PRzMN 2025 Rankings Update: Top Stock Risers
In this article:
As our more seasoned readers and subscribers know, our PRzMN Rankings Updates are always followed and headlined by two major features: the Top Newcomers and Biggest Stock Risers. Obviously, it’s always paramount to highlight the rankings movement from one update…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingAs our more seasoned readers and subscribers know, our PRzMN Rankings Updates are always followed and headlined by two major features: the Top Newcomers and Biggest Stock Risers. Obviously, it’s always paramount to highlight the rankings movement from one update to the next, and in this 2025 Minnesota Class – which we are very excited about recruit-wise – there were some high-profile new additions and significant climbs in ranking spots that we just had to get to you guys hot off the press. To complete our guaranteed post-rankings update tandem of analysis, we have the Top Stock Risers for you below. Spotlighted by a ton of movement within the Top-30 and a handful of double-digit rises in the Big Board, we’re excited to name some hot names on the recruiting trail who are boosting their stock and positioning themselves well to keep climbing. Let’s dig in below!
—
From right outside the Top 5 at #6 to the Top 2, it may not be the biggest jump in terms of numbers, but there’s an argument to be made that it’s the most significant climb of all the stock risers in the 2025 PRzMN update. Edina Hornet’s 6’4, 210 lb. pass-catcher Meyer Swinney has been on our radar since he was a 7th grader, and we knew he P5-worthy prospect for a while now, but he really solidified himself on the recruiting trail this spring after offers rolled in from Iowa State, Cal-Berkeley (where his older brother plays), Montana State, South Florida, Toledo, and Miami (FL). A WR/TE with size (6’4, 210), technical prowess, physicality, and athleticism aplenty, not to mention his P5 bloodlines from his brother, Swinney has too much going for him to not move up the Big Board, and move up he did! Additionally, he did a great job of showing up and showing out at summer mega and prospect camps such as Wayne State’s in Michigan, and saw in-person visits to P5 schools pay off in offers, which is always a good sign that programs are aware of you and want to get in your recruitment as early as possible. This is far from the first time we’ve broken down his sophomore film, and I am dying for some updated tape, but it’s obvious from the 2022 tape that Swinney is quick, fast, and controlled for his size, with talent as a route runner, YAC ability, and the skills to track and play the ball well in the air. He knows how to use his size to his advantage when plucking receptions out of the air, breaking tackles, and blocking impressively, both around the LOS and out in space on the perimeter. He’s too big, too athletic, moves too well, and is too dynamic to not be a top-ranked prospect in the Great State of Minnesota. Now, he’s our #2 overall 2025. Lots more to come!
When I first discovered Annandale’s 6’7, 260+ pound DE Gavin Wang early this offseason, I only had a news clip from KRWC AM 1360 in Wright County of his 12 tackle, three sack performance against Watertown-Mayer in early October, as well as a single game tape on Hudl, so although it was obvious he had the makings to be a top-tier prospect in the MN 2025 class and potentially the Midwest, there just wasn’t enough evidence to go off of for me to comfortably justify a top-end ranking. However, now that a junior highlight is available, as well as some rumblings from the summer camp szn of his in-person performances impressing, Wang saw a 18 ranking increase from #27 to #9 overall in our PRzMN 2025 Big Board. Honestly, I’d be surprised if he doesn’t keep climbing up, as the size catches P5 and FBS eyes and the skills keep them locked on the Central MN defensive lineman. Wang posted a 275 lb. bench press in April, threw 137-07 in the discus and 44’3″ in the shot put this spring, was productive last fall with 43 tackles and 8 sacks, and once the August 1st deadline rolled around where D1 programs could contact the rising juniors, he heard from the likes of NDSU, SDSU, Miami (OH), Wisconsin, and Minnesota. Wang’s length and strength jump off the tape first and foremost, and as a standup 5T who can put his hand in the dirt as a 4/4i, or line up even wider, I also like how he gets off the ball, defends, pursues, and can close out on the edge with good pursuit angles, as well as drop his hips and break down to tackle in 1-on-1 settings well for a big guy. His strength helps him split double teams, execute power rushes to drive blockers back into the pocket, and crumple kids as a blocker when manning the OT spot, and there’s also some quickness present that helps him beat blocking attempts to their upfield shoulder. Wang also shows off some effective hands and a good motor, and if he can work to add some more twitch and functional pass rush moves, he’s going to be an absolute bear to try and stop. We cannot wait to see how he looks in 2023. Big things are coming!
