Midseason Breakout Performers: Part II

DAKOTAS-- We roll into our Part II standouts for our Midseason Breakout Performers across the Dakotas as we find six more standouts thru the first 3 to 4 weeks.   NORTH DAKOTA:    These first few weeks of the season have shown on tape that Hunter appears to be one of the most physical tacklers North Dakota has to offer in the 2026 class in the defensive trenches. The finesse that Hunter shows off getting off his blocks consistently, shows similar skillsets to his tackling ability as the consistency he shows off on tape is key. The All-Stater last year, also shows off the fire you want at defensive end firing off the snap as Hunter shows off a sudden accelerator. The 6'2 210 pounder from Westhope in my eyes, already looks like a great fit at the next-level with the skillsets I look for. <a href="https://x.com/TolstadHunter">Twitter</a>     Last time I evaluated Henry I had him listed as a linebacker, but this young man has fared well for the Bruins at tailback this season. The demeanor that Henry carries the ball with shows off plenty of fluidity built on tape and one that is steady with his burst from start to finish. I would even say with watching his growing change of direction that Henry hits into another gear when he reaches the second level or an open field scenario. He has logged over eight yards per carry within the first 3 weeks and is one that has developed nicely from 2023 to 2024. <a href="https://x.com/HenryAgray37223">Twitter</a>     DJ is a two-way prospect that has stood out for the Bismarck Demons in my eyes from the linebacker and fullback positions. The fullback future at the next-level intrigues me as DJ not only has the body type for it, but is a great angle blocker opening up the run for his tailback and shows off more speed than you would expect up the heart of the A-gap when he gets the ball in his hands. It's been a while since I have found a great blocking fullback in the Dakotas but the consistency DJ shows certainly catches these eyes. He also has a pentetrating presence when he gets downhill at linebacker. One to watch out of Bismarck in the 2025 class.    SOUTH DAKOTA:    No doubt, we have seen a quicker release off the snap from Carson in the 2024 season thus far which you would expect as I love how this kid's elite track speed translates to the gridiron. Carson also has grown his ball-tracking ability, as from his first clip he comes back to the ball with physicality, yet not over the top that would draw a penalty. The open field elusiveness has also trended well for Carson as I can tell a growth with his reactive vision from 2023 to 2024. The 6'1 165 pound wide receiver has longer arms and reach than he would get credit for with his measurables as Carson certainly made a case in his midseason tape to get into our top five for wide receivers in South Dakota.     Everything I can see from the midseason tape on Gunnar is this young man shows off the blue collar work ethic you want in the trenches. Seldomly in the last couple years have I seen a defensive linemen get 30-40 yards upfield to run down a ball carrier from the opposite side of the field, which just shows me the grit this young man plays with. He has good upside with getting off blocks, but what I liked most with Gunnar is the timing of his get off as similar to my first sentence, he worked his tail off to get from the opposite side of his block to find the ball carrier for near nothing for yards. That timing is consistent throughout his tape as well just outside of the inside box. Gunnar looks like a 2025 bloomer to know that has the skillsets I like in the defensive trenches at the next level. <a href="https://x.com/Gunnar6031">Twitter</a>     Cayden is a 2026 prospect I can't find on Twitter, yet but is one that popped out with his 2023 tape and he seems to be progressing well in 2024 on tape. He shows off some fierceful hands off of blocks that drives offensive linemen for a tailspin with their positioning and his excellent pad-level. He also shows another level of suddenness with his release point into the backfield as a defensive end that plays with a competitive edge. Even against tougher competition, Cayden continues to constantly find himself in the mix with great short field vision that collapses well into the ball carrier. He certainly has a good shot to play at the next-level and has a well-built frame that appears that you could add some weight to.

DAKOTAS-- We roll into our Part II standouts for our Midseason Breakout Performers across the Dakotas as we find six more standouts thru the first 3 to 4 weeks.