PrepRedzoneMN 2026 Rankings Update: Top Newcomers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Our wonderful subscribers at <em>PrepRedzoneMN </em>have been with <em>PrepRedzone</em>, and even back to <em>NorthstarFootballNews</em>, from the jump. We cannot tell you how much the loyalty and lastingness mean to us, and we love to reward our readers with the newest and most comprehensive news on Minnesota high school football recruiting, coverage, and performers from all around the state, of all classifications of high school ball, and to all projections of college football. Since most of you have been with us a while, you already know that our rankings updates are followed with two mainstay features: the top stock risers and top newcomers. With our stock rising feature just posted on the site, it's time for the Top Newcomers of the <em>PRzMN </em>2026 rankings update, and boy is there some exciting new names you guys need to know going into the fall. Size, speed, physicality, playmaking ability, it's all there in these 17 rising sophomores, and with so many new names to highlight, let's not waste any more time and start breaking down the ranking update's Top New Additions! Here we go! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["743298"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e is pretty excited about some of the rising sophomores in the u003cemu003eZimmerman Thunderu003c/emu003e 2026 class. Leading the pack is 6'3, 160 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='743298' first='Thomas' last='Mceachern']u003c/strongu003e, who played QB and safety for the u003cemu003eThunderu003c/emu003e last fall in the non-varsity ranks. With a great frame and a ton of length that can hold an intriguing amount of increased weight, u003cstrongu003eMceachernu003c/strongu003e showed off a dynamic skillset that created a ton of big plays for both his offense and defense in 2022. With burst, top-end, breakaway speed, vision, and a little bit of wiggle with the rock in-hand, he popped off some explosive TD runs that rarely saw him even touched by opponents, and in addition to the running ability, he showed soft hands, the ability to throw the rock, and dominance as a tackler as a MOF defender. If he had a good offseason, I could see him getting varsity reps somewhere on the field in 2023. Loads of potential in u003cstrongu003eMceachernu003c/strongu003e!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["665266"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"One of the bigger LBs on the 2026 u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e rankings, u003cemu003eChaska Hawksu003c/emu003e 6', 215 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='665266' first='Mason' last='Davis']u003c/strongu003e reports good numbers in the weight room (450 squat, 295 bench), and also competes as a thrower on the track u0026amp; field team while holding a 3.55 GPA. From his 2022 game film in the non-varsity ranks of the u003cemu003eChaskau003c/emu003e program, u003cstrongu003eDavisu003c/strongu003e demonstrated the strength and physicality to win 1-on-1 battles against OL and larger opponents and superiority at the contact point, and he laid some crushing hits as both a LB and FB that put opponents on their butts. I like how u003cstrongu003eDavisu003c/strongu003e takes good angles to the football, and he shows off a good motor and a little bit of blitzing capability. The size and strength as a rising sophomore are what really gets us excited, and being more physically developed than your peers is a quick way to see varsity reps sooner rather than later.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["923837"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"A 5'7, 160 lb. jitterbug of a RB from powerhouse u003cemu003eSt. Thomas Academyu003c/emu003e, u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='923837' first='Dominic' last='Baez'] u003c/strongu003ehas a long, exciting, productive freshman highlight film filled with big runs and broken tackles. There's a lot of good going for him, as the RB possesses sudden, shifty hips and burst out of his cuts, pull-away speed, and a mean stiff arm that makes him really difficult for defenses to corral both in space or in traffic. u003cstrongu003eBaezu003c/strongu003e also possesses contact balance that can easily power through arm tackles, attempts to push him out of bounds, and weaker tackles at his lower body or if defenders are too high, and I really like how he can easily take the edge of the defense. He's a patient runner who knows how to utilize space and set up opponents to make them miss, and if you give him a sliver of space he's going to take advantage and make you pay. It was a very productive freshman season for u003cstrongu003eBaezu003c/strongu003e and there are a lot more TDs coming in his future. u003cemu003eSt. Thomas Academyu003c/emu003e has had a ton of historical success with RBs of u003cstrongu003eBaez's u003c/strongu003esize and skillset, and u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e is very excited to continue following the big-play RB these next three seasons.