PrepRedzoneMN 2025 Rankings Update: DB & ATH Breakdown
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I hope you guys have been enjoying the 2025 rankings coverage, as well as the variety of articles from our crew of writers highlighting both micro and macro facets of the Minnesota high school football scene. As always, we’re rockin’…
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Continue ReadingI hope you guys have been enjoying the 2025 rankings coverage, as well as the variety of articles from our crew of writers highlighting both micro and macro facets of the Minnesota high school football scene. As always, we’re rockin’ and rollin’, and so far PRzMN has featured the 2025’s top new additions, stock risers, RBs, and LBs from the current sophomores from all around our Great State of Minnesota. Currently, we’re continuing on with the positional breakdowns, and as a former high school and collegiate defensive back I am particularly excited for these two position groups, as the top-end is especially loaded and a majority of the current athletes have DB experience or could possibly project to the position in college. However, a few of them are most likely bound for offensive futures, and between the two positions we will be breaking down 15 of the ranked standouts, with a few overlapping from the previous headlining features. Minnesota high school football keeps getting better and better. Let’s get to it!
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Athletes
Monticello sophomore Emmerich presents an interesting package as a prospect, and he continues to get more interesting. At the time of the introductory rankings release last year, Emmerich was a Top-2 ranked quarterback who performed well enough slinging the rock at last summer’s Gopher prospect camp that he caught the eye and impressed 24/7Sports Midwest Director Allen Trieu. Since then, Emmerich has stepped his game up and elevated his overall football skills more than anyone else on the rankings, adding not only size, but a ton of positional versatility, showing off some very impressive reps at WR and DB, as well as an overall ball carrier. At 6’3, 180 lbs., he pulled off a beautiful hurdle on the second play of his highlights, completely clearing the Sauk Rapids-Rice defender and cleanly landing on his feet. The third play of his sophomore tape is also fantastic, where Emmerich, the boundary corner, reads a post route from the opposite X receiver and from the flats covers 25 yards in a beautiful and full-speed line, drops perfectly under the wide open receiver and picks the ball off in a gorgeous display of instincts and speed. Additionally, his elusiveness in the open field is excellent, his top-end speed looks good, and it’s safe to say he’s one of the most athletic players in the 2025 class and the state. Honestly, I don’t know where he could possibly project best to right now, but I cannot get his DB reps out of my head and I think the speed, footwork, and playmaking ability would work well at WR as well. He reminds me a lot of former Chanhassen and Coastal Carolina standout Alex Spillum. Cannot wait to see what the future holds for the Monti product.
I just broke down the St. Paul Central and 651 standout sophomore Lankfard for the Top Newcomers feature for PRzMN, so I’ll keep this eval. shorter in order to not repeat myself. As a QB and utility defender (OLB/DB mix), Lankfard was dangerous and productive as a read-option QB, with a larger capacity to hurt defenders with his legs. His vision and quick feet made him especially dangerous when a play broke down and things got chaotic, and he was able to make something out of nothing more than a few times in 2022. As a defensive athlete, the name of his game was physicality, where he was a standout and thrived when tackling and getting off blocks. At 6’1, 175 lbs., I’d bet (right now at this point in time) that safety may be his best spot in college, but a lot depends on how he continues to grow and add weight, and I could also see WR or OLB as a potential landing spot on the gridiron. No matter what, I’m excited to see it, and with the quality of athletes the Minutemen have put out over the years I think the state of MN should be excited as well.
Highlights
Winona has quietly operated as one of the more consistent manufactures of high-end prep football talent in MN the last decade and currently possess some attractive underclassmen talent, led by the #3 ranked ATH in the state of MN Jaden Blanck. Originally catching our eye as a truckstick of a RB as a freshman, Blanck came into December’s PRzMN Stock-Up Showcase and competed well as a WR, and in addition his sophomore tape primarily consists of kick return highlights, so the 5’10, 180 lber. saw his position switch from RB to ATH in the latest rankings update. In his 2022 kick return film he was explosive, showing off good vision, the ability to cut at top speed, and noticeable contact balance for a player of his size. He averaged more than 25 yards a return in 2022 with one TD, and popped off game-breaking special team performances against Stewartville, Kasson-Mantorville, Rochester Century, and Albert Lea. I’m hoping to see more offensive highlights in 2023 and am looking forward to see how he improves over the offseason. The kid runs hard!
A defensive athlete, Rochester Century sophomore Harold Nkwelle-Mesumbe was a varsity contributor in 2022 as a 5’10, 180 lb. LB/DE and posted 64 tackles and 7 TFLs. A strong tackler who flows to the ball well and can beat blocks with speed and quickness, Nkwelle-Mesumbe is comfortable and productive around the LOS and packs a punch for his size. An in-betweener right now, I’m going to see how he continues to fill out before naming a defensive position for him.
