PrepRedzoneMN 2024 All-Prep Bowl Team: Defense

What a ride it's been! To say goodbye to the 2024 season, you know we need to add some coverage of the 2024 Prep Bowl, and what better way is there than to name the Top Performers! In what was an exciting state championship series from Class 9Man to 6A, we had some eye-popping offensive performances and individual efforts from defensive linemen, linebackers, defensive backs, all-around athletes, and specialists from all around the state, and no one has a more detailed or accurate recap than your very own PrepRedzoneMN. Check out the PrepRedzoneMN 2024 All-Prep Bowl Defensive Team below! Congrats to the selections!   --   Defensive Line   First Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='1602672' first='Kyson' last='Arndt'] (Minneota) 2026. 6'5, 225 lbs. - A junior two-way contributor with high-caliber size, I'd keep an eye on Arndt on the recruiting trail this offseason. He's got the size and game to really makes some waves on the recruiting trail and has shot his stock up significantly during the 2024 season and particularly the playoffs. The length, balance, and foot speed were impressive to say the least, and Arndt used that aforementioned length, as well as his get-off, to easily block a PAT off the edge. Arndt was also bendy at the top of the arc and used a slick arm-over to find penetration along the LOS and especially in pass rush situations. The athleticism and size combination were too hard to ignore.   [player_tooltip player_id='234882' first='Graysen' last='Schneider'] (Stewartville) 2025. 6'3, 265 lbs. - Performed well as both a DL and fullback. Schneider was so quick off the snap, using his excellent get-off and top-end speed to constantly create disruption in the Chargers backfield, even through double teams. Had a clutch TFL on 4th and 2 and was able to use that speed to pursue and run down ball carriers out to the sideline.   [player_tooltip player_id='1206996' first='Kevin' last='Toe'] (Maple Grove) 2025. 6'1, 205 lbs. - Another great showing from the undersized yet talented defensive tackle smack dab in the middle of the Crimson's defensive line. Toe was playing with a fire lit under his butt and was torching the Skippers in pass rush situations. He blew up a blocker right into a Skippers' RB in an exciting display of power and physicality, and was consistent in 1v1 tackle situations all four quarters. Toe made such an impact behind the LOS that he was in serious consideration for Player of the Game status. What a season for the senior!   Calvin McIntosh (Totino-Grace) 2025. 6', 220 lbs. - McIntosh was the top performer from the Totino-Grace side of the 4A Prep Bowl, playing his tail off all four quarters on both sides of the ball. McIntosh had a couple pad-popping hits and a TFL or 0-yard rush tackle that really got his defense, sideline, and crowd energized. As a tackler he's an impressive thumper, especially when he squares up a ball carrier cleanly, and also blocked a punt thanks to his quick get-off. This dude could get in the backfield in a hurry. McIntosh is a natural playmaker and no matter where he lines up.   Second Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='1582489' first='Eli' last='Gruenes'] (Minneota) 2025. 6'3, 225 lbs. - Also an All-Semifinal selection, Gruenes once again made a splash along the DL. The 6'3, 225 lb. senior posted an INT and a sack in the Prep Bowl, as well as a booming tackle that put both the would-be blocker and the ball carrier flat on their butt in physically dominant fashion. He switched between DE and off-ball LB, and was strong at the point of attack and bendy at the top of the arc and outside shoulder of OTs. Quite the athlete and quite the under-the-radar standout for a potential college suitor.   [player_tooltip player_id='1602705' first='Adrian' last='Gomez'] (Staples-Motley) 2026. 6'3, 250 lbs. - Good size and carries his 250 well. Was an immediate eye-catcher out on the gridiron and played both ways on a talented Staples-Motley squad. Had multiple TFLs thanks to his get-off, closing speed, and ability to break down and tackle in space. Did a good job of slipping under blocks and had some real pass-rush skills and capability as well.   Caleb Stoltman (Fertile-Beltrami) 2025. 5'11, 225 lbs. - Another huge showing from a two-way Falcons senior. Stoltman was a monster on Saturday morning, proving himself to be a game-wrecker and game-changer on both sides of the ball as an offensive and defensive lineman. Stoltman showed nonstop hustle, was a beast at the point of attack, and was tough as nails. Stoltman could beat blocks in a variety of ways, had a good pass set and could finish defenders in both run and pass blocking situations. He forced a big fumble to change the course of the ball game in favor of the Falcons, earned some tough TFLs thanks to his get-off, and opened key blocks for his gains for his RBs and QB.   