Breakout Watch: AAAAAA Pass Catchers

Minnesota's largest and most difficult class is frequently home to some of the best prospects in the state, and these pass-catchers are no exception. Spread across a handful of teams, I found a bunch of quick wideouts and burly TEs who could make massive impacts this fall.    McGrath is one of the most underrated wideout prospects in his class. He was the second most productive receiver last season for the Lightning, and leads all returning athletes in yards, receptions, and touchdowns. On his tape, McGrath is a shifty slot receiver who can make defenders miss once the rock gets into his hands. He's swift, and combined with his great jump off the LOS, he proves to be a route running threat, especially when bunched up in a trips or trio formation. I like his potential to step into an elevated role during his senior year as well.     One of the most intriguing tight end prospects in the state, Hauge recently announced his commitment to Mountain West staple Air Force Academy. Playing in such a run-dominated offense, it's no surprise that Hauge is such a potent blocker. The dude gets after when asked to protect his ball carrier, frequently working to the second level and displacing large defensive linemen at the point of attack. I love the physicality he plays with, and he fights tooth and nail through the whistle. When he does get the opportunity to catch balls, Hauge possesses a shockingly quick release and nice hands as well. The Academy got a good one in Hauge.     One of the biggest surprises from last season, and one of the biggest risers from this offseason, Gunderson is a true 6'6" wideout who possesses a wingspan to match. Reeling in 20 balls for 293 yards and an eye-catching 7 TDs last season, Gunderson just snagged his first D1 offer from the University of Northern Iowa. A surprisingly quick prospect with immense red zone threat potential, Gunderson just needs a ball thrown anywhere near him in the red zone in order for him to make an impact. If he packs on muscle, his ceiling as a tight end is nuts, otherwise, he's a giant problem for Minnesota DBs one-on-one.     A former RB who has evolved into the most productive receiver for the Lakers last season. He brought down 27 catches for 387 yards and 3 TDs, while also rushing for over 200 yards and 2 TDs during what was a breakout junior year. On his tape, Mbinda is a shifty slot receiver who possesses creative route running and an ability to reel down contested balls against big DBs. He does great work between the hashes and has shown that he can take a big hit while reeling in balls. Mbinda is definitely an athlete who needs more recruiting attention ahead of his senior year.     A quick two-way starter for the Rosemount Irish, Cinnamo is also a track standout who is on pace for a big senior year. He touts a quick release off the line of scrimmage, an impressive vertical, and great body control, which all contribute to some insane catches across the middle of the field. As an offensive weapon, Cinnamo could see an increase in production throughout his senior campaign, and I'm all for it.     The second of two high-level returning ball catchers for Eastview ahead of next season. Last year, Weldon brought in 16 catches for 149 yards and 2 TDs. A big body short route running specialist, Weldon is a reliable safety blanket for checkdown passes, especially in the red zone. His ability to exploit soft zone coverages again and again while possessing a surprising catch radius makes him an ideal target for both slants and hitches. With a presumed increased role in the upcoming season, it'll be nice to see Weldon dive deeper into his bag.     Another underrated big-body tight end prospect, Burke is a three-sport athlete (Football/Basketball/Lacrosse) who has a serious upside on the gridiron. He's quick for his size, and his straight-line speed is also impressive for his frame. Once the rock is in Burke's hands, taking him down is no easy feat. He can break multiple tackles post catch. Burke could go on a tear in 2025 and would make a welcome addition to a ton of MIAC teams.     A JV athlete from last season who is primed for a big varsity debut, Dixon is a three-sport athlete (Football/Basketball/Track) who put up some great tape from his junior year. A quick athlete who frankly looked out of place on JV, Dixon is a lanky and versatile wideout who fights hard for every ball and extra yard. He also boasts great hands, there are several plays on his tape of him snagging balls thrown at the edge of his catch radius with one hand. I'm pumped to see Dixon compete on a bigger stage this fall.

Minnesota's largest and most difficult class is frequently home to some of the best prospects in the state, and these pass-catchers are no exception. Spread across a handful of teams, I found a bunch of quick wideouts and burly TEs who could make massive impacts this fall.