PrepRedzoneMN Midseason Awards & Superlatives

In the blink of an eye, it's already midseason time. The first four weeks of the 2024 season have been nothing short of electric, with upsets, OT thrillers, stat-stuffers, breakout athletes, and a ton of competition across the state's seven classes. As always, PrepRedzoneMN strives to give our readers the best, most comprehensive, and most fun-to-read content in the entire Minnesota prep football space, and we have a big-time article hot & ready off the press for your enjoyment. Check out the PrepRedzoneMN Midseason Awards and Superlatives, featuring the most noteworthy names, teams, performances, and recruiting stock risers from the budding 2024 season. Your one-stop shop for MN high school football is here! Thank you to MNFootballHub for the stats and rankings.   --   Comeback Player of the Midseason: [player_tooltip player_id='234761' first='Luke' last='Emmerich'] (Monticello, 2025) and [player_tooltip player_id='641136' first='Blake' last='Schiltz'] (Pine Island, 2025)   Two of the top prospects in the 2025 class, Monticello's Emmerich - a Badgers safety commit - and Pine Island's Schiltz - a NDSU LB commit - both missed the 2023 season with knee injuries, big losses to the state's high school scene, and their respective teams. However, both players look back to their old ways and are explosive and fluid in their senior tape. Love seeing them back on the gridiron and balling out again.   Breakout Player of the Midseason: [player_tooltip player_id='348783' first='Sam' last='Ripplinger'] (Lakeville North) 2025. RB. 5'8, 205 lbs.   It's not that Ripplinger had a bad junior season. In fact, his 143 rushes for 812 yards and 6 TDs against 6A competition is legit, but this dude has really come onto the scene and into his own in 2024. Leading the #1 6A team in Lakeville North, Ripplinger leads the state in carries (119, for 623 yards and 8 TDs) and is fighting, clawing, cutting, and bruising his way to North's #1 spot this fall. A combination of power and quickness, Ripplinger can burst his way into space and beat down a defense over four quarters, and doesn't mind taking over a ball game and having the ball in his hands at clutch moments. He's well on his way to beating his 2023 numbers and has not reported a visit or offer at this time.   Best Individual Performances:   [player_tooltip player_id='945346' first='Cam' last='Hungerholt'] (LeRoy-Ostrander/Lyle-Pacelli) 2025. QB/ATH. – Eye-popping personal performance in the Week 3 46-26 win over Alden-Conger/Glenville-Emmons. MSU-Mankato commit Hungerholt totaled 303 passing yards and 4 TDs and 24 carries for 282 yards and 3 TDs. 585 total yards and 7 total TDs   [player_tooltip player_id='743296' first='Taye' last='Manns'] (Duluth Denfeld) 2025. RB. - 7 carries for 281 yards and 5 TDs, as well as a pick-six, in Denfeld's Week 3 win over Pine City. That's 40 yards a carry! Or you can choose his Week 1 showing where he popped off for 20 carries, 254 yards, and 6 TDs against Mora. Your choice!   [player_tooltip player_id='234833' first='Meyer' last='Swinney'] (Edina) 2025. WR. - Cal-Berkeley commit Swinney took over Week 2, posting 6 receptions for 197 yards and 4 TDs in Edina's big win over Eden Prairie   [player_tooltip player_id='551376' first='Justice' last='Moody'] (St. Paul Johnson) 2026. WR. - Explosive playmaker Moody caught 6 passes for 202 yards and 6 TDs, plus an interception, in a shootout with St. Paul Highland Park   [player_tooltip player_id='1204067' first='Daniel' last='Jackson'] (Alexandria) Senior. K/P. – Golden Gophers commit Jackson drilled a 54-yard field goal in a win against Chaska, now tied for the second-longest FG in state history   Best Duos:   [player_tooltip player_id='592125' first='Mason' last='West'] (QB, 2026) to [player_tooltip player_id='234833' first='Meyer' last='Swinney'] (2025, WR): Of West's 978 passing yards, 470 (nearly half) of his yards have gone to Swinney, as well as nearly half of his TDs (7 of 15)   [player_tooltip player_id='1194605' first='[player_tooltip player_id='1194604' first='Jett' last='']' last='Feeney'] (2027, QB) to [player_tooltip player_id='1629849' first='David' last='Mack'] (2027, WR): Nearly a quarter of Feeney's receptions (28 of 85), a quarter of his yards (348 of 