PrepRedzoneMN 2027 Rankings Introduction: Top 15 Breakdown

The 2024 spring rankings update cycle in the Land of 10,000 Lakes is complete! Earlier this morning, the PrepRedzoneMN 2027 introductory rankings were released at prepredzone.com, completing the trio of updates to the state's 2025, 2026, and 2027 classes. As always, there's something extra exciting about the inaugural freshman class release, and the hype and potential of the rising sophomores is a fun and hopeful scenario to exercise while the long offseason without football continues to drag on. In this early showing of the 2027s, the Top 15 will be especially fun to break down, as we have plentiful size, varsity experience, production, verified testing numbers, and eye-catching film amongst the early heavyweights in the 2027 recruiting class. However, before we begin, I must reiterate that there is still a significant amount of time and runway left in these player's developments, as well as a lot of unknowns, but it's still an engaging exercise to try and predict and spotlight some of the early standouts in a recruiting class. Enjoy, as there will be dozens of talented football prospects nipping at their heels in the coming updates, some of whom will be successful, while others will never surpass the early heavyweights in the 2027 rankings class. The future of MN prep football is here!   --    Safe to say that Springfield's [player_tooltip player_id='1288305' first='Aiden' last='Moriarty'] has the chance to be special. Already displaying P5-worthy size, versatility, varsity production, and tape as a freshman, the 6'3, 240 lber. comes in as an easy choice for the state's #1 prospect in the 2027 class. The way the state of Minnesota develops and pumps out defensive linemen is another bonus, as is the way the Springfield program has been producing big, dynamic, productive, successful, and overall high-quality prep prospects as of late. Additionally, Moriarty is a three-sport athlete, playing baseball and basketball in addition to the world's greatest game, and in 2023, on Springfield's Class A state runner-up team, the freshman posted 10 catches for 90 yards and 3 TDs + 62 tackles, 8 TFLs, 3 sacks, and 2 FFs against varsity competition. '   Playing last season at around 220 pounds, Moriarty is now up to a reported 240, a sight and sign that should terrify his Class A opponents going into next season, and the tape shows a positionally and schematically versatile prospect who played QB/TE/DE in 2023, and defensively, primarily as a 4i/5T DE. Still, he also has reps as a standup EDGE a couple of alignments wider than the tackle. As a TE, he's a massive target in the passing game with good acceleration, coordination, soft hands that can reel in receptions away from his body, and an overall big catch radius. Moriarty will run behind his pads and lower the boom after the catch and is a punishing blocker who can find work and success in the trenches, most effectively as a wing/halfback. The then-225 lber. looked controlled and showed solid pace as a route runner last fall, impressive for his size and age and not something I'm used to seeing from a small school, Outstate prospects this young. Defensively, the strength is most visible on tape from 2023. Moriarty is a strong kid who can back down tackles with power rushes and make tackles through contact and with OL draped all over him. He owns a good get-off, effective bull rush, nonstop motor, effective hand usage, and strength that helped him disengage from blocks quickly. Moriarty does a great job of attacking blockers and bringing the fight to the offense at the point of attack, and I like how he can easily shock and shed offensive linemen all around the LOS. Too much going for him right now not to think, contingent on continual development, that P4 football is in his future. I'd expect him to hang at or around the #1 ranking for his high school career. Cheers to the future, young man!     I've never been more bullish on the future of the Minnesota high school football QB ranks. A lot of the credit goes to what could be an unparalleled 2026 crop of quarterbacks in Minnesota, but a grade below them, there are some serious signal-callers waiting in the wings for their well-deserved spotlight. Moorhead's [player_tooltip player_id='1194605' first='Jett' last='Feeney'] is looking to capitalize on the QB recruiting momentum in MN that the 2026 is already creating, but even without the rising juniors talent giving MN some legitimacy in the QB recruiting world, Feeney's athletic profile, freshman season success, and overall potential would be creating waves of his own on the recruiting trail.   