Prep Redzone MN Combine Series: Top LB Standouts

During our latest combine series event held in Plymouth on Sunday, we were able to take a peek at some very intriguing LB prospects that performed well during this showcase. The LBs started with individual drills before being paired in 1-on-1 drills in closing the gap, trying to win against blocks, and 1-on-1 drills in pass coverage. Today, we cover the top 7 LBs that shined during the combine event, showing their potential to stand out across the high school football landscape across Minnesota!    The MVP at the LB position during this event was [player_tooltip player_id='1533914' first='Beaux' last='Thyen']. Thyen posted a 9'2" broad jump and 4.68 40 yard time. His speed flashed across the event, showing a combination of quick change of direction and footwork, while also controlling his acceleration and utilizing timing and space on his pursuit in containing the RB. Thyen has the speed and athleticism to fit the mold as a LB/DB hybrid, and after this performance, Thyen has built himself to be one of the most exciting defenders to watch on the field in Minnesota next season.     Garrett Bauer was one of the hardest-working players on Monticello's defense last season, and he's been putting in the work this offseason to build his resume as a viable defensive leader at the next level. Bauer was extremely effective during the coverage drills, making a quick burst off the snap, and opening his hips in coverage without angling too sharply. One particularly rep that caught my eye was when the RB tried a double-move when releasing on his route, and Bauer wasn't even fazed by the move, staying on the route at a close distance. Bauer also excelled during the 1-on-1 pass rush drills against the RB, using his speed to win on the outside rush, and utilizing spin moves to get around the block. Bauer should see his stock increase greatly over the next few months with how much he has been progressing this offseason.     [player_tooltip player_id='1630870' first='Grant' last='Young'] solidified his spot as one of the best junior LBs to watch in Minnesota heading into 2025 with his performance on Sunday. Young did a great job at maintaining a low stance and slight arch while running, and he did a solid job at pinning the inside hip of the RB during the 1-on-1 drills. Young also proved to be difficult to contain, as he flashed plenty of power against the RB blocks, winning on the inside shoulder with strength and solid rip moves that allowed him to win most of his reps on Sunday. Young is developing at a steady rate, and that could parlay into him finding much more playing time next season on the varsity lineup for St. Thomas Academy's defense.     [player_tooltip player_id='1633910' first='Anthony' last='Seubert'] is another promising LB prospect that flashed his strength in a big way on Sunday. He had one of the best hits during the 1-on-1 pass rush drills as he just plowed through a RB to win the rep. Seubert did a great job in containing the outside edge during 1-on-1 drills as well, pinning and attacking the inside hips and controlling his acceleration to stay on the inside shoulder of the RB and not give them an opportunity to make a cut or move inside. Seubert should see a lot more playing time on defense next season after flashing as a special teams standout for Elk River last season.     [player_tooltip player_id='1247065' first='Benjamin' last='Bergan'] caught the eyes of many of the coaches and scouts that attended the event on Sunday with his strength and athleticism throughout the session. After posting a 9'4" broad jump during the athletic testing, Bergan showed off his skills during the 1-on-1 drills in containing the outside run and pass-rush, showing a good amount of burst off the snap, playing low, and making powerful hits on the RBs. Previously a top performer during our Combine Series showcase in December, Bergan was once again among the best performers among this group on Sunday as he's continued to make a big name for himself heading into his junior year.     [player_tooltip player_id='1581379' first='Logan' last='Kleist'] is a promising two-way player that had plenty of flashy moments during his junior year for Mankato East. Kleist competed during the showcase taking most of his reps at LB, and he did a good job holding his own in the 1-on-1 drills. Kleist does a good job with his footwork and change of direction, and he won against his blocks utilizing a solid spin move multiple times. Kleist will likely continue to see playing time at both LB and RB heading into his senior season, and he's a name that should be on the radar toward having a huge senior campaign playing in Class 5A.     A powerhouse out of Pequot Lakes, I was really intrigued when I saw [player_tooltip player_id='1656924' first='Samson' last='Rothwell'] on the field. Despite his size, Rothwell was a bulky, athletic LB with powerful arms and broad shoulders who played well beyond what his size suggested. Rothwell did a pretty good job holding his own against some tough competition, doing a solid job in coverage and closing space between him and the RB well while pinning the inside hip. Rothwell is an underrated prospect who could emerge next season as a potential leader for Pequot Lakes' defensive unit.

During our latest combine series event held in Plymouth on Sunday, we were able to take a peek at some very intriguing LB prospects that performed well during this showcase. The LBs started with individual drills before being paired in 1-on-1 drills in closing the gap, trying to win against blocks, and 1-on-1 drills in pass coverage. Today, we cover the top 7 LBs that shined during the combine event, showing their potential to stand out across the high school football landscape across Minnesota!