PRzMN 2025 Rankings Update: Top Newcomers

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It has, and will continue to be, a busy month of August here at <em>PrepRedzoneMN</em>. Now that the 2025 Minnesota rankings are live and published, which culminated an offseason of research, observation, and evaluation, as well as a week straight of grinding tape, we're excited to introduce the Top Newcomers to the 2025 rankings. With over 100 new names added between the rankings and the watchlist, there were some considerable New Additions added this update, both in quantity and talent, and with the 16 Top Newcomers we've highlighted before, there are some prospects with definite P5 potential, which should excite and intrigue our readers equally. These guys were fun to watch and fun to evaluate as sophomores, and <em>PRzMN </em>is pumped to have two more seasons and off-season's to continue to track these studs. Let's not waste anymore time, get to know the Top Newcomers to the <em>PRzMN </em>2025 rankings below! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["758773"],"_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":"I've mentioned it in recent features for u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e, especially when breaking down the 2026 rankings update, but the u003cemu003eElk Riveru003c/emu003e program is in possession of some high-powered 2026 and 2025 prospects with a ton of potential as college football prospects. This should worry Class 5A competition, as the u003cemu003eElksu003c/emu003e are the defending state champs and looking like they're set to reload and then some, and among the standouts is a heavyweight rising junior who made some waves on the recruiting trail this offseason. Meet 6'5, 315 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='758773' first='Isaiah' last='Campbell']u003c/strongu003e, who is a multi-sport athlete for the Elks and brings obvious size to the table, as well as some impressive weight room numbers that includes a 515 lb. squat (!). u003cstrongu003eCampbell u003c/strongu003ealso performed well at offseason camps such as the U of M, NDSU, and UMDs, which has gotten him on the radars of a ton of big-time programs from the FCS, FBS, and P5 ranks, including Minnesota, Kansas, NDSU, SDSU, Wyoming, UND, and Nebraska. In his limited film from 2022, some of which was against non-varsity competition, u003cstrongu003eCampbellu003c/strongu003e showed off some flexibility for a big man, an impressive first step and get off from the snap, and physical dominance at the point of attack that crumples and runs opponents into the ground with ease. There's strength and physicality aplenty in his 2022 tape, and he'll need to transition that consistently to full-time varsity action in 2023, but with the offseason work and natural physical gifts working in his favor, he was an easy choice to have debut at #13 overall and as OL #3. Going to be a big year for u003cstrongu003eMr. Campbellu003c/strongu003e!","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["938335"],"_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":"The other half of the high-ranking debut tandem from the u003cemu003eElk Riveru003c/emu003e 2025 class, defensive lineman u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='938335' first='Nick' last='Montik']u003c/strongu003e has also made some notable ripples as a prospective college football athlete this offseason, highlighted by a 455 lb. squat in late May and 255 lb. bench in mid-April. He got himself on the radar of some big-time coaching and media staff, including followers from Montana, Minnesota, NDSU, Iowa State, North Dakota, and SDSU, and a lot more important names and programs will be following along as u003cstrongu003eMontiku003c/strongu003e enters his third year of high school and only second year of playing football. You heard that right, 2022 was u003cstrongu003eMontik's u003c/strongu003efirst year ever playing football, and he split reps between both JV and varsity, where he displayed some intriguing athleticism for his size as a DE. A quick first step, closing speed, quick lateral ability, and strong punch/effective hand usage all looked good in his 2022 reps, and u003cstrongu003eMontiku003c/strongu003e is also a strong tackler who can break down and tackle in space well for his size. Overall, his general speed, which helps run down plays out to the sideline, close, and disrupt opponents' offensive backfields, is particularly impressive at 6'5, 240. He's a good athlete with mobility and body control and is set to take the varsity scene by storm in 2023. He debuted at #16 overall and as the #4 DL in what is becoming a loaded 2025 class of MN prospects.