PrepRedzoneMN 2025 Rankings Update: Impressive in the Open Field

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We're beginning to wind down the coverage from our <em>PrepRedzoneMN </em>2025 spring rankings update, only for now though, but boy are there still some gems left to cover. With the intention of covering both as many and as diverse of a range of prospects as I can before we really get going on the 2026s, I couldn't end things without covering some more playmakers. Throughout the research and creation process of the rankings update, a good group of juniors really stood out for some impressive moves and elusiveness they showed with the ball in hand while in the open field, and I just wanted to give them a well-deserved shoutout for their efforts in a post-update feature. Electric footwork, trucksticks, twitch, and balance, we got it all for you below. Enjoy! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["234762"],"_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 was really happy to see u003cemu003eWinona'su003c/emu003e 5'10, 185 lber. u003cstrongu003eJaden Blancku003c/strongu003e bounced back in 2023. Not sure what happened in 2022, but u003cstrongu003eBlanck'su003c/strongu003e sophomore highlights only consisted of kick returns and I had a hard time figuring out what to make of the WR/RB/ATHs development and how that reflected in the state's 2025 big board. It came at an odd time too, as u003cstrongu003eBlancku003c/strongu003e was coming off a great showing at an earlier u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneMNu003c/emu003e showcase where he excelled, showed confidence and competitiveness, and overall balled out during 1v1s and when bragging rights were on the line. Well, u003cstrongu003eBlancku003c/strongu003e sure put in work in 2023 and has me excited about his future, as the junior highlights show off one of the most lethal, quick, and impressive footwork, elusiveness, and potency in the open field and in space.rnrnThe u003ciu003eWinhawk u003c/iu003eproduct totaled 74 rushes for 582 yards (7.9 YPC) and 6 TDs, as well as one kick return TD, and is consistent in setting up and embarrassing defenders and excels and is a natural at making defenders miss. Possessing great balance that helps step and slip through tackle attempts at his lower body and the ability to cut on a dime, u003cstrongu003eBlancku003c/strongu003e is sudden when he sticks his cleat in the ground and cuts in space and uses subtle footwork and ability to flip his hips and get skinny through contact to slip by would-be tacklers. He doesn't allow opponents to get a clean shot on him and is wiggly at the tackle point, I like how he fights for extra yardage and can consistently make that first-man miss. Plus, he sees the field well, shows good hands, possesses a big-time spin move, and is one of the best kick returners in the state. u003cstrongu003eBlancku003c/strongu003e has received junior day invites from MSU-Mankato, Winona State, Bemidji State, UMD, Concordia-St. Paul, MSU-Moorhead, Augustana, and Sioux Falls.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["743296"],"_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":"A big-time sleeper and Outstate hidden gem in the MN 2025 Rankings Update also happens to be one of the most impressive in the open field. I could have named u003cemu003eDuluth Denfeld'su003c/emu003e electric playmaker u003cstrongu003eTaye Mannsu003c/strongu003e in the u0022Speed Demonsu0022 feature from a couple of days ago, as u003cstrongu003eMannsu003c/strongu003e came into a u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e Showcase last spring as a sophomore and posted some seriously athletic testing numbers at 5'10, 192 pounds. Highlighted by his 4.5 40, u003cstrongu003eMannsu003c/strongu003e added a 4.4 short-shuttle, 9'10u0022 broad, and 7.25 L-drill that add some exciting context and evidence to u003cstrongu003eMannsu003c/strongu003e thrilling playmaking ability and effortlessness at making defenders miss.rnrnThe 218 standout tallied 1,834 all-purpose yards and 18 TDs last fall while showing off explosiveness as a receiver, running back, and returner, and possesses vision, quick feet, good balance, a mean stiff arm, and a running style and lateral agility that makes it hard to anticipate where he's going to cut to and when. u003cstrongu003eMannsu003c/strongu003e is a patient ball carrier who can smoothly stretch the field and extend plays with his speed when working outside the tackle box, allowing his blocking to develop and seams to open in the defense and displays splash play speed that