Another winner from the summer camp circuit who impressed during in-person camp settings by high-major evaluators, PRzMN is also hearing good things about Nathan Hromadka from Maple Grove’s fall camp, where the TE is up to a legit 220 and moving like he’s 20-25 pounds lighter. Those factors, not to mention the big role he played in Maple Grove winning the 2022 MN big school state championship, blocking prowess as an underclassman, and ability to impact the passing game, plus he’s 6’5-6’6, helped him jump four spots from #15 to #11 overall in the 2025 class of Minnesota prospects. The Land of 10,000 Lakes produces first-rate tight ends at a high clip, so the future is bright and the ceiling high for Hromadka. Once August 1st rolled around, he heard from Minnesota, NDSU, SDSU, and UNI, and Minnesota seems to be particularly interested in how he continues to develop. So are we, as he’s laid a balanced, functional, and effective foundation of skills from the traditional TE spot on the edge of the LOS that projects very well to the college level. With solid length and a frame looks capable of adding 30-40 more pounds of good weight, Hromadka is a strong and feisty in-line blocker who can handle larger DEs and even DTs 1-on-1 while showing good technique and physicality, as well as the ability to block in space and handle quicker, smaller second and third level defenders. In the passing game, the 6’5-6’6 target is a downfield passing threat that can create separation at the top of the route and finish catches through contact. In this day and age of TEs evolving to basically XL WRs that find themselves flexing out wide as opposed to getting dirty and gritty in the trenches, Hromadka is a breath of fresh air that brings an accelerated blocking expertise and the athleticism to hurt defenses in the passing game to the table. TE1 is a must-know name in the 2025 class of MN prospects.
Highlights
Southern Minnesota’s Stewartville High School is home to two 2025 prospects who I could see playing FBS and potentially P5 football in the near future, and as a lover of plus-sized DBs, I personally get fired up by 6’4, 200 lb. WR/S Parker Wangen. Also a standout hooper for the Tigers, Wangen’s game on the gridiron is dynamic, and in 2022 he posted 16 catches for 211 yards and 6 TDs, 17 tackles, 3 INTs, 2 TFLs defensively, and as a kicker, 52 PATs, 3-5 on FGs, and nine touchbacks. The versatility and superior athleticism are all on display all over the gridiron, where he, as a WR, tracks the ball well, utilizes and sees space effectively with the ball in-hand, can change direction and get DBs top open the gate easily in press man, and demonstrates strong hands that catch the ball away from his body and create a big catch radius. Wangen also played QB, where he displayed a live arm and will step into and finish throws through contact, but what really gets the juices flowing is his safety tape, where he runs the alley, comes downhill, and closes in run support very impressively, but is also rangy in coverage and can cover ground as a MOF defender and high safety. He reads QBs eyes and WR routes well, which helped him generate some solid PBUs and INTs, and he’ll use his size to his advantage at the contact point. The dynamic ability, size, multi-sport background and athleticism, and three-phase contribution ability helped Wangen rise from #20 to #14 overall in the rankings. I’m very much looking forward to watching Stewie in 2023 and getting a live look at Wangen, as well as his fellow standout Tiger 2025, who we’ll get to below!
There have been nothing but rave reviews coming out about Stewartville’s stud DE Graysen Schneider since he was a freshman, and in every setting he’s been put in he has performed and impressed. Schneider checks a ton of boxes you want to see in a rising junior DE/EDGE, as the 6’3, 235 lber. passes the eye test with flying colors, has posted verified athletic numbers that impress and are worthy of the highest levels of CFB (including at our very own showcase), reports a 305 lb. bench press, was productive as an underclassman (37 tackles, 9 TFLs, 8 sacks as a sophomore), and has balled out at multiple, high-level offseason camps this summer. 2023 is his for the taking, and in 2022 he displayed a skillset of a top-end pass-rusher going into his junior year that includes a great get-off, twitch, speed, bend, power, and a nuanced pass-rushing arsenal that can beat blocking attempts in a ton of different ways. His excellent change of direction skills make him very comfortable in space, his speed helps him pursue and close with eye-catching velocity, and he thrives in the physicality aspect of the world’s great game. Schneider is competitive, high-energy, determined, and brings an athletic toolbox that is extremely disruptive and frankly dominance at the prep level. He moved from right outside the Top 10 (#11) to inside the Top 5 (#4) at Monday’s 2025 update. If he can continue to retain his athleticism and explosiveness as he gets bigger he’ll be one of the highest-touted prospects in Minnesota’s 2025 class. 2023 is looking like the Year of the Tiger!