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["918768"],"_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":"Of all the positions on the gridiron, there is a very strong argument that offensive line is Minnesota's best-produced position in terms of college prospects, and in the 2025 class, there are a few names who have really set themselves apart early and solidified themselves as high-end college prospects. One of those is 6'4, 275 lb. u003cemu003eBuffalo High Schoolu003c/emu003e rising junior u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='918768' first='Ryan' last='Babatz']u003c/strongu003e, who earned his first offer this summer from North Dakota after balling out at their prospect camp in Grand Forks and is far from done growing that offer sheet. There are a lot of heavyweight programs keeping track of u003cstrongu003eBabatzu003c/strongu003e, and since August 1st, when 2025s were allowed to be officially contacted by D1 programs, he's heard from NDSU, SDSU, Coastal Carolina, Minnesota, Duke, and Nebraska. It makes sense when you turn on the tape, as Babatz, in addition to his solid size, the LT and LG possesses active feet and hands, an aggressive and powerful punch, lateral agility, and the strength to finish off a few drive steps once he's engaged. I also really like his comfortability and balance in pass pro, where he shows off an efficient pass set, where he doesn't lunge or overstep, can drop his anchor well and is quick enough to handle speed rushers and strong enough to shut down power rushes. He's also controlled enough to work to the second level and out in space with ease. u003cstrongu003eBabatz'su003c/strongu003e technical prowess, athleticism, and strength going into his upperclassman spell out a bright future for him as a prospect going forward. It's going to be a big junior year for the u003cemu003eBuffalou003c/emu003e standout.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["743296"],"_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":"Not since the days of CJ Ham has u003cemu003eDuluth Denfeldu003c/emu003e had such a prolific offensive weapon as 2025 standout u003cstrongu003eTayeu003c/strongu003e u003cstrongu003eMannsu003c/strongu003e. Yes, there's been some standouts in-between the two, but there hasn't been anyone as explosive as the 5'11, 200 lber., who verified his athleticism at our u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneMNu003c/emu003e Showcase last spring, where he posted a hand-timed 4.5 flat in the 40, a 4.4 short-shuttle, a 9'10u0022 broad jump, and 7.25 L-drill for a very strong showing in the testing department. The athleticism is obvious on tape as well, where u003cstrongu003eMannsu003c/strongu003e demonstrates a dynamic skillset that provides a ton of offensive firepower as a RB, WR, and returner. He'll even get you points as a DB! To start, his vision and twitch are excellent, as he sees the field very well and does a great job of setting up defenders and utilizing space to get the most out of each and every rep. He showed off highlight-reel plays in his sophomore highlights involving one-handed catches, explosive runs cutting back across the grain, dragging would-be tacklers and dogpiles downfield, and snatching ankles of opponents in 1-on-1 situations. There's top-end speed, burst, and contact balance available in droves on his film, and I also enjoy u003cstrongu003eMannsu003c/strongu003e' ball skills, body control, fearlessness, and vertical ability as a WR. He's a big play waiting to happen and will be one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in Northern MN and the entire state overall. He comes in at #33 overall and as the #4 ranked ATH in the 2025 rankings.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["743260"],"_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":"Another u003cemu003eElk Riveru003c/emu003e rising junior, RB/LB u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='743260' first='Gavin' last='Schmidt']u003c/strongu003e is a standout camp and weight room performer who made big strides and posted consistent showings at various offseason events during his sophomore year. After a sophomore campaign where he helped the u003cemu003eElksu003c/emu003e to a 5A state championship while recording 1,065 total yards and 13 TDs along with 10 2pt conversions, not to mention his 11 tackles, 3 FFs, 2 INTs, 1 INt, and a sack, u003cstrongu003eSchmidt u003c/strongu003ewas invited to watch a practice at the U of M, which he then followed up with a strong showing at our spring PrepRedzoneMN Showcase. At 200 lbs., he posted a 4.69 40, a 4.5 short-shuttle, and 9' broad jump that impressed our scouts in attendance, and when you look at his weight room numbers you can bet those numbers will only improve. Highlighted by a 415 lb. back squat, 240 lb. power