2024 Preseason Preview: Blaine Bengals

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Blaine Bengals are consistently one of the most underrated programs in the metro, and while they didn't have the success they desired last season, they have a talented team that believes they can make a deep playoff run. Headlined with grit, a loaded senior class, and a defense they expect will cause problems for opponents, expect Blaine to provide every team they face with a dogfight until the last moment. Meet the 2024 Blaine Bengals!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>ATH: Samuel Shaughnessy 6'1" 185 lbs 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Committed To: Minnesota-Duluth</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>When you think of top talent on this year's Blaine squad, <strong>Shaughnessy</strong> is typically the first person that comes to mind. The recent UMD Bulldogs commit is an underrated weapon on both sides of the ball, but has received a lot of attention for his talents as a quarterback. In just 6 games <strong>Shaughnessy </strong>amassed over 820 passing yards and over 870 rushing yards. With <strong>Shaughnessy</strong> under center, the Bengals can essentially function as a wildcat offense with an added ability to stretch the field deep. Boasting runningback-level speed and top-notch ball carrier vision, he can cause many problems with quick QB draws and extended outside zone plays where he can find space to work. Expect big things from him this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DL: [player_tooltip player_id='1204074' first='Evan' last='Lowry-Simpson'] 6'2" 250 lbs 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of two high-level defensive linemen returning for their senior season, <strong>Lowry-Simpson </strong>is a thick and powerful prospect known for making his presence felt on the interior of the line of scrimmage. Typically boasting a quick first step, he shows off excellent pursuit qualities when hawking down both ball carriers and quarterbacks. When <strong>Lowry-Simpson</strong> engages offensive linemen he does a great job of locking out his arms to keep them at bay, before displacing them typically using a filthy push-pull technique. He's exceptionally patient at the LOS as well, careful never to overextend himself by rushing unnecessarily into the backfield. The Bengals could have a menacing defensive line next season and <strong>Lowry-Simpson</strong> looks to be a key part of it. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DB: [player_tooltip player_id='1204505' first='Charlie' last='Potvin'] 5'10" 180 lbs 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top returning DB for the Bengals ahead of next season, <strong>Potvin</strong> has also been placed among the top DBs in the state ahead of his senior year. With a stunning total of 51 tackles amassed during his junior campaign, it's easy to see how <strong>Potvin</strong> has risen up the recruiting ranks. He tackles like a wrestler. He seems to prefer to utilize a gator roll as his method to bring his opponents to the ground. Throughout <strong>Potvin's</strong> film, it's clear that he has exceptional pursuit and shines as a run-stopper off the edge. The effort he puts on his tape is both admirable and eye-catching. His veteran presence in the Bengals secondary should cause headaches for opponents next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DL: [player_tooltip player_id='1204072' first='CJ' last='Sanderson'] 6'2" 240 lbs 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The other half of a talented pair of returning defensive linemen, <strong>Sanderson</strong> is a defensive end returning after putting up 34 TTck, 5 TFLs, and 2.0 sacks as a junior. Currently holding 3 NSIC offers, he looks primed for a monstrous senior season with the Bengals. While <strong>Sanderson</strong> certainly boasts solid technique, he also has certain intangibles that make him perfect to wreak havoc. Namely, his incredible physicality and aggressiveness both towards ball-carriers and whatever poor offensive lineman is unlucky enough to be across from him. <strong>Sanderson </strong>explodes off of the LOS and launches himself like a cannonball through it. He's going to cause a lot of problems for offensive coordinators this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LB: Carter Mackey 6'2" 210 lbs 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mackey </strong>is easily among the most underrated linebackers not just in his class, but in the state as a whole. Responsible for 58 tackles and 3 fumble recoveries last season, he recently announced that he received an offer from MIAC member St. Scholastica, what I assume will be the first of many. A middle linebacker who lurks over the center of the field, <strong>Mackey</strong> has several highlights of him leveling ball carriers. Capable of hawking them down from across the field, <strong>Mackey </strong>never gives up on a play, often being among the most relentless of pursuers on the field. He's always there for the ball carrier when they get forced back inside. Keep your eyes out for <strong>Mackey </strong>whose stock might rise rapidly this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LB: Jerimiah Reynolds 5'11" 175 lbs 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A versatile athlete who can be plugged and played at various defensive positions, <strong>Reynolds</strong> returns for his senior year after a productive junior season as a varsity rotator. He tallied 22 TTck, 9 TFLs, and 1 sack. Although he looks undersized next to some offensive linemen, <strong>Reynolds</strong> can utilize his speed to beat them across their faces to create a mess in the backfield. He's a menace when used in defensive slants or stunts and I look forward to the numbers he puts up during his final year with the Bengals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OL: Nevin Gunderson 6' 240 lbs 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A returning varsity starter who is capable of playing up and down the offensive line, <strong>Gunderson</strong> boasts a powerful frame and a keen sense of leverage which he uses to displace defenders frequently. With a stout frame and a solid stance, he's a rock in pass-pro, rarely allowing pressure to come from the interior. While pad height can be a problem, his ability to provide a moving wall downfield is invaluable to his ball carriers. <strong>Gunderson </strong>is a "people-mover" to know ahead of the 2024 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>RB: Zachary Larson 6' 175 lbs 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The expected RB1 for the Bengals in 2024, <strong>Larson</strong> ran for 115 yards on 5.5 YPC with a rushing touchdown. His camp performances this offseason have been electric and that includes his camp-best 4.44 40-yard dash at UW-River Falls. Unsurprisingly, <strong>Larson's</strong> tape is full of explosive rushes and electric punt returns. His ability to create separation from defenders in only a few steps is extremely impressive. His speed is legit and it wouldn't shock me if <strong>Larson</strong> had a breakout senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DB: Kvaughn Landers 5'11" 165 lbs 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Although <strong>Landers</strong> wasn't a full-time varsity player last season, he's had camp performances impressive enough to snag him an offer from NSIC member Northern State. He showcases ever-improving footwork and could be a surprise impact player during his senior year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->