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["923835"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"The younger brother of former u003cemu003ePark Wolfpacku003c/emu003e LB turned UWRF track u0026amp; field competitor Matt, 2026 MLB u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='923835' first='Aidan' last='Boche']u003c/strongu003e already clocks in at 6'3, 195 lbs. and reports solid numbers in the weight room that includes a 240 lb. bench and 325 lb. squat that combine for some impressive measurables going into his sophomore campaign with the u003cemu003eWolfpacku003c/emu003e. With a big frame, length, and fired up, excitable playstyle, u003cstrongu003eBocheu003c/strongu003e is fun to watch, and has a three-down skillset that includes solid speed, the capability to process, read, and trigger on the ball well, and some coverage ability that includes breaking on the ball well. I also like how slippery he is when avoiding blocking attempts, and he's physical at the contact point and can stuff RBs and prevent extra gains once he puts his pads on them. u003cstrongu003eBocheu003c/strongu003e has some good football in front of him and some exciting recruiting potential given the size, strength, and prospective experience once his varsity career gets going.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["923838"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"u003cemu003eFarmington'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='923838' first='Hank' last='Vonbank']u003c/strongu003e is still very much growing into 6'3, 195 lb. frame, but with the success the u003cemu003eTiger'su003c/emu003e strength and conditioning program has produced as of late, I think he's got the chance to be an impressive physical specimen when it's all said and done. Last season, while playing LT and DE in the non-varsity ranks for u003cemu003eFarmingtonu003c/emu003e, u003cstrongu003eVonbank u003c/strongu003eput some good reps on tape on both sides of the ball. Defensively, he demonstrated some bend, effective hand-usage and pass-rushing moves and combos, and a good motor, as well as the control to tackle in space and the strength to tackle with a blocker still draped on him. He also disengages from blocking attempts easily and can lock out his arms, seek and find the ball, and then shed the opponent well. Speaking of locking out his arms, u003cstrongu003eVonbank u003c/strongu003epossesses length in those arms and uses them well as a LT, where he sticks to opponents along the OL and is hard for defenders to shed, and he does a good job of running his feet and working to finish once he gets engaged with a defender. There's also some solid initial pop and strength in his still-growing frame. Right now, I like him more as a DL, but I'm interested to see what u003cemu003eFarmington u003c/emu003ethanks and where he may get the majority of his reps this fall.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["923832"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Another u003cemu003eChaska Hawku003c/emu003e 2026er, 5'10, 190 lb. QB/RB/ATH u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='923832' first='Carson' last='Turner']u003c/strongu003e is a heckuva high school wrestler and finished 5th in the 182AAA bracket this past March. The big-school, weight class, and obviously finish are all very impressive for a young buck in a state with a strong wrestling tradition, and you guys have been reading my stuff for long enough to know how I feel about football/wrestler multi-sport standouts. u003cstrongu003eTurneru003c/strongu003e is a high-caliber one to boot, and on the gridiron in 2022 he displayed a ton of eye-catching athleticism and a man-amongst-boys playstyle and campaign against non-varsity competition. With highlight-reel tackle breaking ability, u003cstrongu003eTurneru003c/strongu003e stiff-armed, ducked under, bounced off, slipped through, and ran over would-be tacklers for eye-catching runs, and had the big-play speed that can finish big runs for six. I really enjoy his noticeably powerful and effective cuts, which left opponents grasping at air and their feet stuck in the mud, and he also showed off soft hands that reel in the ball away from his body both out of the backfield or from the perimeter and occasional wing position. u003cstrongu003eTurneru003c/strongu003e was dominant in 2022, and he's got the chance to continue to keep climbing the 2026 u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e rankings significantly going forward. I am very excited about this young man and his future as a college football and wrestling recruit.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["923833"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"Speaking of 2026ers I am quite excited about, meet u003cemu003eElk River'su003c/emu003e rising sophomore u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='923833' first='Levi' last='Harris']u003c/strongu003e. The u003cemu003eElks u003c/emu003ehave extremely promising 2025 and 2026 classes of football players, and u003cstrongu003eHarris u003c/strongu003eis repping the '26s well, as his gridiron and multi-sport exploits are worth getting excited for and combine to make a favorable resume going into his sophomore season. Most notable are his track times from this past spring, where u003cstrongu003eHarrisu003c/strongu003e posted an 11.1 and 11.3 100M and 21'00u0022 long jump to earn a plethora of hardware from the u003cemu003eElk Riveru003c/emu003e