clean, and 235 lb. bench, u003cstrongu003eSchmidtu003c/strongu003e has been grinding and working his tail off this offseason, which is set to pay off big-time during the fall. Last year, he showed off lethal ability in the u003cemu003eElk Riveru003c/emu003e Power-T offense, where he displayed patience and can slip through gaps and slivers in the defense, as well as effectiveness as a WR, as he can catch the ball away from his body and take the top off the defense. When he finds daylight there is obvious burst in his game, and he's got the big play speed to finish explosive runs for six. u003cstrongu003eSchmidtu003c/strongu003e also shows off a strong lower body helps him slip through, bounce off, and stay upright through tackle attempts, an effective stiff-arm, and lateral agility that helps him make defenders miss and take advantage of space. I think his production is going to take a big step forward in 2023 as u003cemu003eElk Riveru003c/emu003e strives to defend that 5A state championship. He comes in at #41 overall and as RB3 in the latest u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e update.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["945933"],"_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":"We're going on a u003cemu003eMankato Westu003c/emu003e streak of New Additions now, and coming in as the highest ranked u003cemu003eScarletsu003c/emu003e 2025er is 6'3, 225 lb. DE u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='945933' first='Denim' last='Blackstad']u003c/strongu003e. Currently our #35 overall ranked recruit and #8 ranked DL, u003cstrongu003eBlackstadu003c/strongu003e was recently contacted by North Dakota State, and for good reason to, as he's a 5T with a little bit of length and a lean frame capable of adding a ton more good weight, and he opens his sophomore highlights with a crushing sack on a u003cemu003eRochester Mayou003c/emu003e QB that I'm sure was felt the next day by the poor signal-caller. I like his hand usage, as he's heavy-handed and uses it well to toss OL aside, as well as effectively counter blockers and beat them with his work rate/motor. He's also agile enough to execute stunts and twists, assignment-sound and patient at reading and reacting to offensive plays, and can tackle, redirect, pursue, and chase down ball carriers in space. u003cstrongu003eBlackstadu003c/strongu003e is also a crushing tackler when he gets ahold of a ballcarrier. Lots to like his in still-growing frame that contributed enormously to the 5A heavyweight u003cemu003eMankato Westu003c/emu003e last fall.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["743241"],"_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":"On the other side of u003cstrongu003eBlackstadu003c/strongu003e along the defensive LOS for u003cemu003eMankato Westu003c/emu003e comes our next Top Newcomer in 6'2, 230 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='743241' first='Austin' last='Nommensen']u003c/strongu003e. The DE comes in as our #59 overall prospect in the latest 2025 update and was another major contributor to the u003cemu003eScarletsu003c/emu003e' deep run at the 5A state championship last fall. The 5T gets into opponent's backfields quickly and forcefully, can fight and work through blocks to hold his gap, and shows off a bit of lateral agility and bend that can beat OTs to their outside shoulder. u003cstrongu003eNommensenu003c/strongu003e is a strong kid who can impact the run and pass games with equal effect. I would not want to line up against u003cemu003eMankato Westu003c/emu003e in the trenches during the 2023 season.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["743256"],"_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":"We're switching over to the offensive side of the ball for u003cemu003eMankato Westu003c/emu003e and their Top Newcomer of a WR in 6'2, 185 lb. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='743256' first='Eleazar' last='Staley']u003c/strongu003e. The wide receiver corps for the u003cemu003eScarlets u003c/emu003eis loaded going into the fall and u003cstrongu003eStaleyu003c/strongu003e is set to make some serious noise as a junior after a strong sophomore campaign in 2022. With good size, u003cstrongu003eStaley u003c/strongu003etracks the ball well in the air, displays a strong lower body and long legs that can powerfully cut and create separation after the catch, and quickness with the ball in hand as well. I like how he breaks off his routes well and is a solid route runner who is sudden in his releases and at the top of the route, and he also owns strong hands that catch the rock away from his body and can reel in receptions through contact. With a ton of attention set to be given to Minnesota commit [player_tooltip player_id='368532' first='Jalen' last='Smith'], I could definitely see u003cstrongu003eStaleyu003c/strongu003e capitalizing on 1-on-1 coverage and making Southern Minnesota defenses pay. Our #83 overall ranked 2025 and #9 ranked WR is also a standout basketball player and competes on the track and field team for u003cemu003eMankato Westu003c/emu003e as well. As usual, the u003cemu003eScarlets u003c/emu003eare stacked with talent going into the season and are poised to make another deep run to the 5A state championship.