Emergent Series: Class of 28' Standouts in 9-Man League

We release the first edition of our Emergent series, taking a look at some big names from the Class of 2028 that could make a splash in the high school football scene in Minnesota as they enter their sophomore campaigns. These athletes have shown impressive development both in the locker room and on the field, with several of these players seeing considerable playing time on the varsity lineup during their freshman years, while other players on this list could start to break through in the varsity lineup heading into 2025. Here are 5 players from MN's 9-Man League that could emerge as rising stars entering their sophomore seasons!    From his freshman tape, [player_tooltip player_id='1651467' first='Tanner' last='Thomson'] already has the makings of a prime prospect who has stood out playing at both DE and TE. On the offense, Thomson was a key contributor for Edgerton's run game, as he was consistently able to drive defenders back to open up lanes on the outside. On the edge, Thomson has been very disruptive, doing a great job at using his speed and size to shed blocks, slowing down the backfield, and also doing a good job at knocking down passes at the line. Thomson was a standout at our combine series in April, and the hype will continue building over 2025 as Thomson has quickly become one of the best players in the 9-man league to watch.     Cael Smith had moments of explosiveness during his freshman year at Southland, flashing his speed and big-play ability at CB, RB, WR, and RS. Smith recorded 61 total tackles, 2 interceptions and a forced fumble on defense, while adding 203 yards on the ground on just 24 carries and 2 touchdowns along with 10 receptions for 169 yards, and adding a kick return touchdown. Smith has clear all-purpose value, utilizing great leaping ability ball-skills in the passing game and against the pass, and having good vision with the ball in his hands. Smith could emerge in 2025 as a top-notch playmaker, and he is one of the most exciting players on Southland's roster right now.     Hampton Hebrink spent his freshman season backing up Austin Rice at QB for the Jaguars, and Hebrink made the most of his limited appearances on varsity. Hebrink has a solid release of the ball and great throwing motion, maintaining a tight spiral. Hebrink also did a good job on the ground with the option offense, showing solid mobility and agility carrying the ball, and having good awareness on his reads and understanding when to keep or pitch the ball. Hebrink is currently the front runner to becoming the starting QB for Renville County West in 2025, and he should be on the watchlist toward having a breakout season in the 9-man league.     [player_tooltip player_id='1651176' first='Cole' last='Evink']'s older brother Chase committed to NDSU as one of Prep Redzone's top ranked athlete recruits in the class of 2025, and Cole is already following in his brother's footsteps as a top-ranked athlete himself. Offensively, Cole ran for 133 yards and 3 touchdowns, averaging 4 yards per carry, while adding 4 receptions with 1 touchdown. On the defensive side of the ball, Evink recorded 31 tackles, 3 TFLs, and an interception. Like his brother, Cole has been able to been utilized in multiple areas for Hancock, taking carries on the ground, and lining up as a WR/TE hybrid. Hancock is a solid route runner that tracks the ball well and shows good ball-skills going up to make the catch. Cole is on the right path so far as a very-much coveted prospect for the class of 2028 in Minnesota.     Xavier Inmon is my wild-card prospect among this group, and while he didn't have film from his freshman year, Inmon made an immediate impact on the varsity lineup. Taking reps at DE, Inmon recorded 26 tackles, 2 TFLs, and a sack as a freshman. Inmon's size may be lacking as an edge-rusher, and he could see more playing time as a sophomore at WR, his secondary position. With several key starters from the passing game departing during the offseason, Inmon could see much more reps in his sophomore season at WR. His size could also see him switch toward the secondary where he could grow as a valuable contributor for the defense. The potential is there for Inmon, and it will be interesting to see what role Inmon has next year for the team.

We release the first edition of our Emergent series, taking a look at some big names from the Class of 2028 that could make a splash in the high school football scene in Minnesota as they enter their sophomore campaigns. These athletes have shown impressive development both in the locker room and on the field, with several of these players seeing considerable playing time on the varsity lineup during their freshman years, while other players on this list could start to break through in the varsity lineup heading into 2025. Here are 5 players from MN's 9-Man League that could emerge as rising stars entering their sophomore seasons!