Minnesota’s Top All Purpose Athletes Heading Into the Fall
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Versatility is encouraged in all aspects of life. Simply put, if someone can perform a variety of tasks at a high level, they bring a lot to the table. This list covers the type of guys coaches dream of, the…
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Continue ReadingVersatility is encouraged in all aspects of life. Simply put, if someone can perform a variety of tasks at a high level, they bring a lot to the table. This list covers the type of guys coaches dream of, the do-it-all studs that can make any locker room better.
A list of Minnesota’s well rounded athletes without Koi Perich Koi Perich 6’2″ | 200 lbs | ATH Esko | 2024 State MN wouldn’t be much of a list at all. This guy seems to line up everywhere on the field, and is a major contributor in all facets of the game. His 1,600 all purpose yards and 26 total touchdowns should speak for themselves, but Perich’s athleticism is too elite to not bring up. His burst gets him six to seven yards up the field before he’s even touched, which allows him to make skill moves at full speed against defenders who were already outmatched. Once at top speed, he lopes across the field with long strides that are deceptively fast. On defense, Perich forced seven turnovers, including one of the best interceptions I’ve ever seen on film. The play in question saw him snatching an errant throw with one hand over his shoulder, a circus catch that would be nearly impossible to make at any level, much less high school. For opposing coaches, this is the type of athlete you squib kick too, run away from, and formulate your game plan around.
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Jake Tepley Jake Tepley 6’0″ | 195 lbs | ATH Braham | 2024 State MN is an outside linebacker and a Quarterback, a combination that often indicates athleticism on top of a deep understanding for the game. He is no exception to this, as his skills at both positions have proven to be top notch. At quarterback, Tepley is a rumbler, working well out of both designed runs and broken plays where he has the liberty to scramble. He also shows a great understanding out of the option, as he consistently pitches the ball to his running back when he is swarmed by defenders. On top of his running prowess, Tepley also shows poise in the pocket. Unlike many running Quarterbacks, scrambling isn’t his first instinct, and when given the time, he sits back in the pocket and delivers strikes to the open man. Defensively, Tepley is built to blitz. He uses his aforementioned strength and speed to keep opposing Quarterbacks uncomfortable by constantly bringing pressure, taking them to the turf, or batting down balls at the line. He is an asset on both sides of the ball, and should have himself a great fall once the season kicks off.
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Battling through an achilles injury in week 1 that plagued him throughout the year, Jake Wills Jake Wills 6’3″ | 185 lbs | ATH Rochester Century | 2024 State MN showed grit on top of his talent, which is superb. He played wide receiver and defensive back, thriving at both thanks to his natural instincts, athletic ability, and sure hands. At 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, Wills’ large frame is an asset in more ways than one, and it allowed him to pull in passes that many other smaller receivers wouldn’t have a chance to catch. He is a vertical threat, and his understanding of spacing as well as his ability to track the ball in the air allow him to get open more times than not for a big gain. Defensively, his ability to recognize and jump routes helped him blanket his receivers. This type of play recognition is next level, and this guy should have a bright career ahead of him.
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The last of a dying breed, Elijah Solum Elijah Solum 6’1″ | 190 lbs | ATH Spring Grove | 2024 State MN is a bruising middle linebacker and a dual threat Quarterback, leading the charge and directing traffic for both his offense and defense. At Quarterback, Solum is as unpredictable as he is hard to stop. He can take off at the drop of a hat, chuck a ball 50 yards down the field, zip it into tight coverage if necessary, and has a knack for throwing both out of the pocket and on the move. Defensively, he looks like the strongest and fastest guy out there. He takes great pursuit angles to cut down the distance between him and a ball carrier, and once he gets there, he absolutely flattens them, initiating contact and driving through the tackle with his legs. This versatility has made him one of Spring Grove’s biggest threats heading into the fall, where he will look to have his best season yet.
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Riddik Collier Riddik Collier 5’9″ | 150 lbs | ATH Rosemount | 2024 MN is the ideal slot receiver, but that doesn’t mean it’s the only spot he’s good at. Lining up both in the slot and out wide, Collier does damage to defenders with his quick release and acceleration after the catch. His first steps are explosive off the line for hitches and tentative for screens, showing his situational and football IQ when it comes to route running. Screen passes are his bread and butter, and they also showcase his ability to read blocks and take the best path upfield to maximize yardage. He is built to run slants, screens, and hitches, which makes him a threat for any sort of short yardage situation. On special teams, he is also a major contributor, returning kicks and working to block punts whenever he can. All in all, his ability to line up anywhere on the field at receiver makes him a problem that is hard to stop as an opposing defensive back.