Tu0026amp;F program. That is an especially strong 100M time, and on top of it, u003cstrongu003eHarrisu003c/strongu003e is also a talented and productive guard on the hardcourt, where he runs with Minnesota Comets Elite AAU in the offseason and shows off a smooth jump shot and some nifty handles. In his three games of gridiron action from 2022, u003cstrongu003eHarrisu003c/strongu003e continues to impress, as he displays two-way ability and shows off a ton of athleticism that manifests as a natural ballhawk from defensive secondary, as well as ball carrier with game-breaking speed, vision, and balance, and powerful and twitchy cuts. He runs the QB position in the u003cemu003eElksu003c/emu003e Power-T offense to perfection as well. I'm not a huge fan of player comparisons, but u003cstrongu003eHarrisu003c/strongu003e reminds me a bit of 2023 Elk River grad, 2022 Mr. Football, and Minnesota Gophers PWO signee Cade Osterman. I'm very excited to keep watching this kid. If he builds on that speed year-to-year he's going to be lethal in the MN prep football ranks.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["923836"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"One of a couple of RBs I am particularly excited about in the 2026 u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e ranks, u003cemu003eRochester Mayo Spartansu003c/emu003e 5'7, 185 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='923836' first='Lincoln' last='Majerus']u003c/strongu003e is powerfully built and knows how to use, totaling 15 TDs in 2022 and poised for many more throughout his budding high school football career. Thick and compact, u003cstrongu003eMajerus u003c/strongu003eis a fun blend of power and quickness and owns the vision and effective lateral ability to make defenders miss, cut back across the grain, and create big plays out of seemingly routine rushes. His build and strong lower body help him to work, spin, and run through weaker tackle attempts and drag dog piles 10-15 extra yards, and he's more than willing to lower his pads and sit down defenders impressively, as well as absorb and dish out contact well. Additionally, there's solid speed against non-varsity competition, some hands out of the backfield, and good reps defensively, particularly as a strong tackling LB/DL. u003cstrongu003eMajerusu003c/strongu003e is a strong kid with a balanced skillset that gave defenses hell in 2022. More where that came from this fall!","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["923834"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"One of a couple must-know u003cemu003eMounds View Mustangsu003c/emu003e 2026 standouts at this point, 5'11, 170 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='923834' first='Godson' last='Rufus-Okomhanru'] u003c/strongu003eshould really excite prospective college football programs with his eye-catching track times from his freshman year, which include a 11.35 100M and 22.89 200M. That's an awesome indication of speed that is only going to improve as u003cstrongu003eGRO u003c/strongu003egrows, matures, and develops, and he's got some juice on the gridiron to boot. As a WR, his speed really shows up when going vertical, as can eat up DB cushions and torch man coverage with ease. He also tracks and plays the ball well in the air, and shows a bit of ability to drop his hips at the top of the route. As an OLB, the speed impresses when he runs down plays from the backside of the LOS, but that's not all he can do, as Rufus-Okomhanru defends the edge well and closes quickly, is physical when tackling and defeating blocks, and patient in coverage and does a good job of undercutting routes to make plays on the ball around the second level of the defense. For a speedster, I thought he'd be a offense-only guy, but he's an impressive defensive prospect as well. u003cemu003eMounds Viewu003c/emu003e has a good one on their hands!","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["924226"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"It shouldn't come as a surprise that a u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e 2026 rankings Top Newcomer hails from the talent-rich Lakeville area, and u003cemu003eLakeville North's u003c/emu003e6'1, 210 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='924226' first='Roman' last='Johnson']u003c/strongu003e made some waves in 2022 and got himself on our Top-75 going into the 2023 season. A bigger freshman who moves well enough at his size for the u003cemu003ePanthersu003c/emu003e to play him at both fullback and NG/1T/3T in the non-varsity ranks. u003cstrongu003eJohnson u003c/strongu003elaid a massive hit on a u003cemu003eFarmington u003c/emu003eDB who picked his QB off, a play I always enjoy seeing, and he doesn't mind laying wood on special teams (kickoff return), as well as a punishing FB, where he does a good job of finding the most dangerous man and paving a way for his RB, and he also can catch the ball out of the backfield and bring the pain to would-be tacklers. Defensively, where his future most likely lies, u003cstrongu003eJohnsonu003c/strongu003e fights through blocks and uses his hands well, and shows the motor willing to run down ball carriers at the second level of his defense. The size and mobility combination is fun to watch and bodes well for his future career on varsity.