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["945344"],"_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":"The younger brother of u003cemu003eRobbinsdale Armstrongu003c/emu003e 2020 grad and former prep football mauler turned Winona State Warriors OL Noah Pappas, who I very much enjoyed watching as a high schooler, 6'3, 250 lb. lineman u003cstrongu003eLuke Pappasu003c/strongu003e is similarly talented, aggressive, and physical, and will be a heckuva college football prospect just like big bro. u003cstrongu003eLukeu003c/strongu003e comes in as our #32 overall and our OL6 in a loaded group of offensive linemen in the 2025 class in Minnesota, and has been starting for the u003cemu003eFalcons u003c/emu003eOL as a freshman, which made for a commanding sophomore campaign in 2022 where the LT explodes out of his stance, exhibits good initial pop and great leg drive once he's engaged, and is physically dominated the point of attack. u003cstrongu003ePappas u003c/strongu003eis experienced in pass pro and can gain depth in his pass set and plays DL's hands very well, shows off a crushing finishing ability, and is a high-effort blocker and finisher who understands leverage and how to get opponents to the turf. To showcase his athleticism, u003cstrongu003ePappasu003c/strongu003e has an impressive rep where he chases down a DB after an opposing INT with great pace and lays a heckuva tackle on the unsuspecting defender who thinks he can blow by him for six. I really like what I'm seeing from the 6'3, 250 lber., and I think he projects very well to the iOL in college and has a great shot of continuing to rise up the rankings. This dude can play!","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["945891"],"_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":"The 2022 Class AA state champion u003cemu003eBarnesville Trojansu003c/emu003e lost some high-quality talent to the graduation of their 2023 class but return some experienced playmakers as well. One of the top returners is going to have a lot of their offensive production resting in his speedy legs and on his pads, but with what u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e has seen from 6', 170 lb. athlete u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='945891' first='Gannon' last='Bolgrean']u003c/strongu003e, we think he's more than up for the challenge. In that 2022 Class AA state championship campaign last fall, the QB/DB/returner/ is a noticeably good athlete, who shows off solid speed that can finish big runs, twitch as a ball carrier who is very hard to corral in space and 1-on-1 tackling situations, a strong lower body that helps him power through arm tackles and weaker attempts at his legs, and good vision with the ball in his hand. u003cstrongu003eBolgreanu003c/strongu003e is also a ballhawk of a DB who can beautifully high point the ball in the air and make plays around his half of the field or as the MOF defender from his safety spot. Solid tackler as well who can break down and square up ball carriers in space. Also can dish out an impressive hurdle in the open field to highlight his athleticism, fearlessness, and elusiveness as a ball carrier. Could project all over the place in college. In his introduction to the 2025 u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e rankings, u003cstrongu003eBolgreanu003c/strongu003e comes in at #50 overall and as the #7 ranked ATH in his class.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["945918"],"_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":"We're sticking with fun-to-watch, explosive, twitched-up offensive weapons with our next Top Newcomer in the electric u003cemu003eSt. Paul Harding/Humboldtu003c/emu003e WR/DB/returneru003cstrongu003e [player_tooltip player_id='945918' first='Aijhon' last='Douglas']u003c/strongu003e. Douglas' sophomore tape really impressed our u003cemu003ePRZu003c/emu003e General Manager and National Scouting Director Jake Lemming, and I'm in complete agreement with his evaluation of his skills and overall explosive ability. u003cstrongu003eDouglasu003c/strongu003e is lightning in a bottle and lethal, natural, and comfortable as a playmaker with the ball in hand, but is equally impressive in all three phases of the game. His