The son of former NDSU QB Kevin Feeney and brother of current North Dakota QB Trey Feeney, Jett led his 5A Spuds to a 5-5 record in 2023, totaling 189 completions on 281 attempts (67%) for 2,385 yards and 29 TDs to 10 INTs. That's 238.5 passing per game and 8.5 yards per attempt for those keeping score. Plus, he's already 6'1", and his older brother is 6'3 as a junior in college, so there's a chance he's not done growing either. Off the bat, starting as a freshman at a 5A heavyweight program is a big deal, obviously, but the completion percentage and TD-to-INT ratio are what really catch my attention. Not to mention the production, combined with the age, will really knock your socks off. Feeney finished third in the state in completions, sixth in passing yardage, and tied for fourth in TDs. The between-the-ears factor and box is checked, and physically, Feeney is accurate to all three levels of the field - although you don't see a lot of him really stretching the field or going deep as a freshman. Seems like he knows his strengths and limitations and what it's going to take to keep his offense consistently moving. However, he throws a great back-shoulder fade and shows good touch and ball placement on throws downfield. Does show noticeable arm strength when he uses it as well. Feeney displays consistent and impressive mechanics, puts noticeable zip on the ball, and threw the rock into some smaller high school coverage windows in 2023. I like his timing, and he will stand in the pocket, set his feet, and follow through through contact. The 185 lb. rising sophomore sees the field and makes decisions quickly, although you mostly see him pull the trigger on that first read as a freshman, but I'm very excited to see that progress and improve. Of all the QBs in Minnesota I've mentioned this about, I'm especially excited to see it in Feeney. Additionally, the Moorhead product demonstrates elusiveness in the open field, a quick, concise release, and can throw off-platform with accuracy. He's mobile, can throw accurately on the move, and can improvise, buy time, and scramble effectively. Feeney still needs some time to mature and develop that arm and open up his offense vertically, and could also use the added pounds when he tucks and runs and goes into contact, but the foundational skillset and success he showed as a freshman hasn't been copied or replicated in MN in a long, long time. P4 football is absolutely in the realm of possibility for Feeney right now.     Moorhead is going to be home to the best duo in the state in a season or two, as RB [player_tooltip player_id='1288313' first='Taye' last='Reich'] joins his QB Feeney in the Top 5 of the inaugural PrepRedzoneMN 2027 rankings. The Spuds offensive powerhouse posted 81 rushes for 458 yards and 2 TDs (5.7 YPC) on the ground and 8 for 124 yards and 2 TDs (15.5 YPC) through the air as a freshman in 2023, also adding 14 tackles defensively, and the young buck is only getting started. The multi-sport standout, who also plays baseball and holds a 3.9 GPA, is having the best start to the summer camp szn of any freshman in the state and possibly the Upper Midwest, as he went into Manhattan, Kansas this past weekend and earned a P4 offer from the Kansas State Wildcats in ultra-impressive fashion. His first overall and first P4 offer under his belt, I did not expect a 2027 MN prospect to hear from a P4 this summer, but Reich's skillset speaks for itself, and must be a heckuva in-person competitor for KState and their excellent coaching staff to offer him so early. I really wish I had a chance to see Reich in person and get some numbers on him myself, but I absolutely trust KState's evals, and it looks like we have an early #1 contender for the #1 spot in the state going forward!   Great hands out of the backfield, big-time burst, and some splash play speed that can create long, explosive runs out of the backfield - I would love to see Reich finish some of the big runs in his freshman tape going forward, especially when he gets past the third level of a defense. He displays a shifty, slippery, slashing running style, absorbs contact well, and is comfortable and effective at making that free defender miss in space. The key to him continuing to develop and sharpen his P4 skillset is to continue adding speed and finishing big plays for six when given the opportunity, as well as string together a couple more missed tackles here and there, but an offseason in the Spuds weight room can add some serious power to a prospect and with a P4 offer already under his belt, Reich's confidence should be sky-high. Can't wait to see what else is in store for the freshman this summer!     