cruises by opponents effortlessly and before they know it. As a receiver, he will go up and attack the ball in the air and can win contested catches and I won't forget to mention that the 200 lber. is one of the most dangerous kick returners in the state. u003cstrongu003eMannsu003c/strongu003e is on another level of athleticism than his competition, which shows up excitingly, and for his efforts and talent, he earned a prestigious Minnesota Gophers Junior Day invite, as well as an Iowa State Junior Day invite, opportunities that only have come across the tables of a limited number of MN juniors. South Dakota State has reached out too, as well as seemingly every NSIC program. u003cstrongu003eMannsu003c/strongu003e is going to be busy this spring!","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1145278"],"_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":"u003cemu003eMinneotau003c/emu003e has been pumping out state titles like a factory line since I played high school football for u003cemu003eMinneapolis Southwestu003c/emu003e back in the early 2010s, and in addition to their nine state titles, including back-to-back the past two seasons, the u003cemu003eVikingsu003c/emu003e have been producing high-quality RBs and LBs at an impressive clip as well. Maybe the best in recent memory, 2025 5'10, 200 lb. RB/LB u003cstrongu003eRyan Meagheru003c/strongu003e is coming off an incredible junior campaign that saw him post an eye-catching 230 carries for 2,224 yards and 40 TDs (!) that came out to a 9.7 YPC and 160 YPG average in the u003cemu003eViking'su003c/emu003e undefeated 2023 state championship run. He earned All-State honors for his efforts and is one of only a couple returning AP All-State selections from last season, so Class A better be working their tails off in a helpless effort to try and contain u003cstrongu003eMeagheru003c/strongu003e this coming fall as a senior.rnrnThe thick, broad-shouldered RB's monster production seems to be in large part due to his dangerous combination of speed and power, which is aided by his big-play speed that could turn what should have been routine gains into long, explosive TD runs. u003cstrongu003eMeagheru003c/strongu003e also demonstrates lateral agility that can bounce from hole to hole until seams begin to open up and explodes back into the cutback lane between the tackles, can cut at top speed and change direction at the last second, leaving opponents grasping at air and occasionally hitting the deck, and owns a mean truckstick that can plant would-be tacklers on their butts and keep on trucking forward like it was a gust of wind. In the red zone, the 200 lber. is a bowling ball of contact, especially when the endzone is in sight, and can pop off big runs between the tackles and through contact or out in space, and his junior tape, opponents look unmotivated to tackle him and I'm sure he wears down a defense over four quarters. Someone is going to land a decorated, experienced, balanced, and physical small school back from one of the most dominant programs in MN. Now that's the makings of a successful future college RB.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["234867"],"_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":"u003cemu003eWorthington'su003c/emu003e stud junior RB u003cstrongu003eJacari Swineau003c/strongu003e has been on our radar about as long as anyone in the class and owns some of the most memorable tapes of the entire class. I word that was left imprinted in my head after breaking down u003cstrongu003eSwinea'su003c/strongu003e film was u0022shiftyu0022, and at 6'2, 180+ pounds, that's a dangerous combination. I'm not the only person to be impressed by u003cstrongu003eSwinea'su003c/strongu003e film and game as a prospect, as the three-sport athlete was one of the first juniors to hear from MSU-Mankato in the Mavs initial surge of offers to the 2025 class.rnrnThe 6'2, 180 lber. owns long legs help him cover noticeable ground with each step, and he also is flexible and can drop his hips and power down in the blink of an eye, which combined with the smooth timing of his cuts, sends opponents sprawling past him when he sticks his cleat in the ground and breaks laterally at the last second. There's obvious and eye-catching twitch in his tackle-breaking ability, as well as balance, big-play speed, and a little bit of burst. He's shifty and sudden and can cut on a dime, and defenders have no idea he's about to cut by them until it's too late and u003cstrongu003eSwineau003c/strongu003e is cruising upfield and without a care of the broken ankles he's left behind. The