Gridiron standouts – Southwest Minnesota
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Last week, I traveled – virtually – to northeastern Minnesota to check out the film of some of the best returning football players. This week – I head about as far away as I can without leaving the state borders…
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Continue ReadingLast week, I traveled – virtually – to northeastern Minnesota to check out the film of some of the best returning football players. This week – I head about as far away as I can without leaving the state borders to focus on the state’s southwestern portion. I had trouble finding video of some of the guys I wanted to highlight here, but here are four underclassmen who will be even more significant factors next season.
DeSmet is a big target from the tight end position. He runs solid routes, especially underneath. He gets up-field quickly, and once he gets going north and south, his long-striding style covers ground quicker than it appears. He uses his length well – extending his arms to go get the ball with his hands instead of letting the ball get into his body where defenders can negate his size.
Isaac Simonson
Isaac Simonson
Simonson has a powerful arm. He looks like he can just flick his wrist and get the ball thirty yards downfield in his sleep. He doesn’t need to have his feet set to get the ball downfield and can push the ball downfield while on the move. His release looks effortless. His size allows him to shake off tacklers if they don’t square him up.
A great basketball player, Boike looks very much like a basketball player on the football field. His length stands out right away. His long striding style eats up the cushion defensive backs try to give him. His catch radius makes it tough for smaller defensive backs to prevent him from getting to the ball. He adjusts to the ball well and uses his length by extending his long arms to grab the ball before the defender can make a play.
Ryan Meagher Ryan Meagher RB Minneota | 2025 State MN
Ryan Meagher Ryan Meagher RB Minneota | 2025 State MN
With limited film to view, Meagher has the speed to get to the corner. He is a solid one-cut-and-go runner. While he is not an overpowering runner, he runs through arm tackles if the defender doesn’t get him squared up.