Under the radar seniors - part II

We are all over the state today as I continue to highlight more under-the-radar football players who you will be able to check out this fall. I go from Cottonwood in southwestern Minnesota to the far southeastern part of the state in Houston, Minnesota. I also check in on multiple classes from 6A to Class A.    Eidsvoog's highlight package is fun to watch. He plays in all three facets of the game – offense, defense, and special teams. In each case, he looks like a bowling ball knocking over pins wherever he goes. Whether it is lead blocking, making a play at defensive end, or covering a kick – Eidsvoog is throwing kids around. He is not the biggest defensive end or fullback, but he plays with an intensity that makes him look bigger than his size. He is physical and doesn't do anything halfway.     The first thing I noticed about Okanlawon is how well he uses his arms and hands to get separation from the blockers he engages with. He has good upper body and hand strength, which allows him space to read the play and shed the blocker. Okanlawon has good straight-line speed and agility in space, moving laterally along the line of scrimmage. He plays defensive end, but because of that speed and his tenacity, he makes plays on both sides of the field.     Staab is a big, agile man in the middle of the Lakers' offensive line. Staab often mauls defensive tackles from the center position. His strength and size allow him to literally throw defenders to the ground. Once he locks up a smaller defender, it is usually a wrap. His physical play is one thing, but what separates Staab is his athletic ability. He keeps his hips and pad level low – allowing him to stay with smaller defenders. He has good agility, which allows him to move down the line of scrimmage laterally, get to the second level, and make plays against quicker linebackers.     Cunningham has good length at the quarterback position. His size and big arm make him a downfield threat at all times. He has a strong arm but can also put a nice touch on his deep ball. The Spartans' junior has good instincts in the pocket. He moves well to make time to throw. However, he also has the speed and running ability to pick up yards with his legs when the play breaks down in front of him.     Vix plays both ways and is a physical force on both sides of the ball. As a tight end, he blocks as well as an offensive lineman – coming off the ball with low hips and quickness. Once he gets on his man, Vix is like a dog on a bone. He often drives his man to the sidelines – and sometimes well into the sidelines. He also has excellent feet as a blocker and is frequently used like a pulling guard – but off the end of the line of scrimmage. While primarily used as a blocker, the soon-to-be senior is also effective in the short-passing game. As a linebacker, he is a physical tackler who excels in the box but can also play in space.

We are all over the state today as I continue to highlight more under-the-radar football players who you will be able to check out this fall. I go from Cottonwood in southwestern Minnesota to the far southeastern part of the state in Houston, Minnesota. I also check in on multiple classes from 6A to Class A.