speed, change of direction ability, and explosiveness evident in u003cstrongu003eSwinea'su003c/strongu003e junior reps were nicely validated at December's u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e Stock-Up Showcase as well, as he posted a 40 in the 4.6s, a 9'6u0022 broad, and a 7.22 L-drill. The u003cemu003eWorthingtonu003c/emu003e junior more than qualifies as u0022impressive in the open field.u0022","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["945918"],"_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":"One of the most exciting and dynamic players in Minnesota undoubtedly goes tou003cemu003e St. Paul Harding/Humboldt'su003c/emu003eu003cstrongu003e Aijhon Douglasu003c/strongu003e. The 5'9, 150 lb. Energizer Bunny of a WR/DB/returner has put out some electric highlights as a sophomore and junior, and even with his junior film only consisting of half a season's worth of highlights, there's more than enough to be dazzled by and have u003cstrongu003eDouglasu003c/strongu003e qualify as u0022impressive in the open field.u0022rnrnSuper explosive and operating on another plane of athleticism, the 651 product makes big plays look very easy. For example, u003cstrongu003eDouglas u003c/strongu003ehas a rep a couple minutes into his tape where he basically improvises a 100-yard TD run where he takes the snap as a punter, sees space and creeps forward, and then spots a gap and takes off like a bat out of hell, cutting at top speed to make two u003cemu003eTwo Rivers'u003c/emu003e defenders miss and burning past a couple more for a TD that few prep prospects could even dream of pulling off. The cojones it takes to make that decision, much less finish it, should give you a sense of just how athletic u003cstrongu003eDouglasu003c/strongu003e is and how explosive he is compared to his competition. His game-breaking speed that makes pursuing opponents look like they're sprinting in slow motion, and he has reps of him easily out-running NSIC commits, and that speed creates so much space in the open field that it sometimes looks like he's a 9man ball carrier. He displays a ton of balance, noticeable burst and get-up, body control, twitch, pound-for-pound power, and the ability to cut on a dime. Defensively, where I think he may project best to at the next level, he demonstrates a smooth backpedal and doesn't waste steps when he's weaving, mirroring, or adjusting to a route, and he flies out of his breaks his pace. u003cstrongu003eDouglasu003c/strongu003e' body control is very apparent when he's changing direction and covering WRs on the perimeter, and he's also a big hitter on the perimeter who cranks WRs at the catch point and punches well above his weight class. He's rocked more than a few balls loose in his career and forces PBUs against big and smaller receivers alike. I could watch this dude play football all day, every day.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1201979"],"_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":"One of only 12 returning All-Metro selections from the 2023 season, 5'11, 160 lb. DB/WR u003cstrongu003eDanny Plamannu003c/strongu003e played a key role in u003cemu003eSt. Agnes'u003c/emu003e best season in a long time and was dominant on both sides of the ball. u003cstrongu003ePlamannu003c/strongu003e posted 24 receptions for 543 yards u0026amp; 5 TDs and 29 tackles, 7 PBUs, and an eye-popping 10 INTs as a junior, and did so with flash, speed, and instincts. A deep threat who can cut at top speed, play the ball well in the air, and is dangerous after an INT and with the ball in hand, u003cstrongu003ePlamannu003c/strongu003e is quick and possesses some balance as a ball carrier. From his DB spot, the 5'11 ballhawk displays a ton of range from the defensive secondary, as he processes and reads the field quickly, triggers on the football decisively and with pace, and is a high IQ player who is always around the football. He naturally undercuts routes, times out his jumps well, is comfortable when the ball is in the air, and high points the rock impressively. Someone is going to get a productive, instinctive, and athletic playmaker at the next level.