Multi-Sport Menaces

I've long touted the fact that Minnesota has incredibly underrated prep football athletes, but it has long been recognized that our state's winter sports are some of the most high-level in the nation. Today, I've found a handful of dogs who have seen success on the gridiron and on either the mat or the hardwood!    Josewski is one of the best athletes in the state, and he saw a ton of success on the mat during his junior year. He won his section at 285 and made his first career appearance at the state tournament! He also placed 5th in the very competitive Rogers Holiday Matness Tournament. On the gridiron, Josewski is an insane force to be reckoned with. He's got a big frame, and man, does he put it to use. He's got Gronk-levels of physicality that he uses when clearing out defensive linemen from the LOS. He's already got an offer from SDSU, and I think there are many more on the horizon for this high-celing athlete.     An extremely underrated LB hailing from Mankato, Thilges also went on a tear in two weight classes this winter on the mat. He was a section runner-up at 285 who made his first appearance in the Minnesota State Tournament. Earlier in the season, at 215, Thilges placed 5th at the Rogers Holiday Matness Tournament as well! On the field, he's a thumper. Last year, Thilges had 41 total tackles, the second-highest on his team, and he was tied for first with 2 interceptions. On his tape, Thilges flows to the alleys naturally and consistently manages to disrupt plays at or near the LOS. He's going to be an athlete to keep an eye on next season!     Petzel has evolved into one of the top offensive linemen in the state, but he's also seen a handful of success on the hardwood as well! Throughout his junior year, the big man has averaged 6.2 ppg, 5.2 RPG, as well as just under an assist and block per game. On his tape, Petzel is an anchor on the offensive line. Only a handful of prospects across the nation can match his size, and every year, his technique has improved greatly. He's gotten quicker feet and has started playing with more bend in his knees, as well as playing with more physicality. His ceiling is extremely high, and I can't wait to see where he commits to soon!     Not nearly enough people are talking about Loomis, and that's a crying shame. This year, the sophomore placed 4th in the AAA wrestling state tournament at 285 lbs, compiling an extremely impressive record of 34-9. He's a 3 year varsity starter on the mat and a 2 year varsity starter on the gridiron. Although Loomis doesn't have any recent tape, what little he has from his freshman year looks very promising, as he's surprisingly mobile for his size. If Loomis continues to develop as an athlete at this rate, I think he's got a chance to play either sport in college.     I'm astounded that more people haven't jumped on the Pisarchuk hype train. This winter, he won his section at 285 lbs and made a state tournament appearance before finishing his season with a 30-20 record. He also placed 8th at the extremely prestigious Minnesota Christmas Tournament. In his football film, Pisarchuk is a dominant force in the trenches. When he takes the right angle, defensive linemen are cooked because Pisarchuk will get underneath their pads and displace them clear down the line. He's gone drastically underlooked ahead of his senior year, and I can't wait to see how he balls out in his finals season.     Benson had a solid showing on the mat during his sophomore year, winning his section at 285 lbs and making the state tournament before finishing with an impressive record of 40-9. As a varsity football player last season, Benson tallied 11 total tackles, 3 TFLs, 1.0 sack, and 2 fumble recoveries. On his tape, Benson frequently showcases a high motor and a quick first step off the LOS. He fights aggressively through offensive linemen and can quickly collapse running lanes by bulldozing blockers. Keep an eye out for this under-the-radar trench dog who could have a big showing during his junior year.     The QB1 and starting forward for Rochester Mayo, Peterson is a serious two-sport athlete who has seen incredible success on both the hardwood and the turf. This winter, he's averaging 12.7 points-per-game on an 18-8 team with a real shot to make a run in the section tournament. Last fall, Peterson passed for well over 1,300 yards on 64% completion percentage with 9 total touchdowns. On his tape, Peterson showcases high-level pocket presence and the ability to get the ball out quickly while on the run. I'm pumped to see what he can do during his senior campaign.

I've long touted the fact that Minnesota has incredibly underrated prep football athletes, but it has long been recognized that our state's winter sports are some of the most high-level in the nation. Today, I've found a handful of dogs who have seen success on the gridiron and on either the mat or the hardwood!