Preseason Preview: Rogers Royals

The Rogers Royals enter the 2023 season as one of the favorites to win the AAAAA state title. They made a deep-state run last season and returned most of the star-studded roster. They boast a potent rushing attack and have developed a reputation as a hard-nosed physical team that is feared across the state. So get ready to meet some of the 2023 Royals!   Key Starters:   [player_tooltip player_id='138248' first='Wyatt' last='Gilmore']: 2024 6'4" 250 lbs EDGE   Gilmore, the #1 recruit from Minnesota in the class of 2024, looks to lead the Royals back to the state tournament during his senior campaign. Gilmore is an absolute monster of a human being, standing at a true 6'4" while also running a 4.7 40. He easily ragdolls talented offensive linemen and shows off various moves when pass-rushing. He has a lightning-fast first step and has shown the ability to get to the QB in under two seconds consistently. Gilmore is incredibly tenacious and shows off high in-game IQ with his phenomenal awareness and work stripping the ball for the QB. The sky is the limit for Gilmore, don't be shocked if he ends up playing on Sundays in a couple of years.   Committed To: Oklahoma   [player_tooltip player_id='346817' first='Wyatt' last='Bell']: 2024 6'4" 295 lbs OL   Bell is an absolute mauler for the Royals and is finally starting to get the hype that he deserves. Bell can play both tackle and guard and is more than adept when playing in space. He gets to the second level quickly and shows no issues moving bigger opponents off the ball. One thing I love about his tape is how he finds work. Even if there isn't a guy right in front of him, Bell will find someone to lay out. Bell is an uber-physical lineman with a D1 upside who will anchor an always ferocious Royals offensive line.   Offers: Oklahoma, MSUM, St. Thomas, Sioux Falls, Winona State, UMD   [player_tooltip player_id='743289' first='Reece' last='Dawson']: 2024 6'3" 215 lbs QB   With a great frame and a 4.01 GPA, I'm surprised more teams haven't offered Dawson. He's got a big arm and isn't afraid to sling it deep. He stands tall in the pocket with great poise, but he also shows off some mobility. Dawson is comfortable rolling out of the pocket and can reliably throw on the run. He seems to have mastered play action and boasts a great pump fake in his arsenal. He is just as comfortable standing and striking as he is scrambling for a few extra yards. End of the day, Dawson fits in well with this talented offense and can offer things many other QBs can't.   Offers: Mankato State   [player_tooltip player_id='551301' first='Adam' last='Salwei']: 2024 6' 245 lbs OL   Salwei may not be the biggest guy on the field, but he's probably the most aggressive. He locks on to bigger opponents and never stops moving his feet. He may also be the most versatile player on the field. You can plug and play him anywhere on the offensive line. He's quick when pulling, and builds up steam quickly. If he can continue to hit the weight room and pack on muscle, he could be a very dominant player during his senior year.   Offers: Augsburg, UW Platteville   Calvin Kolleh: 2024 5'10" 165 lbs WR/DB   Kolleh, who was the WR1 last season, returns for his senior season after gathering his first offer in the fall. He's an athletic two-way player who shows off fantastic body control and speed on his tape. He flies across the field with ease and does a great job of tracking the ball in the air, on both sides of the ball. He doesn't struggle with concentration catches, and on defense seems to have a 6th sense of where the ball is going. He could easily play either side of the ball in college, and I'm pumped to see how his off-season work translates to his play on the field.   Offers: Augsburg   [player_tooltip player_id='551378' first='Kalvin' last='Eull']: 2025 5'10" 190 lbs RB   Sitting behind a 2000-yard rusher means that you probably won't have the most productive sophomore year unless your name is [player_tooltip player_id='551378' first='Kalvin' last='Eull']. Then you'll put up 500 yards while averaging 6.2 yards per carry. Eull is a thick and powerful back who will run you over if you are in his way. He's got great vision, especially for a younger back, and breaks arm tackles time and time again. He also can make filthy cuts that will have defenders stumbling trying to catch up. Very few young backs were as productive as him, and I expect him to have a breakout junior year.   [player_tooltip player_id='105408' first='Adrian' last='Onyiego']: 2024 6'2" 200 lbs EDGE   Another D1 edge player for the Royals, Onyiego looks to terrorize offenses his senior year side by side [player_tooltip player_id='138248' first='Wyatt' last='Gilmore']. Onyiego boasts a crazy quick get-off and fights tooth and nail through offensive linemen. His speed on film makes your jaw drop, and he is one of the best backfield disruptors I've ever seen at the high school level. Even though he's not the biggest defender, Onyiego can play anywhere on the defensive line with ease. His sheer grit and tenacity are evident, and he looks to be a nasty linebacker at the next level.   Committed To: Wyoming   Frankie Montano: 2024 5'10" 230 lbs DT/OL   Montano is a tough two-way player for the Royals whose versatility allows him to be a big difference-maker on both sides of the ball. He keeps a low pad level and will hunt the ball carrier down the line of scrimmage, never giving up on the play. He also knows his role as a DT. He clogs up run lanes and provides the offensive line with a consistent challenge. Montano may not be the flashiest player, but he's someone who does a job that needs to be done, and he does it well.   Offers: Augsburg   Palmer Willigalle: 2024 6' 205 lbs MLB   Willigalle had a statistically brilliant junior season, and it surprises me that he still doesn't hold an offer. He recorded 90 tackles, 7 TFL, and 0.5 sacks last season for a dominant 5A team. Two things stuck out to me in his film, the speed that he has for his size is incredible. He's incredibly elusive and can blitz through gaps with ease leading to big-time TFLs. The other thing is his hit power, Willigalle lights kids up. He does an awesome job of making first contact with blockers at the LOS, and often sends the fullback flying before chasing down the runningback. NSIC offers should start rolling in for the new senior.   Other Players to Know:   [player_tooltip player_id='244980' first='Ryder' last='Vylasek']: 2025 ATH 5'11" 190 lbs   A safety/linebacker hybrid, Vylasek is an excellent blitzer who does a great job of creating pressure. He's elusive with a quick first step and often showcases some good lateral speed. He constantly disrupts plays and will terrorize QBs in an RPO-style offense. He was in the backfield a lot during the playoffs, so don't be surprised if you hear more about Vylasek during the regular season.   [player_tooltip player_id='743248' first='Cal' last='Myrin']: 2025 6'5" 230 lbs DE   I don't think Myrin has seen a varsity snap yet, but it's hard to find 6'5" 230 lb athletes, and on the most talented defensive line in the state, I believe Myrin could see some serious playing time as a junior. He is as athletically gifted as they come, boasting a wingspan that is over 6'6". He also has great max numbers and is reported to have run a 4.8 40. This kid has serious potential and you should get on the hype now.

The Rogers Royals enter the 2023 season as one of the favorites to win the AAAAA state title. They made a deep-state run last season and returned most of the star-studded roster. They boast a potent rushing attack and have developed a reputation as a hard-nosed physical team that is feared across the state. So get ready to meet some of the 2023 Royals!