Inspired Athletx Sports Performance 7v7 Tourney: Top Standouts

Tuesday afternoon, under a blazing Upper Midwest sun, Inspired Athletx Sports Performance put on their annual 7on7 high school football tournament. Usually held at Minnetonka, the six-team tournament was held at Orono High School, home to the Spartans, who hosted Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Stillwater, Becker, and Alexandria, was a competitive preseason affair filled with big plays, team defense, and of course, top standouts. Highlighted by a semifinal upset by Orono of 6A Stillwater, a battle between the 2025 and 2026 QB1, and an undefeated, tournament-winning run by Maple Grove, check out some notes and top performers from the Inspired Athletx Sports Performance 7v7 tournament below.   --   Maple Grove   The Crimson - who are an obvious contender for a 6A state title in 2024 - looked polished, in-synch, and had a variety of athletes contribute what was the championship winning performance in Orono.   [player_tooltip player_id='489731' first='Kaden' last='Harney'] - QB. 2026. 6'3, 185 lbs.   Harney looked sharp, and after what was a breakout sophomore season last fall with the Crimson, I'm really excited to have seen some visible gains and improvements of his skillset over the course of this long offseason. Tall, poised, confident in the pocket, he was safe with the football and did a good job of stretching the field against all five opponents over the course of the afternoon. Harney was accurate, showed some impressive ball placement on his throws to the second and third level of the field, and showed a relaxed and comfortable understanding of his offense. I think expectations should be high for the Maple Grove signal-caller.   Ollie Walseth - WR. 2025. 6'2, 175 lbs.   With NDSU commit [player_tooltip player_id='586119' first='Dylan' last='Vokal'] set to earn a majority of the attention from opposing defensive backfields, it's looking like it's going to be a massive year for WR2 Ollie Walseth. The 6'2, 175 lb. multi-sport athlete has asserted himself as a dependable and reliable pass catcher this summer and has the tools to create splash plays as well, manufacturing a beautiful 45+ yard TD catch in the finals against Orono. Has clocked a 4.7 40, owns a 40" vertical, and showed off a clean and consistent route running ability that created separation all afternoon long. I'm pumped to see him in pads.   [player_tooltip player_id='402073' first='James' last='Engle'] - WR/RB. 2026. 5'8, 175 lbs.   A burner of a junior, Engle popped off multiple 4.66 40s at the PrepRedzoneMN Combine Series this spring, and that speed was on full display on Tuesday. Well-built, good burst off the LOS and out of his breaks, created separation at the top of the route, and had a knack for a big play. I liked how he attacked and high-pointed the football in the air and created splash plays for his offense throughout the afternoon.   [player_tooltip player_id='1192021' first='Charles' last='Langama'] - RB. 2025. 5'9, 205 lbs.   These 7v7 games can be less engaging for RBs and LBs, and although Maple Grove has arguably the top RB in the state going into the season, it can be hard to properly include RBs in the passing games series to series. However, North Dakota Fighting Hawks commit Langama is going to make his presence known no matter what, and he put on what was the dirtiest move in the open field we saw all day. On an angle route over the middle of the field, Langama put on a nasty ankle-breaker on a helpless Alexandria LB for a massive gain for his offense and a ton of jaws left agape. You don't want to see this kid 1v1 in space.   Patrick Wright - CB. 2026.   Boom or burst type performance from the ultra-athletic Maple Grove CB Patrick Wright, who was a new name added to my radar after Tuesday's event. Big-time ball skills and snappy out of his breaks, Wright has the change of direction ability to make a serious impact both offensively and defensively and create more than his fair share of splash plays, all of which were on display on his explosive INT vs. Orono in the 7v7 final. Great read on the ball, broke on the ball in a blink, and caught it with so much pace it was a guaranteed pick-six. However, the next series, Wright gave up a deep post route that was 100% due to a break in eye discipline, which is thankfully something very easy to work in. Can't wait to see what his junior season looks like in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='363115' first='Jacob' last='Wrbanek'] - LB. 2025. 6'3, 2125 lbs.   As mentioned, it can be hard for RBs and LBs to get fully involved in 7v7 settings, but Wrbanek sure made an impact as the heart and anchor of the Crimson's defense. Vocal, communicative, and responsible, Wrbanek consistently handled play calls, alignment, mid-play adjustments, and kept the communications and energy up through all five games of action on Tuesday. Also did a good job of recognizing and shutting down crossing routes around the MOF, and has the speed to get out to the flats to cut off streaking RBs. Maple Grove's defense is in good hands with the NDSU PWO LB commit.   