Minnesota C/O 2026 Weekend Film Watch Standouts
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This week’s Minnesota high school football film watch was focused on the talented Class of 2026 players who popped off the screen. From big-time offensive plays to powerful stars in the trenches, this group of players reveals the rising stars…
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Continue ReadingThis week’s Minnesota high school football film watch was focused on the talented Class of 2026 players who popped off the screen. From big-time offensive plays to powerful stars in the trenches, this group of players reveals the rising stars in the Class. Join us as we spotlight the promising talents handpicked that stood out over the weekend.
I came away very impressed with Meyers. Where he stands out the most is his polished mechanics and composure under center. His ability to throw on the run while maintaining excellent mechanics, accuracy, and velocity showcases his ability to make plays outside the pocket. Meyers’ footwork in his dropback is another standout feature, displaying a solid foundation that allows him to navigate the pocket effectively. A key element of his passing mechanics is his ability to give himself a wide base when throwing, allowing him to generate power and accuracy to deliver strong, precise throws. He can add zip to his passes, displaying a quick release and a smooth throwing motion, while also being able to add touch to his passes if necessary, putting the ball in a position where only his receiver can get it. Notably, Meyers exhibits versatility in adjusting his arm angle under pressure. This adaptability allows him to make accurate throws even when there’s pressure in his face, showcasing his poise and decision-making under duress.
Highlights
One of Heydt’s primary strengths is his exceptional ability to read the play, whether it’s the quarterback’s eyes in passing situations or a blocking scheme, allowing him to anticipate plays and break on the ball or ball carrier with impressive timing. His instincts are demonstrated by a strong understanding of the offense he’s facing. His ability to recognize and fill running lanes with proper tackles makes him tough to attack if you run to his side. Heydt’s patience at the second level is impressive as he waits to assess the developing running lane before breaking on the ball carrier. When the play unfolds, he showcases his excellent exposition, quickly getting downhill to make impactful tackles. This combination of anticipation, patience, and quick decision-making distinguishes him as a defender with plenty of potential. Additionally, Heydt’s discipline is evident in his ability to maintain gap integrity, ensuring that he remains a consistent and reliable presence.
Jordan’s dynamic skill set makes him a dangerous receiver with the potential to break a big play at any moment in the game. His standout strengths are highlighted by impressive acceleration off the line of scrimmage, allowing him to gain an immediate advantage over corners. His ability to go up and secure the ball, particularly in contested situations, showcases his confidence and reliability as a receiver, giving his quarterback a target even if he appears covered. Another area in which Jordan excels is his ability to sell run plays and transition into deep routes, adding a layer of unpredictability to keep the defense guessing. He does a great job understanding how to improvise when the quarterback faces pressure or scrambles, effectively creating separation and becoming a viable target. Versatility is a key asset for Jordan, as demonstrated by his ability to run wide receiver sweeps and navigate the outside lanes. He knows to work back to the ball on comeback routes, creating separation and turning upfield to gain yards after the catch. Jordan’s physicality is another standout quality, especially in his tenacity to run tough and through defenders, making him a challenging player to bring down when the ball is in his hands.
Epps is a versatile and dynamic player who has showcased his skills across multiple roles for Winona. His ability to contribute on kick coverage and returns and playing safety or corner on defense showcases his willingness to contribute in any way possible for his team. He stands out for his quickness and athleticism, which allow him to excel anywhere on the field. His agility is a major part of his game, allowing him to explode downhill to meet the ball carrier, make plays with the ball in his hands, or break on a receiver to contest a catch. Epps understands when to come downhill and deliver strong hits, wrapping up and securing tackles. This awareness of when to be assertive and make impactful plays emphasizes his football instincts. His quick reactions and physicality make him a reliable asset in stopping ball carriers, holding them to minimal yardage. Size is a notable positive for Epps, fitting well with his current stage of development. Combining that with his athleticism provides him with a well-rounded physical profile for various positions on the field. His 4.6-second 40-yard dash time is a testament to his speed, giving him the necessary burst to cover ground quickly and turn a normal play into an impactful one.