Kade Freking-Leu (Jackson County Central) 2026. 6'3, 215 lbs. - Tall, long, and strong #88 had a good day on the DL for the Class AA champs JCC, especially as a pass rusher. His get-off, length, and quickness helped him create constant penetration, and his closing speed and 1v1 tackling ability helped him finish plays in the backfield.   Third Team:   Dalton Orvis (Minneota) 2025. 6'4, 275 lbs. - Imposing defensive tackle who played both ways and had some quickness and lateral agility for a big guy.   [player_tooltip player_id='591738' first='Hunter' last='Carstensen'] (Minneota) 2025. 6'4, 205 lbs.   Aiden Golley (Becker) 2026. 5'10, 205 lbs. - Had some clutch third and 4th down tackles and created some big collisions in run defense as well.   Jacob Becker (Staples-Motley) 2025. 6'4, 215 lbs. - Good height and length and knew how to use it. Becker consistently created penetration and used his closing speed to make tackles in the backfield on big-time, hard-charging runners.   [player_tooltip player_id='1583294' first='Steven' last='Petrich'] (Staples-Motley) 2025. 6'1, 285 lbs. - Active all four quarters on the defensive line for the Cards. He was high-energy and played fired up, getting into it with some of of the Huskies big-time talent in competitive fashion. Petrich did a good job of creating pass rush pressure from the interior of the defensive line.   Milan Bobda (Minnetonka) 2025. 6'2, 225 lbs. - Disruptive, physical, and did a great job of shedding blocks against a loaded Crimson offensive line.   Jack Leiser (Fertile-Beltrami) 2025. 5'11, 235 lbs. - Evaluation is under OL!   Lincoln Dube (Stewartville) 2025. - Evaluation is under OL!   [player_tooltip player_id='743262' first='Jack' last='Morrissette'] (Alexandria) 2026. 6'5, 240 lbs. - Massive presence on the DL for Alex and did a great job of shedding blocks, making tackles through contact, and eating double teams throughout the night. Uses his hands well and is strong as a bull at the point of attack.   Linebacker   First Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='1573209' first='Beau' last='Bakken'] (Hills-Beaver Creek) 2025. 6'4, 215 lbs. - SDSU TE/HB commit Bakken once again showed off his power and athleticism combined with big-time size in the 9Man Prep Bowl on Saturday morning. Extremely strong, Bakken was noticeably muscle-bound and powerful, and could make big tackles through blocking attempts and contact. He had some tough 1v1 tackles throughout the night, showed real-deal pass rush capability, and used his strong legs to pick up tough yardage as a RB and ball carrier.   [player_tooltip player_id='1582786' first='Tavion' last='Diggs'] (Jackson County Central) 2025. 5'11, 185 lbs. - Holy cow, talk about physical! Diggs was easily one of the most aggressive and hard-hitting defenders of the entire Prep Bowl, throwing out arguably the biggest hit of the weekend on a thundering boom in the open field on a helpless Cards RB. Diggs is strong enough to tackle in the box but is also excellent at mirroring and closing in space, and was even balling out on kickoff coverage, beating multiple blocking attempts in a single rep and crushing returners with hair-raising hits. Also showed he could pressure QBs as a blitzer and added a 2pt conversion run for good measure.   [player_tooltip player_id='363115' first='Jacob' last='Wrbanek'] (Maple Grove) 2025. 6'3, 215 lbs. - NDSU linebacker commit Wrbanek was everywhere in the 6A championship. Scored on a scoop & score early in the 1st quarter in one of the most electric plays of the Prep Bowl, and was meeting ball carriers at the LOS with pace and physicality. Also tipped a pass that was picked off by his teammate and was a playmaker who was playing his heart out on the turf of US Bank Stadium.   [player_tooltip player_id='1581626' first='Sam' last='Anderson'] (Alexandria) 2025. 6'1, 195 lbs. - Had a couple of big stick on Elk River's powerful tailback and DII commit, showed great length and used it as a tackler and when shedding blocks, and was a tackle machine who stayed productive and was all over the field in run defense. Did a great job of finding and sniffing out the rock and never took a play off. Great hustle and had a ton of tackles on the night.   Second Team:   Tyler Hand (Totino-Grace) 2025. 5'11, 165 lbs. - Powerful OLB had a good day in run support for the Eagles and showed out all over the field in the 4A Prep Bowl. He dropped what would have been a pick-six on a beautiful read on an out-breaking route deep in his own territory, and also posted a huge pop on a tackle that got the crowd on its feet.   [player_tooltip player_id='1255910' first='Preston' last='Hanson'] (Fertile-Beltrami) 2026. 6'5, 195 lbs. - A long and athletic OLB & TE with a good hoops background, Hanson had a good showing in the 9Man Prep Bowl, tackling and creating disruption around the LOS, running down ball carriers in space and 1v1 situations, and forcing TFLs and creating pass rush pressure as an edge defender and off-ball linebacker. Hanson also had some clutch catches and contested catch wins that helped move the chains and maintain the Falcons momentum. The size, athleticism, and upside make me very excited about Hanson as a college prospect.   [player_tooltip player_id='641131' first='Dylan' last='Hudgens'] (Minnetonka) 2025. 6'2, 215 lbs.   [player_tooltip player_id='592225' first='Ryder' last='Skanson'] (Maple Grove) 2026. 6'2, 220 lbs. - Big tackles all night from the Crimson's standout junior LB. Was shedding blocks, tackling and working through contact effectively, and had a big forced fumble to give his Crimson squad some momentum.   Third Team:   Kaden Nicolas (Becker) 2025. 6', 175 lbs. - A tackle machine with a noticeable sense of sniffing and seeking out the rock, Nicolas was strong, consistent, and athletic when it came to 1v1 tackles in space. Nicolas, a strong wrestler, wasn't letting anything get by him in the 4A Prep Bowl.   Caleb Sather (Fertile-Beltrami) 2026. 5'10, 190 lbs. - An instinctive and physical off-ball LB who did a great job of reading, processing, and reacting to offensive play calls and concepts, especially in the run game. He had multiple huge 4th down stuffs to save TDs and first downs, sniffed out a screen in a big defensive play and chase down, and was beating blocks with speed.   Samson Hagstrom (Alexandria) 2025. 6'1, 160 lbs. - Good instincts and a good nose fo rthe ball. Was a strong tackler and was all around the football on Saturday night.   Defensive Back   First Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='1602768' first='Bryer' last='Strem'] (Fertile-Beltrami) 2026. 5'9, 150 lbs. - Absolute ballhawking performance from the junior 9Man standout. Strem had arguably the top performance of any DB of the Prep Bowl, and posted 2 INTs in the MOF on great reads by the junior S/CB. Strem could flip his hips with ease, was lightning-quick out of his breaks, and can read and trigger on route concepts quickly and easily. He was a center fielder out there in the 9Man Prep Bowl and had some of the most exciting plays of the tournament, including a crazy, diving, high-pressure PBU to go along with the INTs. Also had some big blocks to help out his fellow Falcons as well.   Kirion Vogel (Minnetonka) 2027. 5'8, 140 lbs. - A superb sophomore who has had a heckuva showing in the 2024 state tournament, Vogel was sticky all night long at U.S. Bank Stadium, especially on deep routes. He was able to maintain phase through a variety of different routes, and is lightning out of his breaks and extremely quick. Had an INT deep in Tonka territory and posted a great PBU on MG's HB on a great display of ball skills and strength at the catch point.   [player_tooltip player_id='592132' first='Brayden' last='Dozier'] (Maple Grove) 2026. 6', 175 lbs. - Was so strong in coverage that we forgot Dozier was out on the gridiron. Locked down his side of the field and Tonka stayed away from him all four quarters.   Jaden Miller (Totino-Grace) 2026. 5'10, 160 lbs. - Posted an INT for what was Totino-Grace's biggest play of the afternoon. Also broke up a pass on a 4th down early in the ballgame and overall had some strong reps in coverage on a variety of routes throughout the ball game.   Second Team:   Emmanuel Benson (Totino-Grace) 2025. 6', 175 lbs. - Another good performance from a TG defensive back, Benson made some big plays in run support. Good tackle in space and had a 4th down punt fake tackle to inject some juice into the Eagles Prep Bowl effort.   Brayden Sturm (Springfield) 2025. 6', 170 lbs. - Check the offensive team for a full breakdown and evaluation.   Isaac Hesebeck (Jackson County Central) 2026. 6', 180 lbs. - Balled out as both a defensive back and a punter. Hesebeck picked off a pass early in the ball game to swing the momentum into the Huskies favor. He also saved a TD on a great tackle on an explosive Cardinals kickoff return for a great display of speed and hustle. Also punted, showing a great boot by sending the pigskin high into the air and giving his coverage unit more than enough time to get downfield, get in the returners face, and forced a muffed punt and a turnover. Also had a punt that was recovered on the 1-yard line of the Cardinals for good measure.   Brody Berg (Alexandria) 2025. 