Minnesconsin MEGA Camp: Nate’s Standouts, Part I

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>RIVER FALLS, WI--</strong> Last Wednesday, we took our talents to the Minnesconsin MEGA Camp held on the campus of UW-River Falls. I loved what the Falcons have brought to Western Wisconsin, not only because my wife is an alum, but this is certainly a location that trends well with Wisconsin, Minnesota, Dakotas, and even Canadian talent which we all saw at UWRF and I am sure more states too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With over 1000 kids in attendance, we brought out our three heavy hitters for PRZ coverage hailing from Wisconsin and Minnesota. We of course couldn't watch everyone, but over the next few days, you will see our long lists of prospects that caught my eyes. Some of these on the first list you might remember from the 7v7 season, a recent Prep Redzone Wisconsin combine and more, but there were also under the radar prospects that got their names out in River Falls. Let's meet Part I</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='348723' first='John' last='Jeanetta'], DB, North St. Paul, MN 2026</strong> <a href="https://x.com/JohnJeanetta7">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1307398,"width":"334px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/IMG_1124-1-rotated-crop-481x316-1718831806.jpg?w=480" alt="" class="wp-image-1307398" style="width:334px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A common name that has popped out on multiple occasions this Spring and now into summer is North St. Paul 2026 defensive back [player_tooltip player_id='348723' first='John' last='Jeanetta']. The athleticism is what has appeared on both sides of the ball during the 7v7 season and that was no different in River Falls as John impressed me with his finishing speed in the early reps at Minnesconsin as he was persistently calm footed with his balance as well. Will need to acquire more tape for a deeper evaluation, but I have loved what I have seen in the last few months. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Laron Collins, RB, Columbia Heights, MN 2025</strong> <a href="https://x.com/collins2_laron">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1307400,"width":"344px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/IMG_1125-crop-481x316-1718831923.jpg?w=480" alt="" class="wp-image-1307400" style="width:344px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the running backs that passed my eye test in River Falls was Columbia Heights 2025 Laron Collins. Laron was one of the more wirey running backs I saw that flashed with his change of direction for sure. Although undersized, the 5'8 180 pounder showed off plenty of balance with his agile movements that appeared consistent rep after rep I watched during my time with the RBs. He also showed off what looks like a scholarship-level talent with his testing numbers and is one I feel you go outside the measurables threshold for. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Johnny Matthews, RB, SPASH, WI 2026 </strong><a href="https://x.com/johnnymathewsjr">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1307402,"width":"329px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/IMG_1127-1-rotated-crop-481x316-1718832011.jpg?w=480" alt="" class="wp-image-1307402" style="width:329px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Seeing coachability is tough to see as an evaluator at a MEGA camp, but SPASH 2026 running back Johnny Matthews showed it off quickly in River Falls. His elusiveness is what caught my eyes as a RB that it is easy to see on tape quickly how he can get out of high traffic areas and escape to the open field with ease. He is another 2026 that flourished in early drills that strived with his attention to detail and with his change of direction caught my eyes. Johnny also showed off more balance with his form for a running back that is so twitchy and should be a jumper onto our 2026 Wisconsin rankings in the near future. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1101243' first='Braedon' last='Ellefson'], LB, Kimberly, WI 2025</strong> <a href="https://x.com/braedonellefson">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1307405,"width":"315px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/IMG_1128-rotated-crop-481x316-1718832164.jpg?w=480" alt="" class="wp-image-1307405" style="width:315px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Braedon was a 2025 linebacker I recall making my scouting report at the St. Thomas camp last summer as one of the underclassmen that popped out. It is clear that the NSIC coaches saw what I saw in River Falls, as the 6'3 215 pounder popped out quickly with his quick-sparing vision that could not only press the gas downhill quick with his athleticism but the instinct he moved with. I watched a few reps from Braedon and was glued to his football IQ and after getting his first D2 offer, I can only imagine their is more exposure coming from the NSIC in the coming months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='892379' first='Destiny' last='Okedara'], DL, Dakota Collegiate, MB 2025</strong> <a href="https://x.com/Destinyokedara">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1307407,"width":"311px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/IMG_1129-rotated-crop-481x316-1718832276.jpg?w=480" alt="" class="wp-image-1307407" style="width:311px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There is no doubt that my good friend Brad Black of Recruit Ready always brings constant scholarship-level talent down from Winnipeg every year, and getting a live evaluation on one of Canada's top defensive ends in [player_tooltip player_id='892379' first='Destiny' last='Okedara'] was worth the watch in River Falls. The length that Destiny had in-person was quick to see as a defensive end that dominated with his intangibles, as his rangy trigger could get north-south and into the deep of the backfield quickly in the reps I watched. He showed off blasting hands thru his defender and quickly, as Destiny's instinct was certainly seen. I have to say I am very surprised he doesn't have more offers from American schools, as I certainly would throw a Division I grade on Destiny as that live evaluation was crucial and he got a high grade coming from me in River Falls. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1192446' first='Braylon' last='Schadt'], WR, Green Bay Preble, WI 2025</strong> <a href="https://x.com/braylon_schadt">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1307409,"width":"318px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/IMG_1130-rotated-crop-481x316-1718832339.jpg?w=480" alt="" class="wp-image-1307409" style="width:318px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 6'1 190 pound wide receiver from Titletown, showed off a route-runner that that showed off how smooth he was at the Minnesconsin MEGA Camp. He showed off glued hands that not only possessed great speed on his routes, but I thought showed much longer length than his frame will show you as a few catches in 1v1s certainly showed off how well-versed his vertical is. He made some highly contested catches look eaiser than they should have which shows consistency with what you see on tape within his first few clips as Braylon would certainly be on my recruiting board if I was recruiting Wisconsin wide receivers.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='942704' first='Michael' last='Nolan'], OL, Milwaukee Marquette, WI 2025 </strong><a href="https://x.com/m_nolan77">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1307411,"width":"309px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/IMG_1132-rotated-crop-481x316-1718832415.jpg?w=480" alt="" class="wp-image-1307411" style="width:309px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A Prep Redzone Wisconsin standout from our Winter combine I was in attendance at, Michael was another prospect in the trenches that I was locked in to watch in River Falls and he lived up to the hype. At 6'5 260 pounds, he wears his frame extremely well from the eye-test alone and you can certainly add significantly more frame to him within a college strength program. His footwork in the 1v1 reps I watched was extremely balanced as well as his consistent foot speed I recall from our Wisconsin Combine and I could tell that he has gotten faster with his feet even from 6 months ago. The long reach Michael showed off in 1v1s was damaging to his defenders as he showed off great pad-level and constantly drove his defender well of course from where the ball was. The pad-level was also a match in River Falls from his tape, as no doubt this kid constantly can drive his leverage and feet into the second level. Two NSIC offers at the moments for Michael, but I certainly see his recruitment pick up in the coming weeks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Amir</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='685906' first='Chase' last='Yinko'], DB, Monona Grove, WI 2025 </strong><a href="https://x.com/ChaseYinko">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1307395,"width":"311px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/IMG_1118-rotated-crop-481x316-1718831735.jpg?w=480" alt="" class="wp-image-1307395" style="width:311px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chase is another Prep Redzone Wisconsin Combine veteran that was one prospect that continued showing his very agile change of direction, especially from what I watched from early testing and beyond in River Falls. The COD has always been there for Chase, but I loved to see in my second evaluation of him since the 2024 season ended on how much more fluidity he looks with his athletic movement as it shows bigger with the eye-test than before. The rangy All-Conference safety from Monona Grove, showed off further how much of a sideline to sideline presence he has at his disposal. I love watching the read instincts this 2025 defensive back shows on tape, and is one that get a high grade for his character. Ran a 10.83 in the 100-meter dash for those college coaches that love track numbers like me and one that gets a scholarship-level grade in my eyes that is more under the radar than he should be. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Amir Allah, WR, Champlin Park, MN 2025 </strong><a href="https://x.com/AmirAllah6xx">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It is hard as heck to get attention at a MEGA Camp like Minnesconsin with over 1000 kids in attendance, but a new name out of Champlin Park that got on two of our PRZ scouts radars was wide receiver Amir Allah. At 6'2 180 pounds, holy cow was I impressed with this kid's length as one that passed my eye test very early in River Falls. He showed off his explosiveness when I watched his broad jump as his number was great, but he certainly has the fire within his lower body to get even deeper in the coming months I am sure of it. Can't wait to get some wide receiver tape on this young man!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Lucas Hyde, WR, St. Paul's, MB 2028</strong> <a href="https://x.com/LucasHyde12">Twitter</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:image {"id":1307414,"width":"335px","height":"auto","sizeSlug":"large","linkDestination":"none"} --> <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2024/06/IMG_1120-rotated-crop-481x316-1718832489.jpg?w=480" alt="" class="wp-image-1307414" style="width:335px;height:auto" /></figure> <!-- /wp:image --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I will be candid, I did not get to watch many 2028 prospects in attendance in River Falls, but the one that popped out is one that I can't wait to watch the upside develop which comes from Lucas Hyde of Recruit Ready and St. Paul's HS out of Winnipeg. I have gotten the chance to evaluate Lucas older brother Braylon, who is one I can recall plays with a full head of steam and Lucas is trending that way with his skillsets at wide receiver, as one that I was really impressed with how instinctive his athletic movement appeared to be in River Falls. I also caught his catch and go movement too, which looked elusive for his age and one that in clips in 7v7, shows good open field awareness. Love the football ceiling this young man will likely grow over the coming years. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->