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["234907"],"_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":"u003cemu003eEskou003c/emu003e is going to have a hard time replacing its legendary 2024 class of prospects , but in terms of big play ability and prowess in the open field, the u003cemu003eEskomos u003c/emu003eare still well covered with 5'10, 160 lb. CB/QB/ATHu003cstrongu003e Jacion Owensu003c/strongu003e. This kid is as dynamic as it gets, and when u003cemu003eEskou003c/emu003e needed a QB going into last fall, u003cstrongu003eOwensu003c/strongu003e stepped up and looked great manning his offense, showing juice with his arm and his legs and an athletic pedigree that opposing defenses had a hard time corralling.rnrnDefensively, u003cstrongu003eOwensu003c/strongu003e displayed good technique when defending the deep ball, possesses a smooth backpedal and pace out of his breaks, loose hips, and solid hops and vertical ability that help him compete for and break up passes in the air. He's also impressive when he triggers on the ball in run support and is a solid form tackler who goes all-in and all-out into contact. Offensively, u003cstrongu003eOwensu003c/strongu003e was an impressive ball carrier who u003cemu003eEskou003c/emu003e designed a ton of QB runs for and is a powerful cutter who can generate force when he sticks his cleat in the turf and changes direction. The junior demonstrated solid speed, utilizes the field well, and flashed a nasty stutter step that left pursuers in his wake. The 160ish pounder also doesn't mind lowering the shoulder and runs in a physical fashion for his size. I'm interested to see how this recruitment develops, and u003cstrongu003eOwensu003c/strongu003e has so far earned junior day invites from South Dakota State, North Dakota, MSU-Moorhead, and Augustana.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["1191536"],"_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":"There was a lot of off-season hype building up around u003cemu003ePark Center'su003c/emu003e 2025 power back u003cstrongu003eJosh Diggsu003c/strongu003e, and I was very excited to get some updated tape on the 6', 205 lber. and his ball-carrying ability. He's doing a good job of living up to said hype as well, as the junior totaled 710 all-purpose yards and 6 TDs in only six games of action in 2023 and has earned junior day invites from South Dakota State, Minnesota, NDSU, and MSU-Moorhead and camp invites from Wisconsin, UPenn, and Montana.rnrnA fluid runner who is laterally agile and quick and displays tons of contact balance, Diggs posted major yards after contact and has a couple reps of DBs making a business decision and hesitating to hit him in 1-on-1 situations. I like his burst through the first and second levels of a defense, hands out of the backfield, good vision that helps him see the cutback well, patience, and effective stiff-arm. u003cstrongu003eDiggsu003c/strongu003e does have reps of him pulling away from defenders and finishing big runs, but a big way the rising senior could raise his stock as a college prospect is improving his speed. There's acceleration on tape, but it's that final gear where he was hawked down as a junior and I'd really like to see him finish some more of these reps once he gets to the sideline and/or the third level of a defense. I do love me a power back, though, and u003cstrongu003eDiggsu003c/strongu003e is a tough assignment in the open field and brings some juice to the position as a ball carrier. Big offseason for this young man.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["945891"],"_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":"u003cemu003eBarnesville'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003eGannon Bolgreanu003c/strongu003e falls into that thrilling Minnesota prospect trope of the small school, Outstate, do-it-all, ultra-athletic, good-at-every-sport type ball carrier that can be a lynchpin of a state championship campaign and whose gridiron exploits will never be forgotten by the prep football fans in his or hers small town community.rnrnA 6', 175 lb.  QB/RB/DB who is also the point guard of Barnesville's basketball team, u003cstrongu003eBolgreanu003c/strongu003e is a fast, lean, and quick ball carrier who is a dangerous triple-option RB and a weapon out of the backfield who can hurt defenses all over the field. The dynamic ball carrier sas helped u003cemu003eBarnesvilleu003c/emu003e to a state championship in 2022 and became the featured back in the u003cemu003eTrojansu003c/emu003e 2023 Class AA runner-up finish, tallying 86 rushes for 1,056 yards (12.3 YPC!), 10 catches for 200 yards, 16 total TDs, and 3 INTs, all while missing the first five games of the season. Talk about a baller, that YPC average is quite impressive, and u003cstrongu003eBolgreanu003c/strongu003e shows impressive speed that can pull away from defenders and finish splash plays for six and powerful and sudden cuts to go along with good balance. The 175 lb. speedster is patient and allows his blocks to develop, actually