PrepRedzoneMN Film Room: Regular Season Highlight Evaluations

Nothing beats a good ol' evaluation-based film room session! With the pool of available, still-playing high school football programs shrinking by the week, we are really starting to see the Christmas morning-esque influx of new consolidated highlights from Minnesota athletes all around the state. It's about as good as it gets for PrepRedzoneMN, as we LOVE watching tape, and with a limited window to capitalize on while the season is still ongoing, now is as good of a time as any to check out how the 2024 season has treated some of its players and participants. Check out the new and updated film, game, and strengths of some Minnesota-bred 2025s, 2026s, and 2027s below.   --   2025s    Long overdue getting this kid on the rankings. Goodhue's [player_tooltip player_id='1248621' first='Caleb' last='Kurtti'] is a stud wrestler for the Wildcats who has also shown up and shown out at a PrepRedzoneMN Showcase as an upperclassman. Kurtti put out some strong film as a junior, as well as a great junior wrestling season, going 39-7 on the season and finishing 4th in the Class A 215 lb. wrestling bracket. At 6'2, 220 lbs., Kurtti has the size to be physically dominant at the Class A level, and he sure has been, aiding the Wildcats to a current 11-0 record and matchup with Springfield High School coming up this Thursday in the state quarterfinals. Not only is he influencing his team's success, Kurtti is going off as an individual, earning a selection to the vaunted Minnesota All-Star game for the South team. Kurtti, at the midseason point of the 2024 season, had posted 30 tackles, 4 sacks, and two defensive touchdowns, and the film shows a big, fast, and physical defender with a ton of impressive traits that project well to the college level and are aided and strengthened by his great wrestling background. Kurtti opens the tape with him manhandling and stripping the rock right out of a helpless QB's hands and returning it for a TD in a very strong "taking candy from a baby" moment, and generally gets his hands around the ball and is instinctive in the turnover department. The 220 lber. can toss around opposing OL and easily shed blocks against OGs and OTs alike, brings noticeable speed at the position, and shows lead hands and works to get off blocks with violence. He has a balls-to-the-wall playstyle and comes into contact and the backfield full throttle and can pursue and run down ball carriers out to the edge and out in space like a LB. Kurtti has a great rep of him running the alley and then mirroring and dropping his hips to stonewall and get a RB to stop his feet with a ton of space, giving himself an easy tackle. No reported offers; someone needs to get at this kid.     The top uncommitted TE in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, Cretin-Derham Hall's 6'5, 215 lber. [player_tooltip player_id='1191533' first='Monteff' last='Dixon'] brings some exciting dynamic ability and production to the table in the passing game. Also a power forward on the Raiders' esteemed basketball squad, Dixon posted 44 catches for 551 yards and 4 TDs at the end of the regular season and is a big reason why the Raiders are section champions and making a run at a state title this weekend. I believe his reception mark is #1 for TEs during the 2024 season, but don't quote me on that, and Dixon is a super long, lean, and impressive pass catching product who looks and plays more like a big-bodied WR than a TE. Comfortable and effective flexing out and creating separation against both CBs and safeties, Dixon looks and moves like a D1 kid in his senior tape. Great size and frame, the senior's route running and YAC ability is especially eye-catching at his size. Dixon displays burst as a route runner and is a vertical threat who can take the top off the defense and burn DBs with his top-end speed. He ran a mean corner-post, displaying loose hips, and he even shows some nuance with his head fakes. The big-time target is smooth at the top of the route and displays some acceleration out of his breaks, and had some DBs completely turned around thanks to his suddenness as a route runner. Dixon demonstrates good top-end speed and can finish big runs if he gets the edge and the sideline, and he uses and takes advantage of space, does a good job of setting up pursuers before bouncing it outside. Dixon also demonstrates ball tracking ability, breaks his routes off smoothly and quickly, has quick feet and has some shake after the catch, and a big catch radius and soft hands can reel in receptions away from his body. Only holding an offer from MSU-Mankato, Dixon is absolutely one of the best uncommitted seniors in MN and is a sleeper of a D1 pass-catching prospect for a potential FCS squad. This dude needs and deserves more college offers.    