Yet another excellent example of what the PrepRedzoneMN Showcases can do for a prospect, Anoka's 6'2, 210 lb. RB/LB [player_tooltip player_id='1247065' first='Benjamin' last='Bergan'] blew the roof off of the Plymouth Soccer Dome this past April at the PRzMN Combine Series stop in MN. Measuring 6'1.5" and 205 pounds, Bergan passed the eye test with flying colors, showing a frame with significant early muscle development and a cut-up upper body more representative of an upperclassman than a current freshman. Bergan popped off two 5.12 40s, a 4.63 short-shuttle, a 9'6" broad, and 7.13 L-drill. Additionally, he was a top performer during both drills and 1-on-1 competition, showing off explosive power and vertical ability, smooth COD skills, and strength & physicality all over the place. To sweeten the pot, Bergan is a multi-sport athlete who is also a PF/C on the basketball team and CF/P on the baseball diamond, and in the middle of last month, he posted an eye-popping 40" vertical at the TrainingHaus football combine.   Bergan was a non-varsity contributor in 2023 for the Tornadoes and holy cow, did he look like a man amongst boys in the freshman film. As a RB, Bergan is a powerful cutter who can create velocity when he sticks in his cleat in the ground and changes direction in space, sees the field well, and has some dominant and physically imposing contact balance that can allow him to stay upright while running through and over multiple tackle attempts in a play. Not a lot of film overall, and couldn't find any defensive reps, but Bergan is a very well-developed athlete at his age who knows how to use his physical prowess to dominate the competition. Big fall coming for the 2027 standout and our #3 overall ranked prospect in the 2027 class.       I cannot wait to see what Shakopee's standout 2027 linebacker [player_tooltip player_id='1288283' first='Andrew' last='McGee'] is going to look in a couple of years, but we got an impressive glimpse into the 6'3, 215 lbers. future in 2023. Long, great frame, and already notable size for the position, McGee didn't play much varsity as a freshman, but he did post a varsity carry for six yards and you can't hold a lack of varsity reps as a freshman against a kid in they attend one of the better programs in the big school ranks and in the state overall. However, if he's the dude we think he could be, he should be starting, or at least playing significant varsity reps as a sophomore.   Against non-varsity competition, McGee has a nice rep of him shooting off the LOS, adjusting his path to the TEs upfield shoulder, and stepping right into a passing lane for a pick-six on an attempted RB dump into the flats, as well as an awesome rep of him defending the edge, setting his feet, and sending an Eden Prairie lead blocker off his feet and into his RB for a pinball-like tackle, all while maintaining his balance and looking like he did little more than swat at a fly. McGee operated as a hybrid EDGE outside of the tackle on the LOS and occasionally as wide as a WIDE9 alignment, and depending on how he continues to grow, he may see his position designation switch to DL/EDGE in the coming years. The 215 lber. looks good changing direction in space, does a great job of attacking lead blockers while keeping his outside shoulder free, and uses good leverage as an edge defender for the Shakopee defense. McGee really thrives in the physical aspects of the game, and he likes to assert himself and brings a lot of pop into contact, both as a tackler and when taking on blocks. He closes with pace and uses good pursuit angles to his advantage, and made some impressive tackles in space last fall. Offensively, as a RB, McGee demonstrated breakaway speed as a RB against non-varsity defenders, and is quick and uses his long legs and standout contact balance to create some impressive TD runs as a RB. How sudden and dangerous he is with the ball in hand took me by surprise, and he also shows he can be an asset as a pass catcher.     