5'8, 180 lbs. - Strong safety/OLB hybrid who kept showing up on the defensive side of the ball for the Cards. Posted some impressively physical man-on-man sticks on big-time ball carriers, was sniffing the ball out and pursuing sideline to sideline, and posted a sack thanks to his play speed as well. Berg was fast and smooth when changing direction and had a great showing on the defensive side of the ball for the Cards.   Athlete   First Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='1506853' first='Micah' last='Bush'] (Hills-Beaver Creek) 2026. 6'1, 175 lbs. - One of the most dynamic athletes of the Prep Bowl tournament, Bush was all over the field in the 9Man state championship. Bush was elusive in space, concentrated and tough when reeling in tough catches in traffic, and was quick and effective at the top of the route. Bush also had a forced fumble on [player_tooltip player_id='502012' first='Isaiah' last='Wright'] in a key moment in the ball game, and also had a TD-saving tackle on a fun display of speed and hustle. Bush was also one of the best tacklers of the weekend. As the high safety, safety valve, and last defender for the Patriots, Bush simply didn't miss as a tackler. Strong, technically-sound, and never shy about sticking his face into contact, he was a great tackler against a loaded Hills-Beaver Creek offense. Quite the talent in the Patriots 2026 class.   [player_tooltip player_id='502012' first='Isaiah' last='Wright'] (Fertile-Beltrami) 2025. 6', 200 lbs. - Strong showing on both offense and defense for the top performer of the semifinals and arguably the state tournament. Wright was excellent in setting the edge, getting off blocks around the perimeter, and tackling 1v1 out on the perimeter. Wright also posted an interception for a momentum-turning splash play for his squad. Of course, there's the offensive capability, and Wright proved he could get open consistently and on a variety of routes. His burst was explosive, the top-end speed was difficult to manage, and he only got better as the game went on. Everyone's hair would rise every carry, every catch, and every coverage rep. Wright was outstanding this state tournament.   [player_tooltip player_id='1602739' first='Sawyer' last='Brown'] (Becker) 2026. 6'1, 180 lbs. - One of the players of the entire weekend, Brown had a heckuva stock-rising performance and was a dynamic, playmaking, and physical presence in the big-time win over Totino-Grace. A wildcat QB who also played defensive back and linebacker, Brown pulled off a pick-six to show off some instincts in coverage for his biggest play of the night, but also went 2-2 through the air, 6 carries for 39 yards, and 7 tackles, not to mention the INT. Brown was a hard hitter who was a missle out of the backfield and quite the thumper at the contact point, dishing out some big hits throughout the 4A Prep Bowl. Brown was a great 1v1 tackler who took down some XL ball carriers in high-pressure settings. He also had some great reps in coverage, maintaining phase and carrying some talented Eagles WRs deep downfield, posting some great breaks on the ball throughout the day. Brown was also a good ball carrier with some power and shake, and was a constant presence throughout the state championship contest. What a baller!   [player_tooltip player_id='1120521' first='Carsyn' last='Kleffman'] (Elk River) 2027. 5'10, 180 lbs. - Another top-tier performance from sophomore Kleffman, who was dynamic, explosive, and all over the field on Saturday night. Kleffman scored on a massive TD and put a dirty move on a D1 commit to shake free on a long run. The top-end speed was impressive to say the least, and he could take the edge on a defense with ease. Also was a great tackler in space, had some clutch catches, and was able to gain extra yards after initial contact, with ease. Made plays all over the field and in a variety of ways.   Second Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='1582495' first='Clay' last='Malchow'] (Jackson County Central) 2025. 5'11, 190 lbs. - Heckuva game for Malchow, a three-phase contributor who balled out in the Class AA Prep Bowl. Malchow posted an interception, tipped a pass breakup on a beautiful break on the ball right into his teammate's waiting arms, and popped off a 45-yard punt return as well off the top of my head, not to mention the three rushing TDs on the ground. Malchow went 19 for 123 yards and 3 TDs on the late afternoon contest. He was a power runner who was dynamic in space and showed contact balance and power when running North-South. He also showed a strong ability to tackle in space. Just an all-around balanced, playmaking skillset that was fun to watch all of the state playoffs.   [player_tooltip player_id='743260' first='Gavin' last='Schmidt'] (Elk River) 2025. 