2026s    First year starting on varsity for the 5A heavyweight Scarlets for Sheldrup, who hit a growth spurt in the offseason and is now up to 6', 190 lbs. at the running back position. The junior rushed 192 times for 962 yards and 6 TDs for a 5.01 YPC average. He also added 5 receptions for 49 yards and a TD. Sheldrup also reports a 295 lb. bench and 385 lb. squat. The 190 lber. popped off some game-breaking runs that showcased good speed and noticeable burst and get-up when he sees space. He's got some moves in space, but I'm impressed that he can eat and work through strong tackle attempts, pumping his legs for extra yardage after contact. Sheldrup also is an asset in the screen game and had good production as a junior.     A standout PrepRedzoneMN Showcase performer, Mankato West's junior DB/RB [player_tooltip player_id='743294' first='Stihl' last='Koberoski'] is the younger brother of Augustana University freshman DB Brady and brings a lot of the same dynamic ability, competitiveness, and physicality to the gridiron that I saw in his brother a year or two ago. We're going to bump his position to DB in the upcoming rankings update, as Koberoski is putting some good reps on tape as a safety after primarily playing RB as a sophomore. Koberoski posted 61 total tackles (31 solo), an INT, and a 47-yard receiving TD in 2024 as a junior, and is a multi-sport athlete who also runs track and wrestles and is a weight room monster who reports a 280 lb. bench, 405 lb. squat, 203 lb. power clean, and 595x2 hex bar deadlift. Koberoski displays solid footwork, patience, and short-area quickness and COD ability in man coverage and is a good 1v1 tackler as the high defender who can tackle in space as well as when coming downhill and halting ball carriers in the hole. The junior recognizes and triggers on the football quickly and demonstrates good defensive range and speed, runs the alley well, attacks the football with proper pursuit leverage and angles. He can accelerate and get up to top speed quickly, which helps when he's getting in and out of his breaks in coverage. Good recovery speed too, now that he needed it very often. Koberoski is also a really tough matchup for opposing LBs and safeties out of the backfield as a pass catcher, showing noticeable burst and good ball-tracking ability.     Pumped to see another stud QB out of Braham, who is fresh off producing 2024 standout Jake Tepley, one of the more underrated dynamic QBs in the 2024 class, who 6'3, 175 lber. Garett Lidke is replacing for the Bombers. Lidke went 99-172 (58%) for 1,555 passing yards and 17 TDs for his 5-5 Braham squad. A tall, long signal-caller with a high release point, Lidke can put some zip on the rock and fit the ball into some tighter windows in zone coverage in 2024. He's able to hit WRs in stride and can complete the more routine throws that shouldn't be taken for granted at the prep level, and throws an especially good ball on the move and is comfortable throwing off-platform. Lidke is slippery when scrambling and extending plays behind the LOS and does a good job of keeping his eyes downfield and scanning for open options. The size, mobility, and accuracy are some interesting boxes to check for the Bombers junior gunslinger.     Shakopee's [player_tooltip player_id='1181590' first='Judah' last='Forsberg'] was one of the more impressive players I've seen in person during the 2024 season, and along with Elk River's [player_tooltip player_id='923833' first='Levi' last='Harris'] - who brings a similar skillset as a shifty, playmaking, and explosive playmaking QB - is one of the most dynamic athletes in Minnesota's 2026 class. Forsberg is dynamite in space, with game-breaking speed, a variety of moves and cuts that get defenders on their heels and off-balance, and great vision that thrives in the Sabers' triple-option attack. Colleges are taking notice as well, as the NDSU Bison have been all over the sophomore and most recently took a gameday visit to Fargo last weekend. Forsberg reports a 4.5 40, and although I can't verify that, I think he's somewhere in the ballpark, as his speed is lethal and puts him on another level compared to fast defenders and pursuers on tape. Forsberg displays big-time burst and has more than enough speed to finish big runs and outpace pursuers once he gets to the second and third level of a defense. He's a smooth and fluid runner who looks great running the ball and seems to glide and float by defenders thanks to that game-breaking speed. Good vision, utilizes speed well, and even had some impressive ball-fakes and pitches when running the option into space. Plus, Forsberg has some decent reps of him throwing the ball on a variety of routes. The ball-carrying ability is explosive and superb, can't wait to see how his offseason unfolds on the recruiting trail.    