1,147), and more than a third (8 of 21) of his touchdowns when to sophomore standout Mack   Maple Grove OL and RB [player_tooltip player_id='1192021' first='Charles' last='Langama']: 141 rushing attempts for 1,072 yards and 17 TDs (7.6 YPC)   Freshman of the Midseason: [player_tooltip player_id='1654538' first='Marcus' last='Benson'] (BOLD) RB/LB. 5'8, 180 lbs.   26 carries for 339 yards (13 YPC, 85 YPG), 5 TDs. Also has gone 29-58 for 553 yards and 4 TDs through the air. Also has added 21 tackles, 6 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, 1 INT   Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1654532' first='Graydon' last='Rostberg'] (Hutchinson) QB. 6', 175 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1236896' first='Paulo' last='Espinosa'] (Bloomington Jefferson) OL/DL. 5'11, 260 lbs.   8th Grader of the Midseason: [player_tooltip player_id='1715723' first='Cordell' last='Givance'] (Hopkins) TE/DE. 6', 225 lbs.   Caught a 2pt conversion in Hopkins win over Eastview, snapping their 29-game losing streak in Week 3 of the regular season   Most Under-the-Radar Uncommitted Senior: [player_tooltip player_id='1582424' first='Wyatt' last='Moehrle'] (Eden Valley-Watkins) WR. 6'4, 195 lbs.   Just seen in person by fellow PRZ scout [player_tooltip player_id='1292716' first='Nate' last='Wahl'] this past Friday night, we are in firm agreement that Eden Valley-Watkins' senior WR [player_tooltip player_id='1582424' first='Wyatt' last='Moehrle'] is the state's current best-kept secret. The uncommitted senior's 2023 stat line includes 51 catches for 1,311 yards and 24 TDs, which comes out to 25.7 yards a catch. That led the state in yards, TDs, and YPC in 2023, and he's up to his old ways in 2024 as a senior. Leading Class AA's #2 ranked team EVW, Moehrle has been a physical force on the perimeter and should be garnering some serious recruiting attention soon. College coaches reading this: get at him!   Surprise Team: Eagan Wildcats   6A upstart Eagan is making some serious waves so far in 2024, bursting into the Top 10 and nearly the Top 5 with a 3-1 record and wins over Rochester Mayo, Rosemount, and Lakeville South. The only loss of the Wildcats season came to Edina in Weeek 1. They also face a big-time test with current #1 Lakeville North this coming Friday. QB [player_tooltip player_id='1582446' first='Brooklyn' last='Evans'] and RB [player_tooltip player_id='348721' first='Madden' last='Ison'] have a lot to do with Eagan's success this fall.   Most Competitive Classification: 4A   This was a hard one, as Class 6A, 2A, and 9man are deep, talented, and have up-in-the-air, but I do think the most competitive classification in Minnesota is currently Class 4A. Led by #1 Becker, who have some very good wins already under their belt, I could see 6-8 teams with the depth and talent to make it to the state championship, and there are some noteworthy teams capable of making waves in the playoffs not even ranked at this time. I do think Becker deserves the #1 title, but they've faced some tough teams so far in 2024 and there's a lot of football left.   Honorable Mentions: 6A, 2A, 9Man   Right Back Where they Left Off: Minneota Vikings & Stewartville Tigers   Class A and Class AAA have firm #1 contenders in their respective state champions. Minneota, a traditional powerhouse in Class A, is off to their old ways, running the rock behind returning All-State RB [player_tooltip player_id='1145278' first='Ryan' last='Meagher'], and Stewartville, in Class AAA, have two of the best players in the state in [player_tooltip player_id='234882' first='Graysen' last='Schneider'] (Montana State) and [player_tooltip player_id='234881' first='Parker' last='Wangen'] (MSU-Mankato). Both teams are 4-0, undefeated, and not slowing down anytime soon. Don't bet against these two right now.   Best Success Story: Hopkins   Hopkins High School, a former Classic Lake Conference member and traditional athletic prowess, snapped their 29-game losing streak in Week 3 of the 2024 season, beating Eastview 22-21 in overtime. A team with a good roster and a first-year Head Coach in Chauncy Williams-Barefield, Hopkins has some real momentum building, getting 2026 star hooper [player_tooltip player_id='1522278' first='Jayden' last='Moore'] come out and play WR for the football team, and to sweeten the pot, beat Burnsville last week, 34-22. Two wins in a row for the Royals, who also played Shakopee tough in Week 1. Hard not to be happy for Hopkins.   