Reggie Williams - WR. 2025.   A camp season darling from the summer, explosive WR Reggie Williams got better as the day wore on, and saw things culminate during the semi and final of the Inspired Athletx Sports Performance 7v7 tournament. Had a couple big catches downfield and was also able to get open on shorter underneath routes thanks to his quickness at the top of the route. Williams is explosive and is a big-time X-factor for the Crimson this fall.   Orono   The hosting Spartans, who compete in Class 4A, were more than up to the challenge of taking on 6A competitors, beating the Minnetonka Skippers and Stillwater Ponies, and keeping Maple Grove to a nail-biter, en route to a runner-up finish at the Inspired Athletx Sports Performance 7v7. Led by the most productive WR-QB duo in attendance, the Spartans' defense held explosive plays to a minimum, played cohesive, team-driven defense, and were offensively consistent all afternoon long. I'm excited to see what this potential passing attack could do at the 4A level in 2024.   [player_tooltip player_id='1120570' first='Parker' last='Burckhardt'] - WR. 2026. 5'10, 175 lbs.   A new name to gladly add to my radar and database, Orono's junior wideout [player_tooltip player_id='1120570' first='Parker' last='Burckhardt'] had undoubtedly the best performance of any WR in attendance on Tuesday. Top-end speed to take the top off the defense, standout ball skills, and quick out of his breaks, Burckhardt was quite the route running technician and quite the handful for any and all DBs in attendance, creating separation and winning reps over and over again. I lost count of the number of TDs he caught over the course of the afternoon. If he can maintain this type of chemistry and production with his QB over the course of the season, they're going to be one of the top tandems in Minnesota.   [player_tooltip player_id='1204490' first='Charlie' last='Cordes'] - QB. 2025. 6'4, 200 lbs.   At 6'4, 200, Cordes has a heckuva frame and the arm to match, flashing an overall impressive performance and in my eyes, once again raising his stock as a prospect. I got to see Cordes this summer over the camp circuit, where he displayed some intriguing athletic numbers, and he really put it all together on Tuesday with his Orono Spartans squad. Was a bit inconsistent and up and down, but he flashed with some of the better throws I saw on Tuesday afternoon, showing off timing, touch, and ball placement, as well as the arm to stretch the field vertically. Cordes looked like a scholarship QB on Tuesday at his home field.   [player_tooltip player_id='1090400' first='Carsen' last='Burckhardt'] - LB/TE. 2025. 6', 215 lbs.   The signal-caller, undisputed leader, and anchor of the Spartans' defense, rising senior Burckhardt was one of the more filled in LBs in attendance and was a vocal and communicative impact player all afternoon long. Not only did he set the defense play after play, Burckhardt was an asset in pass coverage from his ILB spot, picking off a couple of passes over the course of the afternoon and shutting down the MOF of his defense. Also popped off some big receptions down the seam as a TE/HB and was a consistent eye-catcher throughout the Inspired Athletx Sports Performance 7v7.   Jack Kramer - TE. 2025. 6'2, 200 lbs.   One of the most dependable targets for Cordes and the Orono passing attack, Kramer was always there when his offense needed him most and consistently found work in the flats and on out-breaking routes over the first and second levels of the defense. Soft hands, multi-sport athlete, and has a knack for getting open.   Stillwater   I have to say that I came away impressed with 6A contender Stillwater, who were high-energy, communicative, and seemed to generally have a good vibe as a unit, both offensively and defensively. After multiple exposure points at this point, I'm confident in saying that 2026 QB [player_tooltip player_id='224134' first='Nick' last='Kinsey'] is the real deal, and he had an excellent outing in Orono, leading Stillwater to some easy TDs and a lot of things to get excited about despite the upset to Orono in the semi finals, who I think they underestimated given the 4A to 6A dichotomy. Team defense, aggressive defensive backs, and a variety of options and targets in the passing game, the Ponies are going to be an early contender for the top passing attack in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='224134' first='Nick' last='Kinsey'] - QB. 2026. 6'3, 205 lbs.   