Highlights
The 5’7, 175 lber. recorded 727 rushing yards and 7 TDs to go along with 25 tackles, 7 TFLs, 2 INTs, and a sack in 2022. A speedy little jitterbug of a ball carrier who sees the field well and can beat tackle attempts with his footwork, stiff arm, and even a truckstick here and there, Bunke also laid some big hits on kickoff coverage and is a tough player in all three phases of the game. Defensively, he shoots gaps and can pursue to the edge like his hair is on fire, easily sprinting by slower block attempts and into a RB/QBs hips for a good tackle. Pound-for-pound he’s a thumper, and I am looking forward to see him lay the wood after another year in the weight room.
Highlights
Coming out of the St. Paul suburbs and the non-varsity ranks of Woodbury High School, Dom Ebensteiner was a big-bodied WR and CB who excelled in the physical department at either position. Capable of both blocking and getting off blocks at the perimeter, Ebensteiner is a strong presence from the CB spot in run defense and also can contest shorter routes off three-step drops. He started his 10th grade highlights with a great catch on a slant route over the MOF, plucking the ball out of the air and in between multiple defenders while still in stride before racing to the endzone for an impressive TD comprised of concentration and speed. I can see WR in his future, but until he is certified at a varsity position I’m going to leave him as an ATH for now.
The younger brother of Princeton High School stud senior and experienced QB Cooper, who is also a good hooper and currently remains unsigned, sophomore Cullen Drews Cullen Drews 5’10” | 165 lbs | DB Princeton | 2025 State MN plays WR, DB, and returns punts and was a varsity contributor to the Tigers in 2022. On tape, he showed that he could do a lot of different things on the gridiron and do them well, including running a variety of routes, getting solid yardage off his receptions, tackling around the box and in space, and contesting WRs as a safety in the MOF. He’s versatile like his brother and that versatility is making me hesitant to stick him at only one position right now. Go Tigers!
Highlights
Defensive Backs
I’ve given stud Waseca sophomore DB Damarius Russell Damarius Russell 5’11” | 170 lbs | DB Waseca | 2025 State MN a good amount of individual attention in recent Top Newcomer and Biggest Offseason Storylines articles on PRzMN, so I’ll try to keep this one shorter so I don’t repeat myself too much. However, I love talking about this kid, and as a former DB I love watching him as well. He’s putting a ton of good things on film and is showing off the skillset of a top-tier DB recruit, with standout speed, quickness out of his breaks, ball skills, and dynamic athleticism that shows up on special teams and offensively. I’m not the only one with him at the top of the charts of Minnesota’s 2025 class either.
Highlights
Another Top Newcomer to the 2025 rankings, I’m pretty excited about the future of Totino-Grace sophomore DB Josiah Young Josiah Young 6’3″ | 165 lbs | DB Totino-Grace | 2025 State MN . Great size for the position at 6’2, 160, Young has a good multi-sport background that we’ve come to expect from MN’s top football recruits, playing basketball for TG’s excellent basketball program. He’s no doubt one of the most physically gifted cover corners in the state, with loose-looking hips, ball skills in droves, and the speed to stay on top of the deep ball as well as break and play first and second-level routes all over the field. Also a big asset in run support and overall very technically sound with his eyes, hips, hands, and footwork. No verified testing numbers yet and I haven’t gotten to see those aforementioned hips in person yet, so I’m interested to see if college coaches think his future lies best at CB or S. Either way he’s one of the top DB prospects in the state and an excellent addition to the PRzMN 2025 rankings.
Highlights
Stewartville had some of the most physically impressive prospects and players on last year’s 2022 roster, including 6’4, 180 lb. WR Henry Tschetter Henry Tschetter 6’4″ | 180 lbs | ATH Stewartville | 2024 MN (you guys should know that last name), 6’3, 240 lb. Winona State commit Peyton Byrne Peyton Byrne 6’3″ | 255 lbs | OL Stewartville | 2023 MN , 6’4, 220 lb. ’24 LB Calen Jannsen, 6’3, 225 lber. Graysen Schneider Graysen Schneider 6’2″ | 240 lbs | DL Stewartville | 2025 State MN , and must-know 6’4, 190 lb. S/WR/ATH Parker Wangen. A prospect I am more excited for than just about every other 2025 Minnesotan, Wangen brings eye-popping size and athleticism to the safety position that leaves me nearly drooling after watching his sophomore tape. Another representation of Minnesota’s standout multi-sport athletes, Wangen has a strong basketball background and brings that skillset to the gridiron. Scored 6 TDs off 16 catches last fall, and added 17 tackles and 2 INTs, not to mention his proficiency as a kicker, hitting 52 PATs, going 3-5 on FGs, and adding 9 touchbacks. He’s got excellent range for his size in both run support and pass defense, with closing speed, change of direction skills, and a nose for the football and a big play no matter where he’s lined up. Boosts his athletic prowess with his YAC ability offensively, and overall shows off rare movement skills for his size and age. Prospects like this just get me fired up. Stewartville is going to be a must-stop for college coaches these next two seasons.