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["924224"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"I love following recruiting bloodlines and lineage, and it generally is a strong indication of how a recruit will grow, develop, and hopefully project to the next level. In that vein, I'm excited about u003cemu003eWayzata'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='924224' first='Matthew' last='Berkland']u003c/strongu003e, the younger brother of u003cemu003eTrojansu003c/emu003e 2022 grad Drew Berkland, who plays baseball for the Minnesota Golden Gophers but a kid I thought would have made a helluva safety at the next level if he had gone the football route. The younger u003cstrongu003eBerklandu003c/strongu003e is a similarly talented football u0026amp; baseball player, with a bright future at whatever sport(s) he decides to play in college. As a testament to his athleticism, u003cstrongu003eBerklandu003c/strongu003e manned the QB position in the u003cemu003eTrojansu003c/emu003e non-varsity ranks last fall, where he showed the capacity to stretch the field with accuracy and touch, as well as some solid mobility, as he could throw on the move as well as step up into the pocket and escape pressure while keeping his eyes downfield and allowing his wideouts to get open. Additionally, there's some speed and elusiveness present when he tucks and runs. With the aforementioned athleticism, there's also a little bit of arm talent, so I could potentially see him staying at QB or moving to perhaps WR or DB. Options are a good thing, and u003cstrongu003eBerklandu003c/strongu003e is stacked in that department.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["924223"],"_player_evaluations_11_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_11_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_11_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"I take varsity experience in underclassmen seriously, and starting at QB at a 6A school as a freshman is a big deal, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that u003cemu003eHopkinsu003c/emu003e 6', 175 lb. signal-caller u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='924223' first='Dylan' last='Caspers']u003c/strongu003e was one of the top new additions in the latest u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e 2026 rankings update. There's an abundance of promising QBs in this budding 2026 class here in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, and u003cstrongu003eCaspers u003c/strongu003ecertainly counts as a name to watch, as he's got some encouraging skills going for him, namely his skills as an elusive scrambler, where is spatial awareness is solid and allows him to avoid pressure by stepping up through the pocket or working outwards toward the sideline. He also doesn't go down easy and can bounce off weaker collisions from rushers, and I also really enjoy his accuracy, as u003cstrongu003eCaspers u003c/strongu003eis accurate and puts the ball where only his receiver can get it. Additionally, he possesses touch, a quick release, and can put some torque on the ball when needed to fit the ball into tight windows. The combination of his ability to extend plays and get the ball to his receivers with precision as a young buck gives us a lot of optimism regarding his future. Keep it up, u003cstrongu003eDylanu003c/strongu003e!","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_player":["924225"],"_player_evaluations_12_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_12_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_12_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"Another piece to the aforementioned talent-rich u003cemu003eElk Riveru003c/emu003e 2025 and 2026 class or prospects, 6'3, 205 lb. LB/TE u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='924225' first='Adam' last='Rudnitski'] u003c/strongu003ereports a 405 lb. squat, 270 lb. bench (video evidence), and 260 lb. clean and also competes in wrestling and track and field for the u003cemu003eElksu003c/emu003e. He was disruptive as a LB last fall, where he showed some blitzing capability off the edge, as well as the skills to defeat blocks, hold the edge, close, and make tackles in space and 1-on-1 situations. Not a ton of film available right now, but the size, weight room numbers, and competence as an edge defender all look promising going forward. You'll be hearing a ton about u003cemu003eElk Riveru003c/emu003e and their upcoming recruits in the next few years.rnrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_13_player":["924336"],"_player_evaluations_13_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_13_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_13_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"With one of the state's top 2025 prospects, the u003cemu003eEdina Hornetsu003c/emu003e are poised to continue some recruiting success and momentum into their 2026 class, which includes their massive rising sophomore DL u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='924336' first='Sawyer' last='Jezierski']u003c/strongu003e. Measuring in at an unconfirmed yet impressive 6'4, 240ish, u003cstrongu003eJezierski u003c/strongu003ewas dominant against non-varsity competition as