I'm very excited to have a prospect from what was formerly the Minneapolis City Conference, my old stomping grounds as a prep, debut this highly in the state's rankings. Representing the Minneapolis South Tigers, QB/DB [player_tooltip player_id='1096597' first='Beckham' last='Vanvoorst'] was the best athlete on South's roster last fall, leading him to the all-important QB1 role, and although he can do some good things at QB, namely his accuracy, velocity, touch, and quick release, his athleticism is too hard to ignore and I've tagged him with the "ATH" designation at this point. A lot of good Minnesota prep prospects with similar resumes to Vanvoorst have found success at a different position in college, and as of right now, it looks like the 612 product could be the next great one. Even as a QB you can tell he's athletic as well as smart, as he displayed the ability to recognize and adjust to blitzes and defensive fronts with his OL, and the 180 lber. does a good job of feeling and stepping up into the pocket to avoid pressure, as he's a great scrambler who can extend plays and buy time behind the LOS and outside of the pocket. Vanvoorst is also a slippery and twitchy ball carrier and can embarrass defenders in 1-on-1 situations in space, and although there are no reps of him on defense in his freshman film, he posted 17 tackles as a safety in 2023.   What really gets me excited though is Vanvoorst's performance at December's PrepRedzoneMN Stock-Up Showcase, where the freshman posted a 4.8 40, 4.65 shuttle, and 8'4 broad jump while showing some noticeable muscle definition for a 14/15 year old. Good to see the athleticism on tape backed up by some positive testing numbers, but there's a long way to go with this dynamic Minneapolis athlete. Go Tigers!     Elk River's do-it-all superstar of a freshman [player_tooltip player_id='1120521' first='Carsyn' last='Kleffman'] had one of the top seasons of any freshman in the entire state last fall, finishing 2023 with 94 tackles (41 solo), 4 TFLs, a FF, a safety, 285 rushing yards (9.2 YPC), 2 TDs, and 370 kick return yards at nearly 25 yards a return. Injuries and too-hard-to-ignore talent led the freshman onto the field early in 2023, and in true ultra-competitor fashion, Kleffman ran with his opportunity, sprinted, in fact. A splash play machine who is one of the most versatile players in the state, not just in the freshman class, as well as physicality in droves, Kleffman was an easy choice for the Top 10, and although I don't have a clue where he's best projected to in the future right now, I'm going to sit back and enjoy the ride.   The rising sophomore is the early pick for hardest hitter in the class, and he laid some massive hits in 2023 on special teams, defense, and offense; no one was off limits to get put on their butts by the impressive freshman thumper. Kleffman displayed game-breaking speed as a freshman RB - as he outran and finished some long, impressive runs against a very athletic Andover Huskies defense to highlight his speed offensively. I like the power he generates when he sticks his cleat in the ground and cuts, and he shows good balance through contact that can step and slip through weaker tackle attempts at his lower body, as well as good vision and patience as a ball carrier. His nonstop hustle and motor, strength as a tackler, and versatility on the defensive side of the ball all contributed to his enormous production defensively, and his impressive ability to play both around the box, in space, and/or in 1-on-1 settings doesn't go unnoticed. Kleffman even showed he could unlock his hips and play man coverage in the slot. The playmaking ability and instincts are off the charts- blocked kicks, big kickoff returns, runs busted wide open up the gut, turnovers, broken up passes, big hits, TFLs, and three-phase contributing and production ability, who wouldn't want that on their squad?   To back up the film and production, the Elk River rising sophomore had a good showing at December's PRzMN Stock-Up Showcase this past December, running nearly in the 4.8s in the 40 and posting a 4.56 shuttle, 8'7 broad, and 7.4 L-drill. 2024 is only going to be bigger and better!     A little 218 and Duluth-area representation high up on the 2027 Big Board, 6'1, 185 lb. RB/SB Joe Sylvester had a great freshman campaign with the Greyhounds and has carried the momentum into the spring, where he has qualified for the MN state track tournament in the triple jump. Sylvester has a great shot of continuing to rise up the rankings, despite an impressive #7 overall debut, as he tallied 10 TDs and over 1,000 varsity all-purpose yards in 2023 and is hungry for more. A dynamic weapon out of the backfield who was dangerous and productive as both a rusher and pass catcher as a freshman, Sylvester shows soft hands and some ball skills that helped him perform especially well on RB dumps and wheel routes as a wingback or from the backfield. There's noticeable tackle-breaking ability - namely burst, quickness, footwork, and balance through contact, which is helped by his budding strength in his upper and lower body, and I really like his vision as well. Sylvester utilizes an effective jump cut when necessary, and most importantly, he displays game-breaking speed that can finish big runs once he gets the edge or gets to the third level of a defense. Had some physically overpowering and defeating reps against upperclassmen-heavy defenses in 2023, a great sign as he heads on a path of more physical maturation, growth, and development. Going to be a huge year for Sylvester in 2024.     