Prospect Analysis: Park of Cottage Grove

Park of Cottage Grove has been one of the most underrated teams in the state in terms of producing collegiate athletes. Year after year for the past half-decade, they've had some of the most electric skill players in the state, and this year is no exception. I've got a solid group of athletes here, most of them returning impact players who could either play in college or who are due for a big year in 2025. Enjoy!    The #1 LB in his class, Boche was a force to be reckoned with last season. In just 9 games, he amassed 71 ttck, 3 TFLs, 2 FR, 2 INTs, and was named First Team All-District. This immense on-field success, paired with his impressive 6'4" and 200 lb + frame, makes him an ideal prospect for D2 and D1 colleges. One of the most impressive pieces of his game was his pass defense. Boche exceptionally quick for his size, which lends itself perfectly to disrupting passes or lighting up pass-catchers as soon as they catch the ball. He flows to the alley quickly and often, and he does an excellent job of tackling ball carriers at the hip and folding them immediately. Boche is legit and I can't wait to see offers roll in.     Wright was an impactful defensive lineman last season, where he totaled 27 ttck, 2 TFLS, 1.0 sack, and a fumble recovery. The two-sport athlete was nearly a state entrant in wrestling this season, and he earned an All-Conference Honorable Mention spot last football season. On his tape, Wright proves to be a quick and dangerous play disruptor. He showcases an incredible get-off and possesses a solid bend around the edge. As a stand-up defensive end, he proves particularly adept at run stopping, and his ability to stifle a read option stands out as high-level. Keep an eye out for Wright next season, he could end up surprising a lot of people.     In the 7 games he started during his junior year as an MLB, Lange recorded 32 ttck, 3 TFLs, 1.0 sack, and 1 fumble recovery. He's got a solid frame for his position and should fit in seamlessly with the other talented returning defensive starters. Lange's tape reveals him to be a tenacious and stout defender who fights tooth and nail through contact to smoke a ball carrier. He's exceptionally effective when blitzing and has a handful of tackles on his tape of him hawking down ball carriers from either behind the LOS or near it. Lange is in a great position for a breakout senior year in what I anticipate to be a growing role in a potent Park defense.     Another First-Team All-District athlete from Park, Moody is an LB/SS hybrid who totaled 37 ttck and 4 TFLs in his 9 games started from last season, as well as a couple of catches on offense. On his tape, Moody proves to be a versatile athlete who excels at stopping the run. He gets downfield shockingly quickly, especially when you consider how deep he can play. Like most Park athletes, Moody puts forth tremendous effort play after play, and he frequently manages to find his way through a contested box to ball carriers. Keep an eye out for Moody in 2025, as he may even see a larger role on both sides of the ball.     Carr is fresh off of a state tournament appearance from this wrestling season. Carr is a former All-State Wrestler and was named First-Team All-District last season as a DB. On the gridiron, Carr does it all for Park. 53 ttck, 4 TFLs, 1 FR, 2 INTs, 178 receiving yards, 211 rushing yards, and 2 TOT. An insane stat line for one of the most versatile athletes in his class. He's got plenty of tape from his play on both sides of the ball, but I want to focus on his defensive output. On defense, Carr plays an incredibly heads-up brand of ball. He breaks on balls quickly and doesn't get beat over the top as a safety. When matched up man-on-man, Carr doesn't give up much separation and shows an impressive trail technique at times. Carr is due for a big senior year in both sports, so keep an eye out.     Zitzow started 9 games at tackle last season and didn't give up a sack in any of them. Although he doesn't possess the frame of a P4 tackle, Zitzow is more mobile than the average OT and could realistically make the transition to the IOL in college. He's pretty quick off the LOS and is very effective as a run blocker. He is dangerous when down blocking DTs and gets off double teams very well. His foot speed and knee bend could still use improvement, but it's clear that Zitzow possesses the building blocks for tremendous success in the trenches.     Vang is the last of a dying breed of fullbacks. During his junior year, he saw limited action in short-yardage situations, even amassing a rushing TD, but he primarily puts in work blocking. When Vang is blocking, he's a hard-nosed athlete who fights tooth and nail to get the job done. He'll frequently clear defensive ends and LBs off of his running backs' path, and when they collide head-on, he'll drive them out of the play. I'm pumped to see what Vang can do during his senior year!     Boston was named All-District Honorable Mention last season when the big DT amassed 37 ttck, 4 TFLs, 3.0 sacks, and 1 FR. On his tape, Boston plays with a constant dogged tenacity. He never gives up on a play and is able to collapse a quarterback's escape lane, often resulting in sacks and TFLs. He's got a nasty repertoire of filthy pass rush moves that he uses to shed blockers and make big plays at the LOS. I like his bullrush into a swim move in particular. Boston is a very underrated DT and could make waves at the right MIAC or UMAC school.

Park of Cottage Grove has been one of the most underrated teams in the state in terms of producing collegiate athletes. Year after year for the past half-decade, they've had some of the most electric skill players in the state, and this year is no exception. I've got a solid group of athletes here, most of them returning impact players who could either play in college or who are due for a big year in 2025. Enjoy!