2024 Team Preview: White Bear Lake Bears

2023 marked the first year since 2020 that the White Bear Lake Bears football team played back in the Metro-East division after having played in Metro-Maroon division the previous 2 years. As a result, the Bears declined to 3-6 in their transition year after finishing 7-3 in 2022, finishing at the bottom of what was a competitive division. However, the Bears emerged with several young standouts who thrived through the changes for the team and have established themselves as trusted leaders as the Bears look to re-enter the mix as a playoff contender this season. Here are 6 of the biggest names to look out for that will lead the way for the Bears this season!    [player_tooltip player_id='551440' first='Tyrese' last='Behnken'] is listed as an athlete, but the now 6'2 205 lb player began to find his footing as a versatile edge rusher, playing at both DE and OLB in 2023. Behnken had a productive year, finishing with 32 tackles, 10 TFLs, 11 QB hurries, a forced fumble, and 2 fumble recoveries. Behnken has a long frame with an impressive 80-inch wingspan, and he utilized that wingspan very well last season, as it was difficult for players to get away from him. Behnken is relentless in his pursuit, and shows good hand technique in his pass rush moves. Behnken already has a D2 offer to play for Minnesota State-Moorhead. Big things are coming for Behnken in 2024 as he continues to get comfortable in his role in the defense.     Tomi Animasaun managed to impress well enough as a sophomore to beat out two senior QBs for snaps in the starting lineup last season. Animasaun really impressed in his first year, playing with a chip on his shoulder, and he was slinging the ball down the field effortlessly like he's been starting for the last 2 seasons. Animasaun is very quick moving out of the pocket, which he had to do a lot last season because of the pressure he was facing. Animasaun throws well against the pressure and shows accuracy in tight windows over the middle of the field. Animasaun will be vital in the Bears' turnaround over the next 2 seasons, and will look to launch White Bear Lake back to the top of the division.     After his breakout season as a sophomore, [player_tooltip player_id='707837' first='Malik' last='Doumbia'] headed into his junior season in 2023 as a team captain. Doumbia lived up to expectations, once again performing well switching between both Safety roles in the secondary. Doumbia has a blazing 4.46 40 yard dash time, and his speed showed throughout last season as he was effective in run support. Doumbia excels whether he's lined up as the deep Safety, or lined up closer to the line of scrimmage, and has also been used in blitzing packages. Doumbia is a physical tackler, and his speed also makes him dangerous when it comes to blocking kicks. Doumbia has received invites from several D2 teams, and I hope the defense continues to find ways for Doumbia to wreck the offense's gameplans next season.     Matt Hunter is one of the strongest players on the Bears' football team, posting a 585 lb max squat and a 650 lb max deadlift. This impressive physicality has made him a stalwart on the Bears' O-line over the last 2 seasons. Hunter excels in the zone-blocking scheme, and plays with toughness and ferocity in the trenches. His 5.5 40 yard time might not look appeasing, but he's impressive fleet moving in the line, and he's especially dangerous when he gets into the second-level of defense to make a block down-field. Hunter will remain as a rock for the Bears' run game for one more season.     Right next to Matt Hunter on the line is Connor Holte, another massive blocker who's been a potent Right Tackle for the Bears. Holte shows good pad level and has a firm center of gravity, and he is big enough to hold his own even when being double-teamed. Holte is used a lot in the screen game, and when he's coming at you down-the-field to make a block, it's best to get out of the way. The right side of the O-line will be fully intact and impenetrable as long as Holte is in the lineup.     Jerold Wright is a very interesting prospect to watch for White Bear Lake. His size and frame makes him better suited to play as an edge rusher, but Wright played most of his reps at DT last season. Wright's strength shouldn't be overlooked. With a 440 lb max squat and a 510 lb max deadlift, Wright is strong enough to overpower most blockers. Wright has been rock-solid against the run-game, showing his hard-nosed tenacity, good pad-level, and a great understanding of leverage against his blockers. Wright puts the maximum amount of effort on every play, and shows great hustle to stop the outside-run to prevent RBs from breaking a long run. Wright has been a great piece on the opposite end of the trenches, and should earn several D2 and D3 offers by the end of this season.

2023 marked the first year since 2020 that the White Bear Lake Bears football team played back in the Metro-East division after having played in Metro-Maroon division the previous 2 years. As a result, the Bears declined to 3-6 in their transition year after finishing 7-3 in 2022, finishing at the bottom of what was a competitive division. However, the Bears emerged with several young standouts who thrived through the changes for the team and have established themselves as trusted leaders as the Bears look to re-enter the mix as a playoff contender this season. Here are 6 of the biggest names to look out for that will lead the way for the Bears this season!