An Overview of MN's D1 Kids Who Are Staying Home

Minnesota has two Division 1 colleges, St. Thomas, a semi-recent FCS addition, and the University of Minnesota. Between the two colleges, 16 kids committed to play Division One football, 8 to each college. These kids are the homegrown stars of the future, so get to know them before they're on your TV!   Minnesota Golden Gophers:   DB: [player_tooltip player_id='1140786' first='Harrison' last='Brun'] 6'1" 210 lbs Rockford   One of four DBs staying home, Brun was named a First-Team All-Metro player and was an All-Star game participant his senior year. He boasts a 37-inch vert and a 4.6 laser timed 40. He recorded over 85 tackles his senior year with 4 INTs and 8 PBUs. He looks to add immediate depth to a position that the Gophers have become known for producing great talents.   DB: [player_tooltip player_id='241915' first='Obe' last='Eyafe'] 6'2" 190 lbs Andover   A late signee, Eyafe is a two-star DB who took the Gophers PWO offer over roster spots from Wyoming and Yale. He recorded 42 tackles, 1 INT, and 5 PBUs during his senior year as a Husky. He brings 4.5 speed to the Gopher's secondary and is a high-upside late signing that I love.   DB: [player_tooltip player_id='105378' first='Simon' last='Seidl'] 5'11" 170 lbs Hill-Murray   Seidl was graded as a three-star recruit, the number 6 recruit in the state, and the 64th-best corner in the nation before he signed with Minnesota. He chose the Gophers over Wyoming. He was named Second-Team All-State and Second-Team All-Metro his senior year. In his last high school season, he recorded 30 tackles, 1 PBU, and 1 FR. He also happens to be a stud hockey player.   DB: [player_tooltip player_id='323504' first='Koi' last='Perich'] 6'1" 195 lbs Esko   Perich was graded as a 4-star recruit, the number 1 recruit in the state, the number 3 safety in the nation, and the 53rd overall recruit in the country. He chose the Gophers over Ohio State, Florida State, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Nebraska, Northwestern, USC, Vanderbilt, Wisconsin, Washington, Iowa State, and NDSU. During his senior year, he amassed 62 tackles, 5 INTs, with 5 defensive TDs. He's an AP First-Team All-State player who was invited to the All-American Bowl. Was a long jump state champion last year as well. He has the chance to be a Day-1 starter and the next great Minnesota DB.   DL: [player_tooltip player_id='105369' first='Sam' last='Macy'] 6'4" 220 lbs Chanhassen   Macy was graded as a 3-star prospect, the number 8 recruit in the state, and the 78th-best Edge player in the nation. His senior year he was named AP First-Team All-State and First-Team All-Metro. He tallied 38 tackles, 3 TFLs, 3 Sacks, and 1 INT during his final year in high school. He chose the Gophers over Army, Air Force, Navy, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Macy is a long and bendy edge rusher who is fast and physical.   DL: [player_tooltip player_id='551395' first='Mo' last='Saine'] 6'4" 260 lbs Eden Prairie   Saine was graded as a 3-star prospect, the number 5 recruit in the state, and the 37th-best defensive lineman in the nation. His senior year he was named AP First-Team All-State, and First-Team All-Metro. He also competed in the All-Star game. He amassed 38 tackles, 9 TFLs, and 3 sacks during his senior year. He chose the Gophers over Arizona State, Army, Iowa State, and Kansas. He can completely seal off an edge and looks to be a menacing DE for the Gophers.   LB: [player_tooltip player_id='242433' first='Mason' last='Carrier'] 6'2" 225 lbs Detroit Lakes   Carrier was graded as a 3-star prospect, the number 4 recruit in the state, and the 43rd-best linebacker in the nation. His senior year he was named AP First-Team All-State, and competed in the All-Star game. He brought in 72 tackles, 9 TFLs, and 2 Sacks his senior year. He's a physical and imposing force who loves to hit people. It won't be long before you see Carrier with a neck pad lighting kids up across the Big 10.   