Lots to write about here, but to boil things down, Kinsey was the best player in attendance and showed off command and control that I haven't seen out of a QB in Minnesota since I've been getting paid to scout. Could manipulate defenses at will, looking off safeties and checking things down when the coverage is tight, and could recognize and exploit man coverage matchups as well. He was the biggest player in Stillwater's offensive huddle, and throughout the entire day of competition, was the most communicative, and when he talked, his teammates listened. A natural and influential leader, his game awareness, understanding of his offense, and ability to exploit defenses when improvising or on the move was eye-catching as well. Kinsey's accuracy was especially on display, including his ability to throw off-platform, and he fit the ball into some tight windows with noticeable ease and naturalness. Although there was one interception, he was safe with the ball and had ball placement ability second-to-none, and I came away feeling that I saw one of the better performances I've seen from a QB in 7v7 setting with PrepRedzone.   [player_tooltip player_id='343080' first='Owen' last='Egge'] - WR. 2026. 5'10, 165 lbs.   Another player who I've been fortunate enough to get significant exposure to, Egge has moved from the St. Michael area to Stillwater and is fitting in well with the Ponies and their explosive passing attack. His ability to get in and out of his breaks and cut off his routes quickly was on impressive display in Orono, and it seemed like he was a dependable safety net for Kinsey who could consistently get positive yardage and keep the offense churning. The quickness, hands, and route running are all lethal in a 7v7 setting.   Emilio Matias - RB. 2026. 5'8, 160 lbs.   Matias added a big-time wrinkle for opposing DCs and was productive down the seam for Kinsey and the Ponies. Good to see he's a dynamic weapon out of the backfield, as Matias displayed some shake at the top of the route and was dangerous against LBs in 1v1 situations and in space. Matias had a big TD catch vs. Alexandria and a good showing overall in Orono.   Stillwater had a long, lean, WR/DB rocking some flashy sunglasses who was a playmaker, but I didn't get his name unfortunately. He was fluid, had a good frame, and was productive. If anyone knows who I'm talking about please let me know so I can update this article.   Alexandria   Alex was missing some big-time pieces and contributors to their squad on Tuesday, leading to some "what-ifs" in regards to how they could have competed fully stocked, but I still like the juice that 6'7 QB [player_tooltip player_id='641133' first='Chase' last='Thompson'], the #1 QB in Minnesota's 2025 class, brings to the Cardinals and their plethora of athletic weapons going into the fall. Thompson has natural arm talent and big-game experience going into his senior season, and with D1 athleticism in multiple sports, you can't deny that Alexandria has some of the higher upside in the 5A class and even arguably in the state. Good to see the Cards make their way to the Metro for some preseason action, though. Keep an eye on them in the run for the 5A title.   [player_tooltip player_id='641133' first='Chase' last='Thompson'] - QB. 2025. 6'7, 215 lbs.   Finally got to see the 2025 QB1 live, and he didn't disappoint. Massive frame, throws a beautiful spiral, and can put noticeable zip on the rock. Was a bit inconsistent and out-of-synch with his wideouts, but still put a couple eye-catching throws right into the breadbasket of his receivers and used a quick release, strong arm, and stellar accuracy to his advantage. He's going to tear up the 5A class and Central Minnesota ranks in 2024.   Samson Hagstrom - WR. 2025.   WR1 for the Cards on the afternoon, Hagstrom was smooth out of his breaks and a silky route runner, which helped him gain separation on a variety of routes for his QB and assert himself as Alexandria's WR1 on the afternoon. Strong hands a good catch radius as well, he was catching everything that came his way in Orono.   [player_tooltip player_id='1581626' first='Sam' last='Anderson'] - WR/LB. 2025.   Physically cut up and well-built, Anderson had some swag to him and got better as the day went on. Contributed significantly on both sides of the ball and was willing to go over the middle and make receptions through traffic. Soft hands, good catch radius, and some loose hips that helped him in pass defense.   Minnetonka   Minnetonka is still undergoing the impact of some coaching changes and schematic pivots, but brought in a roster stacked with talent and some significant size, especially at the second and third levels of their defense, and some playmakers who excelled in 1v1 settings. There's a lot up in the air with the Skippers going into the fall, but with their rising senior class so experienced and athletic, you'd be a fool to count them out of the 6A state championship contender ranks. Fall camp is going to be an important time for synchronization and cleaning things up, but if they can let their best players make plays, Minnetonka could be competing late into November.   [player_tooltip player_id='641131' first='Dylan' last='Hudgens'] - LB. 2025. 6'2, 215 lbs.   