Holy cow is Esko football on the come-up! Already respected with one of the best 2024s in the state and an 8x P5 offeree, the rest of the bunch should not be overlooked as well, particularly in their 2025s, who established themselves during the Eskomo’s 11-1 2022 season that led them to the Class AAA quarterfinal. One of the best of the bunch is 5’10 CB/QB Jacion Owens, who recorded 13 completed passes out of 18 attempts for 175 yards and 4 TDs, plus 20 carries for 296 yards and 8 TDs at a 14.9 YPC average. Also posted 30 tackles for 3 INTs and a defensive TD as well. Starts his sophomore tape off with a pretty little interception undercutting a DGF WR in Esko’s biggest game of the year, and I also like his vert and ability to high-point and contest deep balls hanging in the air. Slippery and mobile on offense, Owens can also stick ball carriers out on the edge of his defense when at CB and tackles with good leverage and form. There’s a lot going for him and Owens is a great athlete who I think would project very well to the CB spot in college. Keep your eyes out for the sophomore and the Esko program these next two seasons.
Highlights
The Champlin Park Rebels are back on the come-up and are looking like a good bet to improve on their 2022 record, as they possessed a big chunk of talented underclassmen and non-senior contributors who will greatly benefit from a season of experience and another offseason in the weight room. One of my favorite of the bunch is safety Brady Schornstein, who was an All-District pick in 2022 as well as a talented baseball player for the Rebels. As a testament to his toughness, Schornstein played the final five games of the season with a broken hand, rocking the always-intimidating club and still finishing as the team leader in both solo and total tackles. He finished 2022 with 70 tackles, 8 PBUs, 3 TFLs, 2 INTs, and a FF. On film, he’s instinctive and does a good job of staying around the football in both run and pass support. I love how he runs the alley and operates around the box in run defense, and he laid some big, clean hits with a full head of steam and has no problem taking on bigger RBs and halting them in their tracks. Also made a couple nice reps in pass coverage from the defensive backfield. There is a potential of OLB in Schornstein’s future but the size and ability to come downhill and stick RBs right as they’re entering the defensive backfield screams safety. Either way I’m excited! Go Rebels!
Highlights
Intriguing size for a DB at 6’3, 165 lbs. and was productive as a sophomore for the Alexandria Cardinals, finishing the year with 34 tackles (14 solo), with 2 INTs, and a receiving TD off five catches. Kludt’s length aids him in his strong ball skills, where he can twist and contort from non-ideal body positions to play the ball in the air. In addition to his strong ball skills, Kludt shows solid speed to stay on top of deep routes and is comfortable playing off-man coverage on the perimeter of the defense, and can drop his hips and get out of his breaks pretty well for a young buck of his size. Kludt also is a willing tackler and shows some soft hands offensively. High upside as a DB, especially if he can hit the weight room and add to his speed and strength.
The younger brother of recent UW-River Falls commit and Faribault senior Beau Schrot Beau Schrot 6’2″ | 205 lbs | LB Faribault | 2023 State MN , 2025er JJ really caught my eye as a DB in 2022 but also plays WR and can kick at 6’1, 160 lbs. Already a decorated track athlete, Schrot is a baller on the gridiron, contributing to all three phases of play but really standing out as a defensive back. One of the only CBs to play press-man out on the perimeter, displaying great technique and ball skills on deep throws down the sideline. Stays in the pocket of the wideout before getting his eyes to the ball, using the sideline as an extra defender, and timing his jumps out well when high-pointing the football, Schrot can close quickly and naturally undercut throws all over the field. Also has a great rep of him flipping his hips and running down a loose ball carrier 40+ yards downfield. If he can work on staying lower in his backpedal and not opening the gate so easily when pressing then he’s a sure bet to climb up the DB and overall rankings. Heckuva sophomore campaign though, JJ. More coming!
rnSchrot ^
Highlights
5’10, 165 lb. Minnetonka safety Jack Yerhot played both varsity and JV in 2022 for the Skippers and will be a tough and physical addition to the MTKA secondary as a full-time starter in the future. A run support specialist, Yerhot opens his tape with a massive hit on 6A state champion 6’3, 205 lb. QB and Air Force commit Jake Kilzer, and continues the sophomore film with more big collisions all over the field. Does a good job of breaking down, keeping his feet active, and bringing his hips through contact to stuff ball carriers where they stand, and I like his pursuit speed and how he does a good job of avoiding blocks while keeping his body in a position to make a tackle, and he also has a solid rep of him making a play on a deep ball down the sideline from his MOF safety spot. He reminds me of former Minnetonka and Augustana Vikings safety Anthony Tatum. Next year will be a big one for the sophomore Skipper.
Highlights
The CB from Brooklyn Center had a very strong showing during testing at the recent PRzMN Stock-Up Showcase, posting a 4.78 40, a 4.34 and 4.41 short-shuttle, and a 9’8″ and 9’5″ on the broad jump in a balanced display of speed, quickness, and explosiveness. Briggs does need to grow and add some inches and pounds, but tackles well for his size and come up and stop plays from his CB or safety spot. Going to be a big upcoming fall for the sophomore DB.