Best I Saw at the Minnesconsin Camp: ’24 DL
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Use code Johnson30 to get 30% off your subscription! Teams looking to bolster their DL had an overload of talent to take in during the Minnesconsin Mega Camp in River Falls. So much so that I will be breaking the…
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Teams looking to bolster their DL had an overload of talent to take in during the Minnesconsin Mega Camp in River Falls. So much so that I will be breaking the DL into two articles. An article looking at the top 2024s, and an article looking at the other graduating classes. The Class of 2024 was represented by some of the best MN and WI talent. There are names for every level of competition to know. Let’s shine the spotlight on them now.
The 6’1″ 235 lbs DL out of West De Pere put together a great showing at the Minnesconsin Mega Camp. Andrew displayed his impressive blend of power and explosiveness from start to finish. He put up a 9’4″ broad jump, 31.9″ vertical, and ran an impressive 4.7 40 yard dash. The power in Andrew’s frame was very noticeable in person. Everything he did seemed to have extra force behind it and it stood out from the massive crowd of athletes. That strength in his lower body has led to his chaos causing play. He flies out of his stance at the snap, and is a nightmare for OL to get in front of. Baumgart is going to be a fun chess piece for a next level DC to implement.
Highlights
One of the more impressive frames among the DL group was Elijah Hagen Elijah Hagen 6’6″ | 230 lbs | DL Jordan | 2024 State MN of Jordan High School. Hagen is a long, 6’5″ 211 lbs, athlete with a frame that looks poised to hold the weight needed to win consistently on the edge at the next level. Hagen proved to have solid burst in his lower body. That was highlighted by a 8’10” broad jump and 33.4″ vertical. On tape you see the same thing. Elijah gets out of his stance quickly, and it puts the OL in tough spots as they try to get in position on him. Elijah does have to continue to develop his technique when it comes to hand use, but his length, burst, and disruptive play translate to the college level.
Highlights
An impressive athlete on the hoof is the East Ridge DL. Hunter is 6’4″ 226 lbs prospect and his performance earned him an offer from UW- River Falls. I went to his tape to get more of an idea of who he is as a player. Hunter lines up all along the DL, and he makes stops from each alignment. The DL wins with a sufficient blend of power and quickness. He can hold the line of scrimmage when he takes on a blocker head up. Groskopf also does a good job of locking out OL with those long arms. From there he can find the ball, disengage, and make the tackle.
Wesley came into the Mega Camp well on my radar, and the interior DL proved to be a name to know. Coates checked in at 6’3″ 272 lbs, about 8 lbs up from last fall. Wesley also did a great job of showing off his game. On tape, and during the camp, Coates wins with his power and his hand use. Wesley can take on blocks, shed them, and make tackles at the line. He also has the pass rush moves to quickly disengage with OL. It is also worth noting, Wesley plays much faster than he tested. On tape, his short area quickness gives him head starts it seems like and it gets him in position and the leverage advantage. Since his performance, Wesley has earned three scholarship offers from Augustana, McKendree, and Sioux Falls. I’m excited to see his impact during his final season.
Highlights
One of the top performers among the DL was one of the top 2024 DL from Minnesota. Langden is a 6’4″ 224 lbs DL with excellent athleticism. The long athlete broad jumped 10’1″, vertical jumped 33.4″, and ran a blazing 4.53 40 yard dash. All are exceptional numbers for a DE. On tape, Langden looks the part of a potential D1 prospect. He uses his length to create separation from OL. His first step and overall speed allow him to run the loop around the edge to the QB. He has shown lateral agility that has made OL completely whiff. His motor also stands out as he chases down plays. There are so many traits to unleash and develop with Langden. He holds an offer from North Dakota, and earned another offer from Mankato following the camp.
Sebastian Paul
Sebastian Paul
Sebastian was new on my radar at the Mega Camp. He checked in at a solid 6’3″ 218 lbs. I went to his film to get more acquainted with his game, and I liked what I saw. D3 programs need to have him on their radar. Paul wins with effort, lateral agility, and closing speed. It was great to see highlights of him fighting through multiple blocks in one play and still being able to make the tackle. There are also plays where his ability to make subtle lateral movements gave him the room he needed to beat OL through gaps. I want to see his hand use and pass rush moves improve this fall, but he grabbed my attention with where he is at now. Keep an eye on him.