hiding himself behind his bigger OL before exploding through the hole, and when he is given space, he's going to take it to the crib. The junior skates through traffic with pace and cuts at the perfect time to beat that 1-on-1 defender and find the space to get to the endzone and make plays at clutch times and against the top competition he faced in 2023. Augustana, NDSU, and MSU-Moorhead have sent junior day offers so far.rnrnIt's worth mentioning as well, but u003cstrongu003eBolgreanu003c/strongu003e has this CRAZY play at the Bank against u003cemu003eJCCu003c/emu003e where he's being tackled near the goal line and held up around the 5-yard line being flung backward and he whips the ball at the very last second, and with some wild velocity right into the hands of his receiver flat down the LOS, where his teammate takes it into the endzone. Very rugby-esque play that I have never seen before on a football field.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["551393"],"_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":"Owning the awesome Twitter handle u0022@maurice2fastu0022, u003cemu003eSt. Cloud Apollo'su003c/emu003e dynamic WR/RB/DBu003cstrongu003e Maurice Brownu003c/strongu003e has been on our radar since he was an underclassman thanks to some early varsity action and a strong performance at the 2022 u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneMNu003c/emu003e Showcase. I think his handle should be u0022maurice2shiftyu0022 or even u0022maurice2dynamicu0022, as he's a polished route runner, versatile, a playmaker, and shows some juice with the ball in hand. u003cstrongu003eBrownu003c/strongu003e added a new dimension to his game in 2023 and started getting legitimate carries as a running back for the u003cemu003eEaglesu003c/emu003e, and as a junior, he finished his season with 39 receptions for 541 yards and 6 TDs + 98 carries for 446 yards and 7 TDs. He also excelled on defense, finishing 2023 with 69 total tackles, 8 TFLs, 2 INTs, 2 FFs, 2 PBUs, and a defensive TD.rnrnHe can do a lot on the gridiron, and I personally like him as a receiver, where he can take the top off the defense, is strong when he goes up and high points the football, and can win contested catches and 50/50 balls. u003cstrongu003eBrownu003c/strongu003e is concentrated when going over the middle and reeling in receptions through potential contact, can drop his hips and create separation at the top of the route, and tracks the ball well. As a RB, I like his burst, and he's shifty in 1-on-1 scenarios in the open field. As a DB for u003cemu003eApollou003c/emu003e, the 5'10, 180 lber. is all around the field on defense and can blitz, cover, support the run, and generally make plays, just like on offense.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["870646"],"_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":"With a decorated wrestling background (4th place at 160A in 2024, including a pin of the #1 seed in the state quarters), the classic trope of the undersized but strong, small-town, productive, tough-as-nails LB, and coming out of a program that breeds hard-nosed football players and athletes, u003cemu003eKerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg'su003c/emu003e 5'10, 180 lber. u003cstrongu003eJett Olsonu003c/strongu003e went crazy in 2023 as a RB and was Impressive in the Open Field. Olson posted 163 rushes for 1,252 yards and 13 TDs and had some exciting junior tape that made me question if I should change his position on the small schooler's profile.rnrnOffensively, u003cstrongu003eOlsonu003c/strongu003e can beat you with speed, quickness, or power, and leaves pursuers stuck in the mud when he cuts back across the grain and produces power when he sticks his cleat in the ground. He uses his quickness to get would-be tacklers off balance or on their heels, and because they bit on his move, can't get a clean shot on him, which allows u003cstrongu003eOlsonu003c/strongu003e to use his impressive contact balance that helped him break the tackle attempts of much larger defenders through his powerful lower body, balance, and a will to stay upright. Plus, he uses his stiff arm very effectively. If you let Olson get the sideline, he's gone, and the 180 lber. popped off some very long TD runs in 2023.rnrnDefensively, he slips into passing lanes well from his OLB spot, is a strong form tackler who sheds blocks well and can defend the edge with good leverage and can tackle in space. u003cstrongu003eOlsonu003c/strongu003e is always around the football on both sides of the ball and is poised for a monster year production-wise as a senior.