Gridiron standouts – Southeast Minnesota Part II
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With so much talent returning next season in the southeast part of Minnesota, I felt like a second foray into that part of the state was more than justified. Easton Suess MN #56 DL #14 HEIGHT 6'5" WEIGHT 215 POS…
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Continue ReadingWith so much talent returning next season in the southeast part of Minnesota, I felt like a second foray into that part of the state was more than justified.
Suess has excellent closing speed as a standup edge rusher. It is easy to tell he is diagnosing the play, and as soon as he reads it, he explodes. When he puts his hand in the ground, his first step is often too much for offensive tackles. Proven by his eight tipped passes, the junior’s length makes him a problem even if he doesn’t get to the quarterback. His length and upper body strength also help him get off blocks. Despite his length, he keeps his hips low when engaging with blockers – allowing him to hold up at the point of attack. At tight end, Suess is a good blocker on the edge and will occasionally get involved in the passing game.
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What jumps out immediately with Jannsen is his physical play from the inside linebacker spot. If you were going to create the mold for a traditional inside linebacker, Jannsen has many of the qualities coaches like. When he comes downhill, he hits and finishes his tackles. Not just a between-the-tackles thumper, the junior has the speed to make the big hit and play from sideline to sideline. As an offensive tackle, his physical style easily translates to that side of the ball. If he gets his hands on the defender, the defender will most likely be routed the way Janssen wants. He keeps his hips low on both sides of the ball, making moving him off his spot challenging for even the best opponents.
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Two words sum up Solum – football player. A rare linebacker and quarterback combo, the junior is a solid dual-threat quarterback. He can push the ball down the field and can make people miss in the running game. As good as he is on offense, he was selected all-area because of his play at linebacker. During the season, he totaled nearly 140 total tackles. His speed on offense is easy to see, but his quickness and explosiveness are even more evident when he closes in on a ball carrier and explodes into ball carriers.
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Working almost exclusively out of the slot, Ransom isn’t going to blow people away with his size or his speed. He has enough of both, but what is most impressive is how he just figures out how to get open. His route running and his hands make him a tough cover. Where the junior really excels is on the defensive side of the ball. He used those hands and footwork to tally six interceptions last fall. Ransom shows solid defensive instincts. As his half-dozen picks prove, he moves well in space and plays the ball well in the air. He reads routes well and gets in good position to make plays on the ball.
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Rees Grimsrud
Rees Grimsrud
In his first year as a starter, Grimsrud showed an outstanding arm. He can push the ball downfield with great accuracy. That arm strength also allows him to make throws to the sidelines with just as much velocity. That accuracy led to a 65 percent completion percentage – a school record. He threw 24 touchdowns against only seven interceptions. He is primarily a pocket passer who is most effective when he can step into his throws; Grimsrud isn’t going to beat many teams with his legs, but he can throw on the move and move effectively in the pocket. The Spartans ran a lot of effective read option plays – showing their quarterback is adept at reading the defense.