Walking Video Game: [player_tooltip player_id='945346' first='Cam' last='Hungerholt'] (LeRoy-Ostrandedr/Lyle-Pacelli) 2025. ATH. 6'1, 190 lbs. and [player_tooltip player_id='743296' first='Taye' last='Manns'] (Duluth Denfeld) 2025. RB. 5'11, 205 lbs.   These two seniors have been on absolute tears so far this season, posting ridiculous, eye-catching, stat-stuffing week-to-week stat lines, the best of which we covered above. Through four weeks, Mann has posted 69 carries for 877 yards and 18 TDs (12.7 YPC). He's currently uncommitted. Hungerholt - a Minnesota State-Mankato commit - has completed 44 passes on 88 attempts for 680 yards and 10 TDs to only 1 INT, rushed 77 times for 829 yards (10.8 YPC) and 9 TDs. That's a 207.2 yard per game average on the ground. Ridiculous production through four games by207.2-yard per-game the two of them.   Biggest 2025 Stock-Riser Recruits:   [player_tooltip player_id='945348' first='Theo' last='Thomas'] (Totino-Grace) DL. 6'4, 260 lbs. - The senior Northern Iowa commit has some P4s kicking the tires, as he earned his first P4 offer a couple of days ago from the Iowa State Cyclones. ISU has poached Missouri Valley commits late in the cycle before, so keep your eyes on Thomas in the 2025 recruiting scene.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/OJW_Scouting/status/1838587538820243914 </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='641134' first='Elijah' last='Rumph'] (Eden Prairie) RB. 6'1, 200 lbs. - A physical, balanced, and athletic senior RB, easily one of the best uncommitted RBs in the Midwest, Rumph earned an in-season FBS offer from Charlotte in mid-September. His production, play, and talent are really boosting his stock this fall.   [player_tooltip player_id='1191511' first='Damian' last='Devine'] (Holy Angles) ATH/LB. 6'3, 215 lbs. - A massive two-way thumper who plays QB and LB for the Stars and really carries the rock with physicality. Verified size, versatility, and a ton of varsity production, the Villanova commit may hear from P4s lookng for a LB commit late in the cycle He was just featured in a special article by 247Sports' Midwest analyst Allen Trieu naming him one of 10 senior prospects to watch with P4 potential.   [player_tooltip player_id='641135' first='Josiah' last='Young'] (Totino-Grace) DB. 6'2, 160 lbs. - Another senior featured by 247Sports' Allen Trieu in a late August feature naming FCS and G5 commits to watch, Young comes from a talent factory in Totino-Grace, has the premier size and length that is sought after in collegiate DB recruiting, and is positionally versatile. In that same vein, I'd watch Edina's [player_tooltip player_id='819442' first='Trillion' last='Sorrell'], a SDSU commit, whose play, length, and athleticism could breach P4 status.   Biggest 2026 Stock-Riser Recruits:   [player_tooltip player_id='551376' first='Justice' last='Moody'] (St. Paul Johnson) WR. - 5'9, 160 lbs. - Dynamite with the ball-in-hand and as a vertical threat, 651 product Moody is an outstanding playmaker and has garnered well-deserved attention from media outlets and college coaches from the DII to P4 level. A nose for the endzone and electric elusiveness, speed, and quickness, I don't have any athletic numbers on Moody since he was halfway through his freshman year, so I'm still not positive how high his ceiling is, but the tape, production, and playmaking ability screams D1 athlete.   [player_tooltip player_id='1476059' first='Daniel' last='Devine'] (Holy Angels) DE/TE. 6'4, 225 lbs. - The younger brother of aforementioned Villanova LB commit Damian, younger brother Daniel was a strong contributor on varsity last year for the Stars as a LB, but gained an inch and around 20 pounds in the offseason, catapulting him into the trenches and the D1 recruiting sphere. Devine will get a full evaluation later this week or early next week, but he's still a bit under the radar and should be a popular name this offseason on the recruiting trail. Passes that in-person eye test, plays both ways as a DE and TE, good speed for his size, physical and can overpower and dominate opponents at the point of attack, and can use his hands to shed blocks and make plays behind the LOS.   [player_tooltip player_id='1104843' first='Kade' last='Bush'] (Chanhassen) TE. 6'4, 200 lbs. - Coming out of the defending 5A state champs, Bush has already visited North Dakota State, South Dakota State, and Iowa State on unofficial gamedays in September. Great length, started and got significant varsity tick as a sophomore on the Storm's state championship run, and is a multi-sport athlete who also is a standout lacrosse player. Bush has a ton of room to fill in and add weight to his frame, is a physical blocker who is aggressive and nasty in run blocking, and owns that all-important length.   [player_tooltip player_id='592222' first='Ethan' last='Beckman'] (Prior Lake) OL. 6'5, 330 lbs. - An absolutely massive 2025 OT who recently bumped up to #5 in the state's 2026 rankings, Beckman earned a P4 offer in July at Kansas State's prospect camp from the hosting Wildcats, and he continued the recruiting success with an Iowa State offer to start the season off. well known Prior Lake product whose recruiting success is far from surprising.   [player_tooltip player_id='1120508' first='Ajibola' last='Afuye'] (Stillwater) DL. 6'5, 230 lbs. - If you're going to take one name to know out of this article, remember big-time newcomer [player_tooltip player_id='1120508' first='Ajibola' last='Afuye'] out of 6A Stillwater. Afuye ballooned from a 6'4, 200 lb. sophomore to a 6'5, 225+ lb. junior DE who is really making some waves on the still-developing 2026 recruiting scene. Iowa State and Wisconsin have both reached out with gameday invites, and Afuye already went down to Ames to see the Cyclones. These are far from the last visits for Afuye, who reports a 4.9 laser 40 (unconfirmed) and a 33" standing vertical, two traits that if true really solidify some FBS and P4-worthy athleticism. Afuye possesses the eye-catching height and length that fire up DL and EDGE coaches, shows some strength when setting his feet and shedding blocks, change of direction ability, and on-film athleticism, fluidity, and production. Lot of unconfirmed data points on Afuye, but he's showing big-time potential and we'll be eagerly devouring his updated tape as it comes. Could be a P4 DE when it's all said and done.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Khalidafuye1/status/1837615667790418166 </div></figure>   Biggest 2027 Stock-Riser Recruits:   [player_tooltip player_id='1629849' first='David' last='Mack'] (Moorhead) WR. 6', 150 lbs. - One of the breakout stars of the 2024 season, Mack has grown into Sophomore Sensation [player_tooltip player_id='1194605' first='[player_tooltip player_id='1194604' first='Jett' last='']' last='Feeney']'s favorite target through the air, accounting for 26 receptions for 348 yards and 8 TDs in this still-budding season. To really raise some eyes in his athletic profile, Mack runs with the prestigious Howard Pulley EYBL AAU club, and boy does Minnesota have a decorated tradition of multi-sport basketball/football players. Mack reports a 4.03 pro-agility, a time that I do believe given the basketball background, and looks like a silky route runner with suddenness, soft hands, and a ton of juice after the catch. He's going to be a Top 10, potentially Top 5 kid in the soon-to-be updated 2027 rankings at PrepRedzoneMN. This kid is a baller.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/david1mack/status/1837900757263126592 </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1306596' first='Hudson' last='Clarksean'] (Mankato West) LB. 6'1, 200 lbs. - A sleek 6'1, 200 lber. who was a head-turner on the 2024 summer camp circuit, showing off a long, muscular build and good athletic numbers for his age. Clarksean is also a multi-sport athlete who competes in hockey and track, as well as owns good weight room numbers, Clarksean took a gameday visit to the Wisconsin Badgers in early September. He's playing fullback in his 2024 tape so far, and is a motivated and physical lead blocker, but we have a lot of runway left in this one.   Sophomore Sensation: [player_tooltip player_id='1194605' first='[player_tooltip player_id='1194604' first='Jett' last='']' last='Feeney'] (Moorhead) QB. 6'1, 185 lbs.   