Brody Peissig
Brody Peissig
Another athlete who put himself on the map is St. Croix Central’s Brody Peissig. Brody sure looks the part of a next level DL with his 6’3″ 229 lbs frame with a 6’6″ wingspan. He also tested very well with a 4.83 40, 7.3 L-Drill, and 4.72 pro agility time. The big man plays primarily out of a two point stance on the edge. On tape, Brody impresses with the quickness and strength to gain leverage to set the edge and prevent OL from breaking his containment position. Peissig also has noteworthy closing speed when he gets into the backfield. It was also good to see plays that show off his understanding of his job. You don’t see him take himself out of the play. Once he beats his man, or gets a free release, Brody does a good job of squeezing down the line instead of running himself out of the play. There is plenty of talent to work with here. Make sure to get this kid on your radars, espeically D2/D3 coaches.
Carson Jewett
Carson Jewett
One of the more impressive athletes I saw that is under the radar right now is Hill Murray ’24 Carson Jewett. The 6’1″ 260 lbs DL is a talented IDL. Carson has impressive agility and lateral movement skills to make OL miss and to put himself in position to gain the leverage advantage. Carson is also blessed with short area quickness that magnifies his agility and makes him dangerous out of his stance. Jewett also is strong at the point of attack. He can hold his ground when he takes on blocks, and even makes an impact on the OL. The big man put up an impressive 5.15 40 and a 4.76 pro agility time. He holds offers from Bemidji State and River Falls, so far.
Another DL who earned his first offer from River Falls following his strong performance was Sawyer Rumohr Sawyer Rumohr 6’3″ | 250 lbs | DL Alexandria Area Schoo | 2024 State MN . The 6’3″ 250 lbs DE plays with effective short area quickness. He is able to shoot a gap, close quickly when in the backfield, or make lateral cuts. Sawyer also has tape showing that he can take on blocks and make the tackle at the line thanks to his stout strength. The big man has a high motor and makes the chase down plays that you wouldn’t expect from a kid his size. Rumohr plays faster than he tests after seeing the film.
Stanley Smith
Stanley Smith
Another rising prospect who is under the radar is Notre Dame DE Stanley Smith. Smith has a great frame at 6’2″ 226 lbs. More impressive is how well the big man moves off the edge. Smith is violent from snap to whistle. He bursts out of his stance, uses heavy hands to create separation and disengage. Smith’s lower body explosiveness showed up in a 32.2″ vertical jump. Stanley’s film also shows off good lateral agility that helps him get off blocks quickly. Once in the open, Smith has the range to be able to make stops in space or downfield. Get eyes on the raw prospect early.
An athlete who I was already high on, and only came away more impressed with, is the Hudson DL. Aiden is 6’3″ 241 lbs with an impressive athletic profile. He put up a 9’3″ broad jump, 4.95 40 yard dash, and an impressive 4.49 pro agility. Those strong numbers emphasize the tape. Aiden has shown he can leave OL striking at air with his lateral movement quickness. Overall, Aiden’s body control is the key to his game. Whether using agility or power, you don’t catch him getting off balance. Even when he is at tough angles Aiden is able to stay on his path. Along with the agility and quickness, Aiden has solid power to take on blocks, hold the line as he moves with the play, and then disengage. Make sure this kid is on your radars.
One of the hottest recruits this summer camp cycle has been the 6’5″ 231 lbs DE out of Byron. The tape is impressive to watch. The big man has impressive balance and bend to be able to run the loop and bend or dip underneath the OT despite his huge frame. The long strider also eats up ground giving OL very little time to get in front of him. The long athlete uses his arms to maintain separation and keep himself clean of the OL’s hands. Vanderpool is quick out of his stance as well. The mismatch off the edge is a disruptive force. He has gained the attention and offers from multiple FCS level programs. A big senior year is in store.