We’re heading back to the defending 6A state champs for these next three Stock Rising 2025s, and with the talent and experience the Crimson’s rising junior class is showing off, don’t be surprised if they add another state title while these boys are walking the halls of Maple Grove High School. We’ll start with 6’2, 185 lb. WR/returner Dylan Vokal, who saw his stock rise from #28 to #23 overall in the 2025 Big Board once Monday’s update went live and has put in a ton of work this offseason after playing an integral role in the Crimson’s 6A state title run last fall. Vokal had a strong showing at the inaugural Minnesconsin Mega Camp hosted by UW-River Falls, where he posted a 4.58 40, 4.31 short-shuttle, 9’7″ broad jump, 34.6″ vertical, and 7.03 L-drill for some superb testing numbers at his size and no doubt played a role in his ranking increasing to just outside the Top 20. Additionally, he’s a good baseball player for MG, was named a captain for the upcoming football season, and possesses some impressive film as a sophomore from that aforementioned championship run. One of the best punt returners in the state who also shows some juice on kickoff returns, Vokal is concentrated and fearless under the ball, and after he reels it in I like his vision and combination of quickness and contact balance. As a wideout, the body awareness is really noticeable, and he displays some finesse as a route runner, where he gets into the blind spot of DBs and breaks off his routes well + shows some shiftiness at the top of the route. Additionally, just like when he’s returning, he’s quick with the ball in hand, possesses solid hands, can break down and improvise when QB escapes the pocket, and can finish catches through contact. He’s going to have a big year production-wise if MG can get the QB situation in order, and the size, athleticism, and big school experience spell out good things for how he projects to the college level. NDSU and UPenn have been in touch since August 1st came and went.
Highlights
Another Maple Grove 2025er, DE Sam Hanson was another young up-and-comer who had his hands all over the 13-0 2022 state title for the Crimson, and since the last 2025 update, he came into our PrepRedzoneMN Showcase and exhibited some impressive testing numbers at a legit 6’2, 220+ pounds that included a 4.8 40, 4.5 short-shuttle, and 9’3″ broad jump to highlight his speed, quickness, and explosiveness. Knowing that the athleticism holds up against a high level of competition, it makes sense why Hanson found so much success in the trenches against big school opponents as a young buck. Positionally versatile and lined up at NG, 3T, and 5T with both his hand in the dirt or from a two-point stance, Hanson wins a ton of reps with his explosive first step and strength/pop at the point of attack, where he knocks blockers off balance and occasionally onto their butts, where he can then free his hands and make tackles through contact. He’s also got light feet and the speed and motor to chase down runs from the backside of the LOS. Additionally, he’s a good baseball player for MG, and the combination of verified athleticism, high-level experience, size, and versatility helped Hanson raise his stock from #31 to #26 on the 2025 Big Board! Maple Grove will remain a must-stop on the recruiting trail going forward.
Highlights
Our final Maple Grove Stock Riser, linebacker Jacob Wrbanek has one of the best frames in the state when talking linebackers, as the 6’3, 220 lber. has an long, powerful build that passes the eye test and will be able to develop into monstrous form in a college S&C room. He also knew how to use it against both JV and varsity competition last fall, demonstrating closing speed and pace when shooting gaps, patience when pursuing the ball, as well as good pursuit angles, and instincts in coverage and can read, react, and step in front of second level throws for INTs and tipped passes. Wrbanek also works off blocks quickly and is a technically sound tackler, and although I already mentioned it, I really like his closing speed for a bigger ‘backer. Additionally, he reports a 4.1 short-shuttle, and COD ability was backed up at last December’s PRzMN Stock-Up Showcase, where he also posted a nearly 9′ broad jump as well. PRzMN also heard good things from the summer camp circuit performances, which helped earn him recruiting attention from NDSU, SDSU, Dartmouth, Wisconsin, Kansas State, Minnesota, and UNI when August 1st rolled around. These components helped Wrbanek pull off an almost 20-spot jump in Monday’s 2025 PRzMN rankings update from #49 to #30 overall. Lots to prove in 2023 for the rising junior LB, but after speaking to him for a while at the PRzMN Showcase, I can say with certainty that he has the motivation and determination to get it done.
