Preseason Preview: St. Francis Fighting Saints
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My alma matter St. Francis Fighting Saints had a fantastic regular season last year, finishing 7-1 before falling short in the section semi-finals to the Andover Huskies. This offseason the Saints have seen an overall of their coaching staff, hiring…
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Continue ReadingMy alma matter St. Francis Fighting Saints had a fantastic regular season last year, finishing 7-1 before falling short in the section semi-finals to the Andover Huskies. This offseason the Saints have seen an overall of their coaching staff, hiring a new head coach, offensive coordinator, and defensive coordinator. The 2022 Saints were extremely top-heavy, with seniors starting at nearly every position on both sides of the ball. They look to continue their success from last season with a new roster that features some big names with a lot of potential. Meet some of the 2023-2024 St. Francis Fighting Saints!
Ben Magnuson (QB): 6’1″ 180 lbs 2024
Frequent readers will remember Magnuson from my top 50 QBs heading into the upcoming season. A take I stand by. Magnuson has a solid frame and above-average athleticism, but he stands out with great pocket presence and a natural feel for the game. You can see how the hours in the film room have paid off, as he has become one of the most technical and polished passers in his class. He’s under the radar as of right now, but I view him as one of the high-upside prospects in his class.
Grady Brunn (RB): 5’10” 180 lbs 2025
As a sophomore last season, Brunn took home All-District HM Honors. He’s had a few NSIC visits so far, and I can easily see his recruiting stock skyrocketing this season. He had over 650 rushing yards and 7 TDs last season, and where he stands out is with his vision. He does a great job of scanning the line of scrimmage and almost has a 6th sense of where the hole is going to open up. He has great top-end speed and should be all over D2s watch lists.
Jacob Green (TE/DL): 6’3″ 235 lbs 2024
This kid is an absolute monster on the defensive line. He’s every bit 6’3″ and has that stereotypical farm boy strength. He manhandled offensive linemen during his junior year and sources close to the team say that with his incredible athleticism, he could even see some reps as a TE. Green is one of the more athletic and aggressive DLs that I’ve had the pleasure of watching. He uses his long arms to keep offensive linemen at bay and boasts a strong bullrush and rip move. Green can be a game-wrecker on defense and he should cause problems for offenses all year.
James Englund (OL/DL): 6’3″ 300 lbs 2024
Englund suffered an injury early on last season and was unable to play, but the big man should be getting the nod as a day-1 starter for the Saints. Englund has a huge frame and long arms that allow him to keep defensive linemen at bay. He’s a force to be reckoned with in the run game due to his sheer size and velocity. He can also plug up gaps on the defensive side of the ball.
Evan Peterson (ATH): 6’4″ 240 lbs
Peterson is the definition of a plug-and-play athlete. He has the size to step in and play any offensive line position, but he also has the speed, agility, hands, and vertical to stretch the field as a tight end. Peterson has a great work ethic and has the strength to move bigger defensive linemen out of gaps without help. He could also see looks as a defensive end, where his unique combination of speed and strength could be valuable to the Saint’s defense. Peterson is ripe with potential and has a D2 upside.
Jacob Walter (OL/DL) 6’2″ 240 lbs 2025
Another Saint’s big man, Walter is the presumed day 1 center. Walter saw some varsity reps during his sophomore year but looks to take that big leap next season. Walter has great size for a center and fills out every bit of his 6’2″ frame. He does a great job of making calls down the line and has formed a tight chemistry with his fellow trench hogs. Expect him to take a big leap during his junior year.
Hyatt Lindquist (OL/DL): 6′ 215 lbs 2025
Although a little undersized, Hyatt enters the 2023-2024 season in a predicted starting role as an OG and a possible rotational member of the defensive line. What he may lack in size he makes up for with dogged tenacity. He has quick feet and good form when pulling, and shows no issues moving bigger defenders out of gaps. The Saint’s offensive line should be a force to be reckoned with next season.