The most physically impressive prospect in attendance, Hudgens, with his cut up upper body, beach blond hair, and nose of contact, made an impact as an LB despite how hard it can be for second-level defenders to contribute, mostly due to his physicality. If the 215 lber. got his hands or shoulders on an opponent, they were getting knocked off their mark, and if he made contact with someone, you were going to hear it. Also got some work in as a TE/HB, which I hope transitions into the fall, and is going to be a force for the Skippers no matter where he lines up. He's saving his best work for when the pads come on.   [player_tooltip player_id='641222' first='Duke' last='Richardson'] - WR. 2025. 6'1, 170 lbs.   Seemingly the go-to target for the Skippers offense, Richardson had a heckuva showing in Orono and showed off some eye-catching and game-changing contested catch ability and ball skills. Richardson also showed some juice after the catch, good concentration when reeling in receptions through traffic, and an exciting skillset that allows him to go up and high-point the rock through multiple outstretched defenders. Athletic, long, and competitive, I liked how he continued to get more and more invested in the tournament and was really taking 1v1 matchups personally. Should be a big year for Richardson as the Skippers WR1 in 2024.   Sterling Bain - CB. 2025. 5'11, 175 lbs.   A transfer from Mound Westonka, Bain provided some exciting juice on the perimeter for the Skippers and was athletic enough to lockdown his side of the defensive backfield series to series. Had a big-time INT on a deep fade, showing off some impressive bounce, hands, and ball skills, and I liked how he competed on shorter and more intermediate routes around the gridiron as well. Should be a big year for the Skippers defensive back.   Nilay Premkumar - WR. 2026.   When you're running around between multiple fields to try and get eyes on as many prospects as possible, sometimes all it takes is some good timing to get a new standout players name on your radar. As I watched Minnetonka take on Becker, Premkumar had back-to-back big-time catches, one of which went for a TD. The junior is a smooth route runner who can get open at the top of the route, and showed off some strong hands and good ball skills to reel in a beautiful back-shoulder reception through tight coverage for a TD. Could stretch the field vertically, create separation, and finish the play when given the opportunity.   Becker   The second 4A squad in attendance, the Becker Bulldogs had a good showing on both sides of the ball and played some of the best team defense of any squad in Orono. You could tell that they were well-experienced and had been playing together for a long time, as they were obviously in-synch with their assignments and were communicating and flying to the ball without having to be asked. The Bulldogs are breaking in a new QB transfer, so things were up-and-down offensively, but their running game is going to be more than up-to-snuff and there's still more than enough time to work out some kinks in the passing game. It was one of their first 7v7 sessions of the summer, so things are still developing and I'm excited for their 2024 campaign, as the Bulldogs are an easy pick for a 4A state title contender this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1293093' first='Tristan' last='Kowalkowski'] - QB. 2027.   The brother of former Totino-Grace standout QB turned UST/SJU quarterback, this was my first time seeing the younger Kowalkowski live and there's some good things going for him. Needs to work on the decisiveness, but showed he could throw with accuracy to all three levels of the field and has a good arm on him for his age. Still a ton of runway left in his development and recruitment, but I like the tools in the St. Cloud Apollo transfer and his addition to the Becker roster gives them an obvious bump in their potential success.   [player_tooltip player_id='1248645' first='Mitchell' last='Soltau'] - ATH. 2025. 6'1, 180 lbs.   The eye-catcher on the Bulldogs roster, Soltau showed he could make an impact in the passing game thanks to his catch radius, soft hands, and ability to win reps to multiple levels of the field. Good length, frame to fill in, and can contribute on both sides of the ball. He's going to have a big year production-wise as a senior with Becker.

Tuesday afternoon, under a blazing Upper Midwest sun, Inspired Athletx Sports Performance put on their annual 7on7 high school football tournament. Usually held at Minnetonka, the six-team tournament was held at Orono High School, home to the Spartans, who hosted Maple Grove, Minnetonka, Stillwater, Becker, and Alexandria, was a competitive preseason affair filled with big plays, team defense, and of course, top standouts. Highlighted by a semifinal upset by Orono of 6A Stillwater, a battle between the 2025 and 2026 QB1, and an undefeated, tournament-winning run by Maple Grove, check out some notes and top performers from the Inspired Athletx Sports Performance 7v7 tournament below.