COD ability is especially impressive, as u003cstrongu003eDouglasu003c/strongu003e can cut on a dime and has a diverse repertoire of moves in the arsenal to make defenders miss, the vision to see three steps ahead of his pursuers, as well as top-end speed that helps him cruise by defenders effortlessly, especially when he uses that final gear when he hits the open field. u003cstrongu003eDouglasu003c/strongu003e is also instinctive in coverage and closes quickly as a DB in both run support and when breaking on the ball, and can lay some powerful hits as well and has no qualms about playing physically. The 5'9, 150 lber. is one of the most natural and casual playmakers in the entire state with ball in hand and I cannot wait to get some more film of this kid lighting it up on the gridiron. u003cstrongu003eDouglasu003c/strongu003e is absolutely electric, and as our current #43 overall and #6 ranked ATH in Minnesota, he's got a ton of room to keep climbing significantly up our rankings. Man, I love watching this dude play football.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["945919"],"_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":"If you've been reading my stuff for a while now, you'll know I'm a huge fan of multi-sport athletes, and in particular, football + wrestling hybrids. Although you generally see it more commonly in linemen and linebackers, where it has a ton of benefits for both sports, it can make for some especially fun skill position prospects who add an added bit of physicality and toughness to positions on the gridiron where we generally see more finesse. A New Addition to the 2025 rankings update in Minnesota who fits this mold is u003cemu003eAitkin'su003c/emu003e stud 5'11, 200 lb. RB u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='945919' first='Jacob' last='Williams']u003c/strongu003e, earned All-District and District Offensive MVP honors last fall on the gridiron, as well as an All-Conference track u0026amp; field nod, not to mention his 5th place finish in the 182AA state wrestling bracket as a sophomore. That's a lofty awards list for a rising junior, and u003cstrongu003eWilliamsu003c/strongu003e has some serious game on the gridiron, where he debuted as our #61 overall ranked prospect and RB5. The u003cemu003eGobber'su003c/emu003e RB1 is a dangerous blend of speed and strength, who owns powerful lateral cuts, good vision, and impressive contact balance that allows him to easily break through weaker tackle attempts at his upper and lower body. He's got the speed to take advantage of space and daylight given to him by a defense and does a great job of setting up pursuers to create the space needed to make house calls with the rock. He made a ton of defenders look silly in 2022 and has some good feet that keep opponents guessing and keep them on their heels for when they do get a shot on him. I can't wait to see what u003cstrongu003eWilliamsu003c/strongu003e can do in 2023, both on the gridiron and wrestling mat.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_player":["945922"],"_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":"One of the players I am most excited to continue following and tracking their progression from the 2025 class in MN easily goes to 6'2, 220 lb. u003cemu003eAndoveru003c/emu003e ILB u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='945922' first='Kaleb' last='Weikel']u003c/strongu003e. I think he's on track to one day play big-time D1 football, and showed some really skills and strengths from his sophomore campaign in 2022. With impressive size and a First Team All-District nod in 2022 from his gridiron exploits, u003cstrongu003eWeikel u003c/strongu003efinished with an outstanding 115 tackles, 14 TFLs, 3 FFs, and 2 sacks. I'm quite impressed with how fast he plays at his size, not just in the speed of his legs, but how quickly he can process his reads and find the ball. He does a good job of reading u0026amp; reacting to his keys and tracking and meeting RBs around the LOS for minimal gains, and is strong at the contact point and sticks and flattens RBs when he gets ahold of them to disallow them from falling forward or pumping their legs for extra yardage. u003cstrongu003eWeikelu003c/strongu003e triggers on the ball well, and shows off his speed in multiple fashions, as his overall pursuit speed, as well as closing speed, allows him to get out of his stance with pace and shoot gaps and finds holes at the LOS impressively. Additionally, he absorbs and dishes out contact well when attacking blocks but can also slip under blocking attempts or beat them with speed as well. He can also break down, stay controlled, and tackle in space, and does a good job locating the ball and working to displace it with a free arm. The 6'2, 