Sam Ruid Sam Ruid 6'5" | 300 lbs | OL St. Francis | 2025 State MN (OL/DL): 6’5″ 285 lbs 2025
The biggest name on the Saints both literally and metaphorically, Ruid’s recruiting stock has skyrocketed this offseason with visits to both the Gophers and UND these last couple of weeks. He’s nearing freak athlete territory with his 5.1 40-yard dash, and he has the physical skills to dominate at the point of attack. He’s a people mover who can instantly neutralize any team’s best pass rusher. Expect Ruid to have a huge season as the blindside anchor of the Saint’s offensive line.
Adam Jordan Adam Jordan 5'11" | 160 lbs | WR St Francis | 2026 MN (WR): 5’10” 155 lbs 2026
A Prospect Tour camp standout, Jordan looks to enter his sophomore year contending for a starting spot. He’s a great route runner and has senses that I would not expect a freshman to possess. He does a good job of jumping up and contesting every catch. A young talent with a great work ethic, we could see a big-time breakout in 2023.
Noah Lamson (WR): 5’11” 170 lbs 2024
One of the only returning varsity wide receivers from last season, it appears as if Lamson is locked in as the WR1 right now. He recorded just over 100 receiving yards and 2 TDs last season. He’s a crafty route runner who has no problem going across the middle of the field, or laying a block for his fellow wideout. He protects the ball when hit very well and should take a big leap this fall.
Owen Lamson (WR): 6′ 170 lbs 2025
The younger brother of the previously mentioned Noah Lamson, Owen is the final true wideout that makes this list. He’s a streaky deep threat who can stretch the field in plenty of ways. He can catch in traffic and is shifty in open spaces. Expect him to see a lot of work out of the slot, and possibly as a secondary return man this season.
Owen Fiskewold (LB/DB): 5’10” 170 lbs 2024
Owen “GD” Fiskewold is one of two returning defensive starters for the Saints. The baseball standout junior saw plenty of action as a starting corner and had no shortage of top-tier talent facing him. He’s a great open-space tackler and has no issues pressing up on bigger wideouts. He may be utilized as a DB/LB this year, in which case he poses a serious pass coverage threat for QBs.
Jacob Tilly (ATH) 5’11” 175 lbs 2025
Tilly is a phenomenal athlete by nearly all measures. He spent most of his sophomore year on JV, but he is destined for a breakout junior year. He has track speed and a dog mentality. Truthfully he could see reps at nearly any skill position, as he possesses the speed, vision, and quickness of a runningback but has the size to make plays on the hashes. Defensively he has a wrestling background which you love to see, but he also has the ferocity of a linebacker with the ball skills of a safety. Expect Tilly to be anywhere and everywhere on the field this fall.
Aydan Carlson (RB/LB): 5’9″ 200 lbs 2024
Another one of SF’s stud wrestlers, Carlson is a Freestyle All-American and was the runner-up at 170 lbs last season. He got some solid reps as a running back, but I expect him to shine as a linebacker during his senior year. He does a great job of tracking the ball carrier and has phenomenal tackling form. Aggressive, quick, and tenacious, Carlson could easily become this defense X-Factor.
Cooper Fiskewold (ATH): 6′ 180 lbs 2025
The younger brother of the previously mentioned Owen Fiskewold, Cooper too has had success on the mound for the Fighting Saints in the spring. He’s also projected to be one of Saint’s key defenders this fall. Fiskewold has a solid frame and utilizes great speed and athleticism to bully smaller players. He saw plenty of reps at wideout and linebacker last season on JV, but he’s well-rounded to play corner cross-field from his brother.
Nick Pexa (FB/DL) 6′ 205 lbs 2025
Our final athlete, Nick Pexa conjures images of days past with neck pad fullbacks, and nose tape linebackers. He’s another sophomore who’s going to get a big chance to step up, he’s got the size and the strength to rotate in as a defensive end or see reps as a fullback/tight end on offense. He’s a big guy Swiss army knife, and I look forward to seeing how he impacts both sides of the ball this fall.