-1 settings in both "tackling" in space as well as in pass coverage. Was also locked in, focused, and did a great job of soaking up the coaching of the college representatives working the event.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2022/12/222-Jacob-Wrbanek.jpg?w=1024" alt="" class="wp-image-557547" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Wrbanek</figcaption></figure>

Yesterday's PrepRedzoneMN Showcase at the 'Tonka Dome brought together over 250 athletes from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and South Dakota representing four graduating classes and every offensive & defensive position on the gridiron. From monsters in the trenches, speed demons on the perimeter, and any other kind of player you can imagine, we had it all at yesterday's StockUp Showcase Tour stop in Minnetonka and I was on Cloud 9 after the day's conclusion. It's good to be home. The sessions were split between three phases of testing, positional coaching, and 1-on-1 competition, with the prospects coached up by MIAC, UMAC, and NSIC coaches and evaluated by additional DIII, DII, and NAIA representatives, plus our scouts, and the combine numbers sent to P5, FBS, FCS, and DII-JUCO programs around the country. Of all the standouts & studs that converged on Minnetonka for a few hours of work on a Sunday, some upperclassmen stock-riser, some familiar faces, and some future superstars caught my personal eye and earned themselves a PRzMN Showcase MVP nod from yours truly. Let's kick things off with the morning period (Session 1) and the Running Back & Linebacker MVPs who showed up and showed out over the three phases of the Showcase. Great work, boys!