We're sticking with the rash of RBs that finish out the Top 10 of the introductory 2027 MN Big Board, this time heading back to the 6A Metro ranks and Anoka High School. For anyone wondering, the reason a varsity contributor at RB is ranked below a non-varsity performer is the size/verified measurables, and although 5'10, 180 lber. [player_tooltip player_id='1120519' first='Brody' last='Rush'] had a heckuva freshman season and tape with Anoka, I don't have any testing numbers on Rush right now, and he's coming off an ACL, meniscus, and ALL surgery in his right knee he sustained during basketball this winter, but he's more than capable of overtaking his Anoka peer in the upper echelons of the Top 5. Rush posted a respectable 29 rushes for 162 yards and 2 TDs for the Tornadoes, but the tape pops, as Rush displayed some eye-catching burst and top-end speed to open his highlights for a 50+ yard TD scamper against STMA right through the heart of the Knights' defense. He follows it by reeling in a tough catch high and away from his body on a wheel route vs. Blaine, which precedes a couple of crushing truck sticks vs. Coon Rapids, demonstrating impressive contact balance and a punishing North-South, get-out-of-my-way running style, especially physical for a freshman. I like his overall power for a freshman tailback, ability to make that free defender miss, good patience, and consistent leg drive post-contact, which allows him to carry dogpiles and would-be tacklers for extra yardage to convert first downs. The big question is going to be how Rush is recovered from surgery come fall. Hopefully, I can get a look at him this summer depending on if he's cleared and if Anoka has some preseason scrimmages.     The fourth RB in a row to round out the 2027 inaugural Top 10 of the rankings, we have another speedy, playmaking, high-potential 218 product in Hermantown's 5'11, 150 lber. [player_tooltip player_id='1292281' first='Martin' last='Sleen']. Sleen had a mind-blowing performance at May's TrainingHaus high school football combine, posting a 42" vert, 4.64 40, 4.28 short-shuttle, and 7-second flat L-drill for some serious, real-deal, verified athleticism that is up there with any athletes in the state. Sleen contributed to Hermantown's freshman, JV, and varsity squads, starting three games on varsity and bringing the same raw speed and playmaking ability to whichever level of competition he was facing.   If Sleen gets the corner on a defense, he's gone, and that's against varsity and non-varsity defenses alike. However, he's also willing to play physically and put a few opponents flat on their butts in 2023, both as a ball carrier and as a blocker. Sleen has a rep in JV play where he trucks and runs over two opponents at one time, and it looked like he was shot out of a cannon against JV and C squad competition, flying past pursuers like a bat out of hell and leaving them stuck in the mud and wondering why they're so dang slow. I also like his vision, and the pure speed and pace he brings to the table is unmatched in this 2027 and far from anything I've seen while scouting freshmen in my fiveish years with PRZ. Sleen has the chance to be one of the most explosive, productive, and exciting RBs in the state next fall with Hermantown. Don't blink!   If you're reading this, Martin, please flip your highlight tape and start with varsity, as opposed to ending with it!     Back to Shakopee High School we go! One of the most popular programs in the current 2025 cycle, the Sabers are looking to continue the recruiting momentum into the 2027 class, and man oh man does DB [player_tooltip player_id='212480' first='Blake' last='Betton'] have the potential to be special. The son of Shako's head coach Ray Betton, rising sophomore Blake has a fantastic frame and basketball background that, when combined, create some eye-popping ability on the gridiron. DB recruiting is trending towards height and length, and Betton has both of those in droves for a rising sophomore, and prospects with that multi-sport football/basketball resume in MN are usually explosive athletes, a trend that Betton absolutely continues, as he runs with the accomplished Howard Pulley EYBL AAU club when he's not tearing up the gridiron. A WR/DB/returner with ridiculous length and impressive dynamic ability as a three-phase contributor, Betton is especially exciting as a safety, but brings a playmaking mentality and a ton of instincts to the table in his non-varsity 2023 season with the Sabers.   