Class 6A Senior OL Watchlist for 2025

We return to the high school landscape in Minnesota for the first time in awhile as we take a look at some big names on the trenches in Class 6A that are entering their senior season and have the potential to rock the group in 2025. These players have been outstanding cogs up front for their team, and they have a good chance of making a push toward placing themselves as serious contenders in the recruiting mix heading into the Class of 2026. Here are 7 O-Linemen to watch out for in Class 6A Minnesota for the 2025 season!    A big reason for Maple Grove's surgence as the top scoring team in Class 6A last season was thanks to [player_tooltip player_id='1255885' first='Matthew' last='Perusse'] shoring up the blindside. Perusse is a fluid athlete with great footwork and a strong lower base. I've been really impressed with Perusse's blocking ability in motion, showing great vision and a knack for getting into the second level of the defense to open up a lane for the backfield. Perusse will look to help guide Maple Grove to a second straight state title to finish off his high school career in 2025.     Blaine boasts an impressive athlete on their offensive-line in Jerome Eichele, who was named as a first-team all-district Tackle last season. Eichele's ability to twist and turns defenders away from the ball-carrier shouldn't be ignored, as he showcased great balance, sheer power, and quick adjustments to block his defensive assignments. Much like Blaine throughout last season, Eichele flew under the radar as a promising athlete that should garner more attention heading into his senior season.     [player_tooltip player_id='592120' first='Ethan' last='Sather'] has solidified his position as one of the top Guards in Class 6A. Utilized often as a pull blocker, Sather helped open up the run game in a big way with his prowess in the second level of the defense being evident. Sather shows great hand placement and a strong lower body which allows him to drive his power on his defenders well. Eden Prairie's offense will benefit with Sather returning for one more year on the trenches in 2025.     [player_tooltip player_id='1602687' first='Aiden' last='Zapzalka'] is a more stout blocker compared to some of the other names on this list, but the Center/Guard hybrid blocker has been one of the biggest standouts on Minnetonka's powerful line. Zapzalka alternates between both roles with ease, succeeding on the inside by mauling defenders with his power, hand-placement, and strong technique. Zapzalka is a quality blocker who's value is bolstered by his versatility and ability to play multiple roles on the line.     Another standout on Minnetonka's offensive-line, [player_tooltip player_id='1561898' first='Kingston' last='Hamblin']'s role is established primarily at the Right Guard position, and he's been an excellent fixture at that position for the Skippers' line. Hamblin is one of the most dangerous blockers in motion, and when he's running toward a defender, he's going to run through them almost every time. Hamblin is exceptional at getting to the second level of the defense, and he's been proficient with his hand skills and his ability to drive through defenders. Minnetonka's line will once again be dangerous in 2025 with Hamblin's returning presence.     Despite his smaller stature, [player_tooltip player_id='1337203' first='Andrew' last='Kriz'] has been a towering presence for Anoka's offense with his performance at Right Tackle. Kriz holds his own very well, showing a strong first punch on the defenders and being able to effectively drive defenders back. What Kriz lacks in size he makes up for with great technique and a powerful lower base. If he bulks up a bit this offseason, his ranking could improve significantly heading toward the end of his senior season and should make him a top-notch priority target.     [player_tooltip player_id='1120575' first='Robert' last='Essie'] was such a dominant athlete on the field for Mounds View, and he's a name that deserved mentioning for the potential he holds with the D1-level size and athleticism that he boasts. Essie is a rock on the line, proving difficult to push back. However, he's just as effective on the run as a pull-blocker, showing great footwork and surprising speed to get to the outside lanes. Essie's presence helped with the Mustangs' resurgence in 2024 posting their best record since 2019, and with Essie in the lineup, Mounds View could be dark horse contenders to contend for the Class 6A state title in 2025.

We return to the high school landscape in Minnesota for the first time in awhile as we take a look at some big names on the trenches in Class 6A that are entering their senior season and have the potential to rock the group in 2025. These players have been outstanding cogs up front for their team, and they have a good chance of making a push toward placing themselves as serious contenders in the recruiting mix heading into the Class of 2026. Here are 7 O-Linemen to watch out for in Class 6A Minnesota for the 2025 season!