both a 3T and 5T and rag-dolled and tossed opposing OL aside like they were practice dummies or bull rushed them backward and onto their butts like they were on skates. As a well-built freshman last fall, he was obviously heavy-handed but also showed that he can close, use his hands well, throw a little bit of twitch at blocking attempts, and of course, be a hammer at the contact point. For a larger and younger DL, he's overall slick at getting off blocking attempts but can utilize power to lethal effect as well. If u003cstrongu003eJezierskiu003c/strongu003e keeps growing, adding strength, and developing his skillset on top of what he showed as a freshman as he's got the chance to play at some high levels of college football. u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e will be monitoring him closely.rnrnu0026nbsp;","_player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_14_player":["924222"],"_player_evaluations_14_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_14_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_14_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"Off the bat, u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='924222' first='Henry' last='Hauge']'su003c/strongu003e prospect as a resume looks favorable, as he clocks in at 6'5, 230 lbs., plays for 6A powerhouse u003cemu003eLakeville South's u003c/emu003e10th-grade squad as a freshman, posted a 365 x 2 back squat in May, and has a multi-sport background that includes hockey, Minnesota's prolific pastime. As an OT, where he spent most of his time last fall, u003cstrongu003eHaugeu003c/strongu003e possessed some eye-popping qualities at his size, most notably his body control, speed at this size that can stay at pace with his RBs downfield, and a very impressive ability to get out in front of his RB, run downfield in athletic fashion, and handle second and third level defenders in space while staying upright. The mobility, control, and balance that u003cstrongu003eHaugeu003c/strongu003e is showing in his freshman tape can earn lineman heavyweight FBS offers if they can do it at the varsity level. This is a must-watch name to continue following.","_player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_15_player":["924342"],"_player_evaluations_15_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_15_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_15_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_15_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_15_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_15_evaluation":"One of the larger rising sophomores on this list of Top Newcomers, u003cemu003eMahtomedi'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='924342' first='Dawson' last='Duback']u003c/strongu003e already holds substantial size for a DT prospect at 6'2, 265 lbs. and 15 years old, and against non-varsity competition last fall he knew how to use it. Solid strength to handle doubles and hold his gap, a good get-off, and active and heavy hands are some of the big things that stand out from his 2022 season defensively, and u003cstrongu003eDubacku003c/strongu003e also plays OL,  where he can work to the second level effectively and shove opponents around like they're a little annoying cousin. As the biggest kid on tape from his freshman season, u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e is excited to see how he continues to grow and develop.","_player_evaluations_15_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_16_player":["924341"],"_player_evaluations_16_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_16_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_16_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_16_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_16_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_16_evaluation":"Our final Top Newcomer from the newly updated u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e 2026 rankings, u003cemu003eWayzata Trojansu003c/emu003e 6', 150 lb. WR u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='924341' first='Sam' last='Booh']u003c/strongu003e is a firecracker and exciting splash play wideout with a ton of juice and playmaking ability against non-varsity opponents of the u003cemu003eTrojansu003c/emu003e. With the speed to take the top off the defense, the skills to start/stop and break off his routes well, and the means to work back to the ball well and high-point and play the rock impressively in the air, u003cstrongu003eBooh u003c/strongu003ecan also really make his money with the ball in-hand, as he's twitchy and balanced after the catch, can throw a mean truck stick into a would-be tackler for good measure, and finish receptions through contact and even highlight reel collisions. It's a playmaking, big-play skillset that makes for a fun watch and one of the most exciting 2026 tapes I watched while grinding film for the update. If he can transfer his game to the varsity level, he'll be one of the most electric WRs in the state soon. The future of u003cemu003eWayzata'su003c/emu003e offense looks bright.","_player_evaluations_16_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":17,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64cd3b6e30e9f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->