2027s    The younger brother of former Bemidji State DE Nate Schwinghammer, sophomore DL Nehemiah is closing in on his brother's reported size and is a 6'1, 225 lb. defensive lineman who reports a 305 lb. bench, 475 lb. squat, and 260 lb. clean. As a sophomore playing with the 5A Lumberjacks, Schwinghammer posted 66 total tackles, 9 TFLs, and 3.5 sacks in 10 starts, and his profile picture suggests, Schwinghammer is also a good wrestler who also threw shot put as a freshman at Bemidji. The film shows a positionally versatile DL who does a good job of not getting tied up around the LOS and can get off and beat blocks in a variety of ways. He shows a good get off and quick first step, the ability to beat blocks with quickness, and a strong punch and heavy hands that can create separation when he locks out and extends his arms. Schwinghammer is also a strong tackler who can breakdown and adjust to tackle 1v1 in space and displays a good motor and will pursue and chase down ball carriers downfield. Good foundation set on his first year on varsity in Minnesota's second-largest classification of football.     Representing Bloomington and Kennedy High School, 6', 200 lb. LB/RB Joshua Amadi is a productive two-way player who posted 47 tackles (33 solo), 6 TFLs, and two blocked kicks, as well as 78 rushes for 426 yards and 3 TDs, all in seven games of action. As a LB, Amadi is a strong kid with a little bit of thump who blocked two kicks as a sophomore thanks to his first step. As a RB, Amadi can create space and make defenders miss when he sticks his cleat in the ground and changes direction, and he shows some quickness, good balance, and keeps his legs pumping and can carry would-be tacklers for extra yardage. The 200 lber. is also an effective lead blocker who will open holes for his fellow RBs as well. Lots of fun names coming out of Kennedy right now!     A new sophomore to our radar, Faribault's [player_tooltip player_id='1629914' first='Blake' last='Judd'] is representing Southern Minnesota well, coming in at 5'11, 170 lbs. at the cornerback position and reporting a 4.7 40. Starting with the Falcons in the 4A ranks, Judd generally works in off-man coverage, and is patient in his breaks, has the speed to carry WRs deep, stays in a WR's hip pocket well, and shows some eye discipline. He opens his sophomore tape with a nice scoop & score on a fumble for six, and I also like his ball skills and tackling ability. Judd displays some good range in run defense and can run down and tackle in space and 1v1 settings out on the edge. Another good sophomore to know!     There's a heckuva 2027 class budding at Simley High School and we are psyched to have a new name on our radar in 6'3, 250 lb. OL/DT [player_tooltip player_id='1363065' first='Luis' last='Fierro']. Good size, varsity starter for the 4A Spartans, and I'm really liking both the quality and quantity of pass pro reps in his highlight tape for a sophomore. Primarily an LT or LG, Fierro looks comfortable and balanced in his pass set, showing good timing and pop in his punch, uses opponents momentum against them, and a good base and can absorb and redistribute power rushes from DEs. Fierro display good strength, good hand placement runs his feet after contact, is tough to disengage from once he gets his paws on a DL, and works to finish. The 250 lber. can match up with an opponents' best pass rusher 1v1 as only a sophomore, and is still growing and developing, something that should frighten 4A DEs the next couple years. Great job this year, Luis!     Eye-catching size coming out of the AA ranks and Mankato Loyola High School, 6'4, 215 lb. Christian Barker plays OG and DT and is an intriguing two-way contributor with a great frame that's just itching to get into a college S&C program. Barker displays good length and shows some strength and finishing ability as a run blocker. The 215 lber. demonstrates good leg drive and can use his size to out-position and box down rushers and DL. Defensively, Barker can disrupt an opponents run game and had some TFLs in 2024 thanks to his quick first step and ability to identify and trigger on the ball quickly. Barker is slippery around the LOS as a iDL who is hard to square up and can win reps with his length and quickness and can also get his arms up into passing lanes to disrupt screens and quick game when he can't get home on a rush.     