PRZ MN Showcase: Session II Standouts
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Use code Johnson30 for 30% off a new subscription! The PRZ MN Showcase was an impressive collection of talent from across MN and WI. Session I brought out the trench beasts, RBs, and LBs. Session II was all about the…
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The PRZ MN Showcase was an impressive collection of talent from across MN and WI. Session I brought out the trench beasts, RBs, and LBs. Session II was all about the athletic freaks on the perimeter. The WRs and DBs brought out impressive talents and gave us exciting battles in 1 vs 1s. We also saw a solid stable of QBs from the freshmen up to senior Classes. Among the group were several athletes in particular who caught my attention. That is our focus here!
The first athlete to catch my attention during Session II was the Alexandria WR Dane Olson Dane Olson 5’9″ | 155 lbs | DB Alexandria | 2025 State MN . That was at the broad jump where the junior put up a 9’10” and 10’2″ jumps. Looking at his results from testing, it is clear that Dane dominated everywhere. He ran a 4.56 40, 4.59 shuttle, and 7.13 L-Drill. Olson proved to have excellent body control, and agility. It showed up in the 1 vs 1s as well. Dane ran sharp routes, burst out of his breaks opening up plenty of space for his QB to target, and easily reeled in the ball. Dane’s agility, burst, and top end speed make him a nightmare matchup that could be a problem at the next level. Don’t miss out on the 2025 WR.
One of WI’s berakout junior has been making the rounds this winter. He was at the PRZ WI Showcase two week ago, and he also made his way over to the MN Showcase. Mahr dominated the testing portion. The 6’1″1 73 lbs WR ran a 4.66 40, 4.47 shuttle, 9’7″ & 9’11” broad jumps, and a blazing 6.96 L-Drill. Mahr has a very well rounded game. He has size to line up inside or outside. He proved that he can take the top off the defense or win with quickness and route running from the slot. The balance Madden shows while running routes has him already looking like a need to know prospect, and he still has a year of HS ball ahead of him. The production on the field is already there too, posting 1,000+ receiving yards in 2023. This is a kid you are going to want to get on campus and in camp this spring/summer.
Highlights
Juriad was the prospect of the day for Session II. The senior came in ranked as one of the best players in MN, and proved why. In the 1 vs 1 battles Hughes was a nightmare matchup. The senior is able to start/stop on a dime. He has the quick feet, hips, and body control to run sharp routes with little to no wasted movement. All his movements were efficient and with a purpose. Hughes also showed off reliable hands that could go up and high point the ball away form his body. His 4.75 40, 9’7″ broad jump, and 4.44 shuttle time translate to the field. Juriad holds 4 D1 offers currently. Definitely check out the potential steal in the Class of 2024.
A final WR standout from the group was Carter Pontius Carter Pontius 6’5″ | 200 lbs | WR West Salem | 2025 State WI from West Salem, WI. Carter was new to my radar, but quickly made a name for himself. Right off the bat, Carter has an intriguing 6’5″ 190 lbs frame that has plenty of room to continue to add size and strength to. More impressive than just the pure size is that Pontius still has next level athleticism and agility while being that big. Carter ran a good 40 time of 4.75, broad jumped an explosive 9’3″, and had a 7.46 L-Drill. On the field, Carter uses his size to create separation. He repeatedly boxed out DBs and caught the ball away from his body with soft hands. Carter also surprised me with how fluid he was running routes. He could make cuts without having to round them off despite his long strides. Also impressive was the high motor he showed throughout the day. This is not hyperbole, Carter was in on every 4-5 snaps during 1 vs 1. He made the day well worth his time, and the QBs wanted their chance to throw him the ball. This is a name to know here in WI going forward.
Highlights
A TE that caught the eyes of coaches and scouts throughout the day was Apple Valley’s Kaleb Ngwendson Kaleb Ngwendson 6’2″ | 225 lbs | DL Eastview | 2025 State MN . The junior is a cut up 6’2″ 217 lbs, and has the power to match. Kaleb uses that size and strength to beat press off the line in 1 vs 1s. The big man also proved to be very explosive, especially for his size. Kaleb was an effective route runner, accelerating out of breaks and dominating in short areas with that burst and agility. The junior made multiple catches in traffic to show off how strong his hands are as well. The junior could be an effective mismatch at the next level. His testing numbers illustrate the explosiveness and power in his lower body. Kaleb posted a 4.88 40, 10’4″ & 10’3″ broad jump, and 7.2 L-Drill.
Highlights
A potential steal at the QB position is senior Reece Dawson Reece Dawson 6’3″ | 215 lbs | QB Rogers | 2024 State MN . He has the prototypical size at 6’3″ 217 lbs. The big framed QB left no questions about the arm talent either. Reece has a quick release, delivered accurate passes on the run in QB drills, and made big time throw after big time throw in the 1 vs 1 battles. In those battles Reece really put the arm on display. He attacked every level of the field with velocity, powering it through tight windows. Most importantly, Dawson was able to place the ball where he needed it to complete passes. Reece is a hidden gem in the Class of 2024. Get eyes on him while you still can.
Highlights
Kaden had his stand out moments that caught my eyes during the QB drills. The junior has a solid frame for the QB position, but showed that he could get out on the run, flip his hips, and fire the ball accurately on the move. Herman also caught my eyes with his arm strength. The ball jumped out of his hand whether on the run or stepping into one while in rhythm during 1 on 1 battles. The pocket passer is someone to put on your boards and watch over this next year in MN.
Highlights
Another Rogers QB who stood out and caught my eyes was junior Josiah Matthews Josiah Matthews 6’3″ | 170 lbs | QB Rogers | 2025 MN . It looks like Josiah must be up next at the helm for Rogers in 2024. During the Showcase, Josiah measured in at 6’3″ 170 lbs. The junior brings athleticism to the position with his 4.87 40, 4.446 shuttle time, 9’3″ broad jump, and 7.18 L-Drill. When we got to the throwing, Josiah impressed with his accuracy and touch. He was able to drop the ball into spots for his receiver to run under or catch in stride. Matthews has a smooth, effortless, efficient throwing motion that helps increase the accuracy of his passes. Keep an eye on him as he takes a step into a big role this next season.
Highlights
Landen jumped out from the crowd once we started the 1 vs 1 battles against DBs. The 6’2″ 204 lbs senior made several of the best deep ball throws that I saw from the day. Landen was able to reach every bit of the field with ease. He could hit his WR in stride 40 yards downfield. It was one thing to see the ball jump out of his hand the way it did. The more impressive thing was that even when he really stepped into it, Landen was able to place the ball with pinpoint accuracy. Mickelson was my favorite deep ball thrower of the day. I highly recommend checking out the senior more in depth.