An easy choice for the exclusive "Sophomore Sensation" in the Great State of Minnesota, 2027 QB [player_tooltip player_id='1194605' first='[player_tooltip player_id='1194604' first='Jett' last='']' last='Feeney'] has been on absolute fire so far this season. Leading Moorhead to an undefeated 4-0 record and the #2 ranking in Class 5A (thank you, StarTribune), Feeney is producing big-time numbers and wins so far this season, and has been mentioned as a top performer each week by PrepRedzoneMN and multiple other media outlets. Check out these stat lines: 21-31 for 271 yards and 5 TDs, 24-30 for 254 yards and 5 TDs, 15-18 for 278 yards and 5 TDs, and last week, 26-36 for 373 passing yards and 6 TDs. The completion percentage and wins are what really stand out to me, and this is coming against quality defenses in Minnesota's second-largest classification. This kid is looking like the real deal, and I feel very fortunate to be scouting MN at a time with so much QB talent.   Midseason WR MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='234833' first='Meyer' last='Swinney'] (Edina) 2025. 6'3, 210 lbs.   Tied for first in receptions (29), third in receiving yards (470), second in TDs (7)   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/meyer_swinney/status/1832480326762787135 </div></figure>   Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1120567' first='Nolan' last='Ginskey'] (Owatonna) 2025. - Tied for fourth in receptions (26), second in receiving yards (474), third in TDs (6)   Midseason RB MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='743274' first='Kevon' last='Johnson'] (Robbinsdale Armstrong) 2025. 5'8, 180 lbs.   10th in carries (76), second in rushing yards (793), first in TDs (13)   Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='945346' first='Cam' last='Hungerholt'] (LeRoy-Ostrander/Lyle-Pacelli) 2025. 6'1, 190 lbs. - Tied for eighth in carries (77), first in rushing yards (829), tied for sixth in rushing TDs (9)   and   [player_tooltip player_id='348783' first='Sam' last='Ripplinger'] (Lakeville North) 2025. 5'8, 190 lbs. - First in carries (119), seventh in rushing yards (623), tied for 13th in TDs (8)   Midseason QB MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='1194605' first='[player_tooltip player_id='1194604' first='Jett' last='']' last='Feeney'] (Moorhead) 2027. 6'2, 180 lbs.   Leads the state in completions (85), passing yards (1,146), and passing TDs (21)   Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='592125' first='Mason' last='West'] (Edina) 2026. 6'6. 205 lbs.   Tied for fourth in completions (65), third in passing yards (978), second in TDs (15)   Midseason Pass-Rusher MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='1201998' first='Parker' last='Johnson'] (Kingsland) 2025. 6'2, 200 lbs.   Tied for first in sacks (8)   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/CoachLoweMN/status/1837526829906677899 </div></figure>   Honorable Mention: [player_tooltip player_id='1120558' first='Kaleb' last='Ngwendson'] (Eastview) 2025. 6'2, 225 lbs.   Has posted 5.5 sacks (9th in state) against 6A competition   Midseason Linebacker MVP: [player_tooltip player_id='1255900' first='Kane' last='Thompson'] (International Falls) 2026. 6'3, 205 lbs.   72 tackles, 9 TFLs, 1 sack   Midseason Ballhawk MVP: Brady Larson (Hutchinson) 2025. 6', 175 lbs.   Tied for first in the state with five interceptions   Honorable Mention: Aaron Golka (Waconia) 2025. 6', 155 lbs.   Four interceptions in 2024

In the blink of an eye, it's already midseason time. The first four weeks of the 2024 season have been nothing short of electric, with upsets, OT thrillers, stat-stuffers, breakout athletes, and a ton of competition across the state's seven classes. As always, PrepRedzoneMN strives to give our readers the best, most comprehensive, and most fun-to-read content in the entire Minnesota prep football space, and we have a big-time article hot & ready off the press for your enjoyment. Check out the PrepRedzoneMN Midseason Awards and Superlatives, featuring the most noteworthy names, teams, performances, and recruiting stock risers from the budding 2024 season. Your one-stop shop for MN high school football is here! Thank you to MNFootballHub for the stats and rankings.