Bethlehem Academy, located in Faribault, has been one of the more underrated recruiting hotspots in Southern Minnesota the last couple cycles and seem to be reloading with some of their up-and-comers. That includes 2027 two-way contributor [player_tooltip player_id='1633450' first='Hayden' last='Dillon'], a 6'1, 170 lber. who can bench two plates and also squats 300 pounds. Dillon posted 14 receptions for 220 receiving yards and 4 TDs, as well as 50 tackles, in his 2024 sophomore campaign, and has good things going for him on both sides of the ball, including stepping in and completing some passes at QB as a sophomore, not an easy thing to do and really highlighting some versatility on the gridiron. Dillon, as a WR, tracks and plays the ball well, is comfortable going over the middle and making catches through traffic, and shows he can create a little bit of separation at the top of the route. The BA sophomore also showed he gets into the backfield with pace as a run defender and can complete tackles at the LOS. Dillon had more than a few TFLs in 2024 to add to his statistical totals, and also displayed some man coverage ability out of the slot and some strength at making 1v1 tackles all around the field. Lot of good football left for this young man.     PrepRedzoneMN is ALWAYS on the lookout for potentially big-time OL and DL, especially out of the underclassmen ranks, and we're excited about recently finding 6'3, 275 lb. Stillwater DL [player_tooltip player_id='1629870' first='Andrew' last='Olson'] on Twitter a couple days ago. Always important that a young buck has big-time size, which Olson does, and is still growing into, and starting in the trenches for a 6A squad as a sophomore is no easy task either. Olson is looking like a must-know DL in the sophomore class and a player who could finish as one of the best at his position when it's all said and done. A true NG or 3T who is strong, balanced, and motivated through contact and a mass of bodies around a 6A LOS, Olson displays a solid first step that can get width without overextending, and he sneaks into the backfield with pace. Also noticeably good at finding and identifying the ball quickly to make tackles in the backfield. Olson displays a good base and balance and can make tackles through contact and with an iOL draped all over him, as well as plug up gaps and hold his gap through doubles and a ton of OL attention. He sifts through traffic and bodies to seek out and eliminate RBs behind the LOS and is a physical tackler who can envelop ball carriers when he gets ahold of them. I'm VERY excited about this young man's future and hope we can get him to a PrepRedzoneMN Showcase this offseason. Must-know for colleges recruiting MN trench warfare specialists.     The Minneapolis Washburn Millers owed a lot of their 2024 success to their big bodies in the trenches, and despite the senior-heavy presence, the Millers saw a 2027 sophomore creep into some serious varsity tick in 6'1, 245 lber. Henry Zuckweiler. Good size, throws shot put for the track team, and is having success in the Metro 5A trenches, Zuckweiler put up 405x3 on the back squat this summer and is translating that strength to his on-field success.   The sophomore Miller is a strong kid who can finish opponents into the turf when he gets his hands inside and has some good leverage on his opponent, and I also like how he can breakdown and tackle in space for a big guy. Zuckweiler gets into the backfield quickly and can make tackles behind the LOS game to game, shows a good motor, and even blocked a PAT this season. The Millers recent strength in the trenches is in good hands with this young, two-way lineman.

Nothing beats a good ol' evaluation-based film room session! With the pool of available, still-playing high school football programs shrinking by the week, we are really starting to see the Christmas morning-esque influx of new consolidated highlights from Minnesota athletes all around the state. It's about as good as it gets for PrepRedzoneMN, as we LOVE watching tape, and with a limited window to capitalize on while the season is still ongoing, now is as good of a time as any to check out how the 2024 season has treated some of its players and participants. Check out the new and updated film, game, and strengths of some Minnesota-bred 2025s, 2026s, and 2027s below.