220 lber. can also LS, which adds an additional positive to his recruiting resume. As mentioned, u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e is very excited to see how he continues to progress and develop. Right now, he's our #34 ranked overall prospect #6 LB. That is only set to improve as we go forward.","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_13_player":["541228"],"_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":"Big, long DBs are all the rage on the recruiting trail right now, and u003cemu003eKasson-Mantorville'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='541228' first='Caisen' last='Thome']u003c/strongu003e fits the bill as a 6'2, 180 lb. CB with solid COD skills. He showed off that change of direction ability at our spring u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneMN u003c/emu003eShowcase, where he posted a 4.6 short-shuttle and 7.18 L-drill. Also a three-sport athlete for the u003cemu003eKometsu003c/emu003e, u003cstrongu003eThome u003c/strongu003edebuts as our #49 overall ranked 2025 and our #4 DB in the latest update. NDSU reached out after August 1st with a recruiting graphic, and u003cstrongu003eThomeu003c/strongu003e also posted a 245 lb. bench press in late June to add onto his prowess as a cornerback. In off-man coverage, u003cstrongu003eThomeu003c/strongu003e shows off a smooth backpedal and doesn't waste steps when breaking on the ball, mirrors route runners well and gets hip to hip quickly - both on underneath and deeper routes - and can stay on top of WRs going vertical and uses his size to his advantage when playing the ball in the air. I also like how he can flip his hips, and u003cstrongu003eThomeu003c/strongu003e shows good eye discipline, particularly when carrying WRs deep. He's also a solid cut tackler as well and popped off some impressive runs offensively. The u003cemu003eKMu003c/emu003e DB room is overflowing with talent in 2023, good luck throwing it on them!","_player_evaluations_13_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_14_player":["945939"],"_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":"Continuing the standout tradition of offensive lineman out of u003cemu003eMarshall High Schoolu003c/emu003e as of late is 6'4, 270 lber. u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='945939' first='Jake' last='Allex']u003c/strongu003e. I'm very excited about his future and potential, especially after learning that u003cstrongu003eAllexu003c/strongu003e just started playing football as a freshman. That means there's a ton of room to improve, grow, and develop, and he's got one of the higher ceilings in the state while also at a position that MN historically produces very well at. u003cstrongu003eAllexu003c/strongu003e is a noticeably strong kid who can easily finish opponents off a couple of steps of his powerful leg drive, and he also displays a ton of initial pop at the contact point, lateral agility and control as a puller, and a high motor that doesn't quit until the whistle sounds. I also like how he can drop his hips and break down to corral second level defenders, and he's also working to finish. The LT is just beginning to scratch the surface, but the size, natural strength, and high-effort playstyle all bode very well for his future. I'll all but guarantee he moves up the rankings board come next update. u003cstrongu003eAllexu003c/strongu003e is a must-know name in the very talented 2025 OL class out of Minnesota.","_player_evaluations_14_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_15_player":["743236"],"_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":"Sadly, u003cemu003eRocori'su003c/emu003e 6', 200 lb. RB/LBu003cstrongu003e [player_tooltip player_id='743236' first='Aaron' last='Baisley']u003c/strongu003e doesn't have any film from 2022, but with the MONSTER offseason campaign, this kid has produced we simply couldn't leave him off the rankings. A product of the eye-popping u003cemu003eRocoriu003c/emu003e Su0026amp;C program, u003cstrongu003eBaisleyu003c/strongu003e posted an absolutely outstanding 345 (!!) pound power clean this summer to crush the 21-year-old previous record of 315, and he also benches a ridiculous 330 pounds to boot. That strength, power, and explosiveness on the gridiron is going to be a nightmare for opponents to deal with, and I'm just about drooling thinking of the hits he's going to produce. Don't get in u003cstrongu003e[player_tooltip player_id='743236' first='Aaron' last='Baisley']'su003c/strongu003e way this fall, you're going to regret it!","_player_evaluations_15_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":16,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-64dbfd2fdc378"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->