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_11_player":["1202008"],"_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":"The u003cemu003eAustin Packersu003c/emu003e - who have been known for their basketball team as of late - have some exciting prospects in their 2025 class, one of whom is 6'1, 215 lb. RB/LBu003cstrongu003e Garlo Geeu003c/strongu003e. u003cstrongu003eGee u003c/strongu003egot onto our radar during the 2023 season thanks to his size, fun game tape, and ridiculous balance that leaves you wanting to see more from the big-bodied back.rnrnThe first few plays of his tape sure are something, and he opens his 2023 highlights with a thrilling run that includes a spin move followed by him pulling off a mini-hurdle that helps him bounce a DB off his leg, land on one foot while turning a full 360 degrees, and continuing forward to power through a couple of additional tackle attempts at his legs for a big gain that got the u003cemu003ePackersu003c/emu003e' crowd on their feet. Especially dangerous in the red zone, u003cstrongu003eGeeu003c/strongu003e possesses solid vision, a nasty stiff arm that bullies defenders into the turf against their will, burst, and an obvious fearlessness into contact that makes him a very fun RB to watch. He possesses tons of contact balance and pinballs off LBs and DBs for some exciting and physical reps that look like they left defenders scratching their heads and wondering what happened and how much more work they need to put in the weight room going forward. The big thing for u003cstrongu003eGeeu003c/strongu003e is improving his speed and being able to stretch and potentially finish some of these plays for bigger gains once he breaks those first couple tackles. Either way, he's built for college ball and is going to have a lot to do with u003cemu003eAustin'su003c/emu003e potential turnaround in 2024.","_player_evaluations_11_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_12_player":["1204354"],"_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":"I was more than excited to dig into u003cemu003eHill-Murray'su003c/emu003e 6'1, 220 lb. RB/LBu003cstrongu003e Xavier Danielsu003c/strongu003e for the 2025 u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e Official Rankings Update as well as this post-publishing feature. When I came across his Twitter profile and saw the size this dude was carrying, I got the scouting equivalent to butterflies in my stomach, and he caught the eye of more than a few powerhouse college programs during his 2023 junior season. u003cstrongu003eDaniels u003c/strongu003ewas one of the favored 2025s to earn an offer from MSU-Mankato during their initial wave of offers to the rising seniors from MN, WI, and Iowa. The Mavs have recently been all over XL RBs and trucksticking ball carriers like u003cstrongu003eDanielsu003c/strongu003e, so I was extra excited to see him reel in the Mavs NSIC offer, and he's far from finished on the recruiting trail.rnrnThe Thunder to Gopher commit [player_tooltip player_id='105378' first='Simon' last='Seidl'] proverbial Lightning, u003cstrongu003eDanielsu003c/strongu003e totaled 930 yards and 9 TDs on the ground in 2023 and looks like a runaway train coming between the tackles and bounces off tackle attempts like he's playing JV opponents. His gait forces defenders to account for his shiftiness, and he shows some quickness in space, which opens them up to one of the biggest trucksticks in the state and a RB who runs through contact like it's a Styrofoam wall and he's the Kool-Aid Man. You can visibly see defenders hesitate to come full throttle into contact, make business decisions, and wimp out of contact in some of his junior reps, and I also see some good vision, visible pace through the first couple levels of the defense, and the strength that requires multiple defenders to drag him down. You don't see this often in prep RBs so I HAD to give it a shoutout, but I really like u003cstrongu003eDanielsu003c/strongu003e' pass pro capability as a RB, as he will hang in there, shows good technique and toughness, and an aggressive willingness to protect his QB. Plus, he's a threat as a pass rusher who can put his hand in the dirt and shows the power to beat Metro linemen with strength at the point of attack, as his pop sends OTs and OGs backward and into the QBs grill. I could watch him run into people all day long.","_player_evaluations_12_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":13,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-65fc5832e4e7f"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->