Good speed, explosive kick returner, and displays quickness and great balance when evading tackle attempts. His long legs help him easily work through tackle attempts at his lower body, and he hurt opponents as a WR and RB in 2023, burning DBs deep, cruising past pursuers to the sideline, and breaking tackles all over the field. As a free safety, where I think his skillset best fits, Betton is very instinctive in coverage - can flip his hips quickly, reads, identifies, and reacts to passing concepts, reads QBs eyes well, and shows good awareness of where he is in relation to a receiver and when to jump a pass. Very natural and fluid on film as well. The 6'2-6'3 safety undercuts and ballhawks from his MOF position, triggers on the ball with pace, will come up and contribute to run support aggressively, and is capable of enforcing a physical presence as a MOF defender and will come downhill and rock WRs coming over the middle to force PBUs. Betton displays great bounce and can contest and win 50/50 ball high in the air (thank you, basketball) and was the best athlete in the field in his 2023 highlights and a natural, versatile, and explosive playmaker just beginning to scratch the surface of his potential. I'm sure there will be an adjustment to varsity ball, but the athleticism, length, and upside are very high caliber. I'm absolutely itching to see this kid as a sophomore!     It doesn't take a recruiting wise to realize a 6'5, 210 lb. freshman WR/TE has the potential to be a good football prospect. Based on size alone, St. Cloud Tech's [player_tooltip player_id='1250092' first='Henry' last='Condon'] is a must-know and must-watch prospect in MN's 2027 class, but Condon also has a basketball background going for him and some impressive reps on freshman & JV last season for the Tigers.   As you'd hope for in a pass-catcher of his size and with a basketball background, Condon shows notable 50/50 ball & contested catch ability, using his long arms and bounce to high-point the rock over DBs heads for some impressive snags and big receptions in 2023. He displays a big catch radius, soft hands, ball skills, and the competitiveness and confidence to always come down with the ball. The 210 lber. uses his frame to win position battles when the ball is in the air and will run behind his pads and lower the shoulder after the catch as well. Still, a long way to go development-wise, aided by the fact that Condon didn't play varsity in 2023 despite Tech's varsity going 1-8, but there is a ton of time and runway left for the Tech Tiger pass-catcher. However, the upside and ceiling are as obvious as they are exciting. Big season coming up for Condon.     More big-time, top-tier talent coming out of 9Man Cherry High School in the 218, and surprise, surprise, they have the last name Asuma. 2027 multi-sport standout [player_tooltip player_id='1288411' first='Isaiah' last='Asuma'] is the cousin of Minnesota Gophers 2024 bball commit Isaac and his c/o 2026 younger brother Noah, a highly sought-after multi-sport prospect himself, some of the best and most serious bloodlines in the state right now. I have very little info on the youngest Asuma right now, except for basketball stat lines and highlight reels, but I do know he's been a varsity starter since an 8th grader, is an explosive kick returner, three-phase contributor, is a heckuva basketball player, and has helped Cherry's football team to a couple deep playoff runs the past two years. The athleticism that family possesses far outweighs his 9man classification and lack of film, so for now, [player_tooltip player_id='1288411' first='Isaiah' last='Asuma'] will sit inside the Top 15. Hope to get some film on him this coming season.     6'4, 210 lb. OLB/EDGE/TE out of a 6A powerhouse with a multi-sport background? That's a recipe for a high debut on a rankings drop, and Rosemount's standout rising sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1292292' first='Jack' last='Noonan'] comes in as the #14 overall 2027 in Minnesota after the publishing of the inaugural rankings board. Noonan is a standout lacrosse player gaining some recruiting attention for his LAX ability, but the football upside is obvious, and I'd expect Noonan to be a varsity contributor for the Irish on one side of the ball or the other in 2024.   