Highlights
Despite a 2-9 record last fall, I think the Benilde-St. Margaret’s Red Knights are poised for a big comeback year in 2023, especially considering the talent in their 2025 and 2026 classes. Defensively, the 2025 class has some literal heavy hitters, and their LB corps have two of the top Stock Risers in the entire PRzMN 2025 rankings update. We’ll kick it off with 6’2, 215 lb. ILB Will Seymour, who climbed 11 spots from #59 to #48 overall, and he ain’t done yet! Last fall as a sophomore, Seymour tallied 91 total tackles (37 solo), 5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, and an INT while displaying a hard hitting playstyle, solid range and play speed for his size, and active, light feet that aid in his COD ability. He shows the speed to work out to the flats and undercut out-breaking routes by opposing wideouts, and I also like how he reads his keys and reacts well to blocking schemes, where he works under blocking attempts and finds space in the LOS when triggering on the ball. He’s a big kid with mobility and a three-down LB who you have to keep on the field. NDSU has reached out since August 1st came and went. Big year for the Red Knights and Mr. Seymour!
Highlights
The other half of the physical linebacking tandem from Benilde-St. Margaret’s 2025 class, 6’2, 215 lber. Chase Brixius has heard from Wisconsin, Miami (OH), and NDSU since August 1st and will receive a lot more collegiate attention if he can build on his 2022 campaign with the Red Knights. Another hard hitter and physical presence in the middle of the BSM defense, Brixius can put his hand in the dirt and man the DE spot at times and does his best work inside the box, where he thrives on the physicality and shows off a solid punch that attacks and shed blocks well, sometimes even multiple in a single rep. He’s one of the harder hitters in the state and the ’25 class and has the pace and motor to pursue and run down loose ball carriers downfield when needed. Brixius is patient when reading the play and tracking the football, doesn’t allow ball carriers to earn extra yardage once he gets ahold of them, and is a big-time asset in run defense. The two 6’2, 215 lbers. are going to have a field day against the run in 2023, and their versatile and differing skill sets will make them hard to take off the field. Bounceback szn for BSM is already underway!
Highlights
We’ve seen prospects with the background and skillset of Camren Riggins-Brown find a ton of success with the Eden Prairie Eagles before, and the 6’4, 210 lb. DE/TE and standout hooper fits the mold to produce and flash at the varsity level this fall. Riggins-Brown only competed in non-varsity action last fall for the Eagles, but because EP is one of the largest high schools and prep football programs in the state, it’s one of the better places to develop and hone your craft as an underclassman while waiting in the wings for your call up to the bright lights of varsity football. As a junior varsity DE/EDGE/WR, CRB showed off a raw but developing & athletic skillset, as well as a long, lean frame that could add a ton more weight and retain its mobility and quickness. His long strides help him cover a lot of ground in support and pursuit, he’s patient and assignment sound when reading and reacting to the opposing offense, and quick to beat and slide off blocking attempts around the LOS. CRB can change direction well, shows noticeably good burst and closing speed, and was used all over the field by the Eagles, including as the gunner on punt coverage. His get-off is also impressive, and like I mentioned, we’ve seen players with similar tools and physical ability find a ton of accomplishments at the 6A powerhouse, so make sure you remember this name going forward. CRB jumped from #99 to #78 in the latest PRzMN 2025 rankings update!
Our final top Stock Riser from Monday’s official 2025 rankings update in the Great State of Minnesota, Blooming Prairie’s QB/ATH Brady Kittelson is reaping the rewards of balling out at one of our offseason PrepRedzoneMN Showcases, where he came in at 6’2, 170 lbs. and posted a 4.7 flat in the 40, a 4.5 short-shuttle, and a 9’5″ broad jump to spotlight his athletic gifts on the gridiron. That’s not to say he didn’t flash as a QB, where his arm was snappy, clean, and accurate, and he kept catching my eye over and eye throughout the course of the day of competition. Kittelson, whose older brother Drew is now a redshirt freshman WR at MSU-Mankato but also manned the QB spot for the Awesome Blossoms as a prep and was similarly talented. The athleticism we saw in a non-padded setting also shows up quite nicely in Brady’s sophomore highlights from 2022, where he hurt defenses with both his arm and his legs. Able to buy time, break tackles, and scramble well around the pocket, Kittelson’s footwork also extends to his ball-carrying ability, where he shows a quick, nice step to beat tackle attempts in the open field. He also possesses a ton of burst, can slip out of tackle attempts well for his size, and is accurate to all three levels of the field with his arm. It’s really nice when we can verify a player’s on-field athleticism with testing numbers, and Kittelson’s a good example of that, and when you combine it with his dynamic ability and bloodlines, it’s no wonder the stud Awesome Blossom made our biggest jump of the update. He rose 20 spots from #102 to #82 overall.
—