WR: [player_tooltip player_id='368532' first='Jalen' last='Smith'] 6' 185 lbs Mankato West   Smith was graded as a 3-star prospect, the number 9 recruit in the state, and the 76th-best receiver in the nation. His senior year he was named AP Second-Team All-State. In his final year of high school, Smith had 37 receptions, 557 yards, and 9 TDs. He chose Minnesota over Iowa State, Kent State, and NDSU. Smith is a quick wideout who can stretch the field. He was one of two receivers signed by the Gophers and should provide immediate depth at the position.   St. Thomas Tommies   LB: [player_tooltip player_id='868570' first='Charlie' last='Bern'] 6'4" 220 lbs East Ridge   Bern signs on as a massively underrated Minnesota prospect. He may not have had any stars out of high school, but shows tremendous upside as an edge rusher. He was an All-Conference player his senior year where he recorded 23 total touchdowns on offense. His length could easily provide a tremendous challenge for Pioneer League tackles.   LB: [player_tooltip player_id='368596' first='Taran' last='Blasy'] 6'1" 220 lbs Park   A former PRZ Combine MVP, Blasy commits to the Tommies as a powerful ILB. He was a three-year starter in high school and was a 2023 6A Preseason Player of the Year Nominee. He's previously earned All-District, All-Conference, and team MVP honors in his career. During his senior year, Blasy tallied 73 tackles, 4 FFs, and 4 FRs. He looks to provide an intimidating presence across the middle and bless the Tommies with his run-stopping abilities.   ATH: [player_tooltip player_id='242496' first='Quentin' last='Cobb-Butler'] 5'9" 160 lbs Woodbury   Brought on for his utility on special teams, Cobb-Butler finished his career with the Woodbury Royals as a 1x Conference Special Teams Player of the Year, and a 3x All-District athlete. He's a three-sport athlete whose speed and versatility should make an immediate impact at the next level.   K: [player_tooltip player_id='864391' first='Ben' last='Hoiland'] 5'11" 165 lbs Mounds View   Graded as a 4.5-star kicker by Kohl's Kicking, Hoiland signs with the Tommies after an accomplished high school career. He was a 2x Special Teams MVP for Mounds View, went 28/28 on extra points, and went 8/11 on field goals in his senior year. Hoiland flipped his commitment to the Tommies after originally being committed to St. Olaf from the MIAC.   OL: [player_tooltip player_id='120503' first='Aiden' last='Horel'] 6'4" 315 lbs Prior Lake   Graded as a 2-star prospect, Horel is listed as the 42nd-best recruit in the state, and the 292nd-best interior offensive lineman in the nation. He was named to the All-State Second-Team, All-Metro, First-Team All-Conference, and First-Team All-District as a senior. The three-year starter brings some beef to the Tommies' trenches. He chose St. Thomas over South Dakota.   LB: [player_tooltip player_id='924226' first='Roman' last='Johnson'] 6' 200 lbs Minnetonka   A stud RB during his prep career, Johnson signs with the Tommies as a linebacker. During his senior year, the two-way starter was named First-Team All-District as an RB, was his team's Offensive MVP, and was named a team captain. Johnson brings great speed and elite athleticism to the Tommies' LB core.   DL: [player_tooltip player_id='242375' first='Teddy' last='Knapp'] 6'4" 225 lbs St. Thomas Academy   Another former PRZ Combine MVP, Knapp decides to stay home despite heavy interest from a variety of Ivy League schools. He's a 2x All-District player who was selected for the Minnesota All-Star Game. He ended his senior year with 54 tackles and 13 sacks. The latter of which led class 5A. He was a key part of STA's state runner-up season and was nominated for 5A player of the year. Knapp was a giant steal for the Tommies.   OL: [player_tooltip player_id='236482' first='Ethan' last='Sims'] 6'7" 285 lbs Eden Prairie   A giant of a man, Sims is graded as a 2-star prospect who was ranked as the 28th-best prospect in the state, and 252nd-best tackle in the nation. His success on the field his senior year led to a Second-Team All-State selection, as well as a First-Team All-District one. 6'7" kids don't grow on trees, and Sims looks to be a prospect with tremendous upside. He chose the Tommies over Army.

Minnesota has two Division 1 colleges, St. Thomas, a semi-recent FCS addition, and the University of Minnesota. Between the two colleges, 16 kids committed to play Division One football, 8 to each college. These kids are the homegrown stars of the future, so get to know them before they're on your TV!