6'1, 205 lbs. - UMD commit Schmidt was all over the field in the 5A Prep Bowl. Talk about power, Schmidt owns a massive truck stick and knew how to use it. He popped off some big gains and hard yardage as a ball carrier and was a downhill, get-out-of-my-way ball carrier who wore the Cards defense down over four quarters. Also was a great 1v1 tackler with closing speed and could create pressure as a blitzer as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='586119' first='Dylan' last='Vokal'] (Maple Grove) 2025. 6'2, 200 lbs. - NDSU commit Vokal was once again fantastic on both sides of the ball for the Crimson. Vokal posted two INTs on the evening, including the game-sealing interception, and had some great downfield PBUs showing off body control and ball skills. As a WR, he consistently got open and separated at the top of the route, getting open on double moves, corner routes, and deep comebacks. Had a great catch in traffic for a clutch reception as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1288305' first='Aiden' last='Moriarty'] (Springfield) 2027. 6'3, 240 lbs. - One of the biggest and most versatile prospects of the Prep Bowl, as well as one of the youngest of the standouts, Moriarty played WR, TE, RB, FB, LB, DL, and even punted, and flashed physical dominance at the point of attack, notably when he put a would-be puller flat on his butt before making a tackle. He can eat blocks and pursue out to the sideline at 6'3, 240 lbs., and was working his tail off to try and halt the flood of Minneota offense. He also had some strong blocks, impressive catches, and clean tackles through four quarters.   Third Team:   [player_tooltip player_id='1402779' first='Luke' last='Bjerga'] (Staples-Motley) 2026. 5'9, 207 lbs. - Sparkplug of the Cardinals in the Class AA Prep Bowl. Bjerga posted a pick-six and a TD as a RB, showing power and instincts on both sides of the ball. As a RB, Bjerga was dragging tacklers consistently and possessed impressive contact balance. That power helped him pop off some clutch carries and 3rd down pickups for his offense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1582843' first='Alex' last='Schultz'] (Staples-Motley) 2025. 6'3, 175 lbs. - Dynamic athleticism was on display and in the spotlight all four quarters on Friday. A standout wide receiver and defensive back, Schultz had to step in at quarterback after the Cards QB1 went down, and his athleticism and explosiveness injected some much-needed life into his offense. The footwork, improvision, elusiveness, and dangerousness in space helped him create some hair-raising individual efforts and runs throughout the ball game. I hope this kid is interested in playing college football.   Sawyer Bosch (Hills-Beaver Creek) 2025. 5'10, 180 lbs. - Showed up in a variety of ways on Saturday morning, popping off solid runs as a RB, moving the sticks with clutch catches as a wideout, tackling 1v1, and getting good reps in coverage throughout the day.   [player_tooltip player_id='1248642' first='Kobee' last='Thielen'] (Dassel-Cokato) 2025. 6', 185 lbs. - Great showing from the three-phase contributor senior. Thielen was a hard runner and an explosive kick returner, and was consistent in picking up tough yardage and generally performing as a DB/RB/LB/returner. Thielen also took great angles to the football and was a consistent 1v1 tackler with strength at the contact point. He put a heckuva smack on Stewie's top offensive player that left a lasting memory seared into my football-loving brain. It's been fun watching this kid ball the past few weeks.   Specialists   First Team:   Not on the roster, but Elk River's kicker #41 hit a 41-yard FG and put a bunch of kickoffs through the back of the endzone with ease. Strong leg and knew how to use it.   [player_tooltip player_id='234881' first='Parker' last='Wangen'] (Stewartville) 2025. 6'4, 200 lbs. Kicker.   Isaac Hesebeck (Jackson County Central) 2026. 6', 180 lbs. Punter.   [player_tooltip player_id='1204067' first='Daniel' last='Jackson'] (Alexandria) 2025. Kicker. - Hit a 45-yard FG with ease, PATs were simple for him, and he kicked every kickoff out the back of the endzone and even through the uprights of the field goal. Talk about a big boot!

What a ride it's been! To say goodbye to the 2024 season, you know we need to add some coverage of the 2024 Prep Bowl, and what better way is there than to name the Top Performers! In what was an exciting state championship series from Class 9Man to 6A, we had some eye-popping offensive performances and individual efforts from defensive linemen, linebackers, defensive backs, all-around athletes, and specialists from all around the state, and no one has a more detailed or accurate recap than your very own PrepRedzoneMN. Check out the PrepRedzoneMN 2024 All-Prep Bowl Defensive Team below! Congrats to the selections!