As a non-varsity contributor in his 2023 freshman season, Noonan is a TE who showed some burst after the catch, good concentration, the ability to make catches in traffic and through contact who isn't worried when going over the middle as a target, and can beat and stack JV LBs as a route runner. He uses his size well in the run game as well, showing off good overall technique, the utilization of his length as a blocker, the strength to handle JV DEs in 1v1 assignments, and the control to break down in space and corral quicker DBs and LBs. Defensively, he operated out of a two-point stance on the edge of the LOS outside of the OT or TE and used good leverage as an edge defender to stay assignment-sound and protect the edge, and the backside, of his defense. Noonan is instinctive in the turnover department, does a good job of finding holes in the LOS when shooting gaps and making plays on RBs and QBs behind the LOS, stays controlled when flying up and closing on a ball carrier and is comfortable adjusting and pursuing in space. It looks like he can overall process and trigger on the ball quickly, as well as help out and break up throws in pass coverage as a flat defender. Versatile, big, strong, balanced, and physical, I can't wait to see what Noonan brings to the table against varsity competition. Big year coming for the Rosemount Irish 2027.     Plentiful underclassmen in small school, Southern MN Jackson Country Central, which has been a lowkey fertile recruiting ground for high school athletic talent, especially wrestlers, since I've been playing MN middle and high school sports. It looks like the Huskies may be transitioning to a football powerhouse given the amount of size, experience, and talent on their roster going into the 2024 season, and another big-time RB name to know in the 2027 class of Minnesota is [player_tooltip player_id='489643' first='Gage' last='Johnson']. An athletic and already experienced tailback with the Huskies, Johnson is fresh off a First Team All-Camp nod at the PRzDAK Combine Series Showcase at Augustana University in Sioux Falls, where he popped off a 4.8 40, 4.53 shuttle, and 8'9" broad, and I'd be a fool not to mention his 245 bench press and 455 squat going into the summer, as well as the face he's also a baseball standout with a 3.7 GPA.   As a freshman with the Huskies last fall, Johnson was used primarily as a wildcat QB and LB, showing off good vision, quick feet, and the ability to make that free defender miss and is elusive in space. Johnson does a good job of now allowing a defender to get a clean shot on him and utilizes angles and space well with the ball in hand, which, when combined with his balance and lower body strength, helps him to easily work through arm tackles and weaker tackle attempts at his lower body while remaining upright and trucking forward. He also closes quickly as a LB and is strong enough to make 1-on-1 dominant tackles in the hole and behind the LOS. I would love to see him add to his speed, as well as create more splash plays in 2023, especially as a RB. He has the tools to do it, giving me yet another reason to be bullish on the JCC 2024 roster.

The 2024 spring rankings update cycle in the Land of 10,000 Lakes is complete! Earlier this morning, the PrepRedzoneMN 2027 introductory rankings were released at prepredzone.com, completing the trio of updates to the state's 2025, 2026, and 2027 classes. As always, there's something extra exciting about the inaugural freshman class release, and the hype and potential of the rising sophomores is a fun and hopeful scenario to exercise while the long offseason without football continues to drag on. In this early showing of the 2027s, the Top 15 will be especially fun to break down, as we have plentiful size, varsity experience, production, verified testing numbers, and eye-catching film amongst the early heavyweights in the 2027 recruiting class. However, before we begin, I must reiterate that there is still a significant amount of time and runway left in these player's developments, as well as a lot of unknowns, but it's still an engaging exercise to try and predict and spotlight some of the early standouts in a recruiting class. Enjoy, as there will be dozens of talented football prospects nipping at their heels in the coming updates, some of whom will be successful, while others will never surpass the early heavyweights in the 2027 rankings class. The future of MN prep football is here!