2025 Preseason Preview: Bloomington Jefferson Jaguars

Bloomington Jefferson didn't have the kind of season they had hoped for last year, but they return a TON of talent for the 2025 season. With an up-and-coming 2028 class and some dangerous upperclassmen returning, I think we could see the Jaguars make a run and surprise teams across the state. Meet the 2025 Jefferson Jaguars!   2025 Schedule:   Week 1: @ Minneapolis Washburn   Week 2: Vs. Hastings   Week 3: Vs. Cretin-Derham Hall   Week 4: @ Tartan   Week 5: Vs. Mahtomedi   Week 6: @ St. Louis Park   Week 7: @ Benilde St. Margarets   Week 8: Vs. Bloomington Kennedy    One of the state's leading defensive linemen and one of the best prospects in the class of 2028, Espinosa had a breakout varsity debut season last season. The DT racked up 10 tackles, 2 pressures, and 2 sacks, a statline that is sure to be improved upon this fall. Most younger athletes, especially linemen, struggle to move explosively. This is not the case with Espinosa. The big man has shown the ability to fire off the LOS against quality 5A competition, and flashes fast hands at times. He's a gap sound defender, and is a struggle to displace from a running lane, especially if the offensive lineman is given that task alone. I like a lot about Espinosa's potential, and I can't wait to see what he does during his sophomore year.     The RB2 for the Jaguars last season, and the presumptive RB1 this season, Bruggeman has a lot of potential to cause headaches for defenses, both with his legs and hands. Last season, Bruggeman rushed for 167 yards on 40 carries, averaging 4.2 ypc and bringing in a TD as well. He also caught 9 passes for 99 yards and 2 TDs. He was also an extremely productive safety, tallying over 50 tackles and 2 FR. He's gathered some attention for his camp circuit performances this summer, and after watching his tape, I see why. Bruggeman is quick and touts solid vision as a ball carrier. He can make quick cuts and is dangerous when catching a ball in the flats. He's been a rankings riser for a reason, and I don't know if he'll slow down anytime soon.     A lot of people are high on [player_tooltip player_id='1359226' first='Braylon' last='Kelly-Taylor']'s potential ahead of next season, and I'm one of them. In just 5 games and 13 receptions, he managed to reel in 419 yards and 4 TDs. He also found 13 tackles on defense with 2 TFLs. Plain and simple, this kid is a playmaker. He does an excellent job of tracking the ball, and even when there are multiple defenders contesting the pass, he still finds a way to bring it down. He boasts both solid top-end speed with a 4.5 50, and the acceleration to make him a viable deep threat prospect. Kelly-Taylor currently holds 3 offers, with only one being D2. If he can recreate some of the insane success he saw last season, I think we'll see more offers flow in.     A rising junior defensive line prospect that I could see taking a large step forward in 2025, Ward put up some promising numbers and film during his sophomore season, cementing himself as a pass rusher to watch. Last fall, Ward tallied 14 tackles, 4 TFLs, 3.0 sacks, 2 FFs, and a litany of QB pressures. When you watch his film, Ward's speed and explosiveness are immediately apparent. He's got a rapid first step off the LOS, and will exploit bigger and less agile offensive linemen with his bend around the edge. Perhaps most impressive, though, is his high motor and his ability to keep going on a play. There have been times when Ward gets stonewalled, but continues to work toward the QB until he can find a way through the linemen. He's got the potential to elevate to a game breaker during his junior campaign.     Another returning productive DL/EDGE rusher for the Jaguars, Grochow is a former PRZ combine standout who looks to have a large impact during his senior year. Last season, Grochow had 25 tackles, 1 TFL, and a fumble recovery. He's a little undersized, but you can tell he plays with a lot of grit when you dive into his tape. Perhaps the trait that stood out to me the most, however, was his pursuit. Unlike a lot of defensive linemen, Grochow has no issue chasing down QBs and ball carriers across the field. Despite not being the biggest defensive lineman, he's also difficult to displace, even when he's against a bigger opponent. The Jaguars' DL looks legit ahead of this season.     Sorenson doesn't get nearly the amount of love he deserves as a prospect. Despite being one of his team's leaders in tackles last season, he isn't brought up nearly enough when discussing LBs with a lot of potential. Last fall, Sorenson had 31 tackles, 1 TFL, and an interception, a statline I'm sure he builds on with the departure of other top LBs on his team. Watching his tape, it's a wonder he doesn't have more attention. He's a big athlete who moves well and is effective as both a run stopper and coverage LB. He's patient and can close a run lane as soon as it opens. Keep an eye out for Sorenson this fall.     The projected QB1 for the Jaguars ahead of their fall camp is talented rising sophomore Joe Moore. He saw a tiny amount of varsity time as a freshman, but returns as a highly touted prospect who could make waves early on in his career. His JV tape was very impressive, particularly with his ability to throw on the run. His arm strength is exceptional, and he's able to heave balls 30+ yards downfield both off platform and across his body. He's calm in the pocket and takes a hit if it means delivering a dime. Moore is an athlete to watch in 2025.     Vollmuth is rumored to step into a varsity role for the first time in his career this fall, and while he doesn't have a ton of sophomore tape, what he does have is very exciting. He's got a solid vert and high-level ball-tracking ability. Vollmuth does a great job of high-pointing the ball, and always manages to find it, no matter where it's placed. Vollmuth looks to be a sneaky pick for a breakout star for the Jaguars.     Another returning defensive lineman for the Jaguars, Johnson is a thick DT who moves well for his size. Last season, he had 11 tackles with one TFL. He is a challenge to move, especially when he's lined up right over the center. There are several plays on tape where he's double-teamed on a pass rush and still able to work toward the QB. He comes off the ball low and possesses a bull rush that can collapse the pocket.     All the stars are aligning for this Jaguars front 7, and this includes the return of underrated and versatile prospect [player_tooltip player_id='1688612' first='Abdoulie' last='Suwareh']. In only a handful of games last fall, Suwareh managed to bring down 14 tackles, 2 TFLs, and 2.0 sacks. When you dive into his file, it's hard not to be impressed. This dude is quick, and not just defensive line quick, he's athlete quick. He shoots like a missile through the offensive line and is extremely physical when colliding with QBs. He spends a lot of time playing between the guards, but his bend allows him to stunt and blitz to a variety of different gaps. I was impressed by his tape, and I'm psyched to see what he can do this fall.

Bloomington Jefferson didn't have the kind of season they had hoped for last year, but they return a TON of talent for the 2025 season. With an up-and-coming 2028 class and some dangerous upperclassmen returning, I think we could see the Jaguars make a run and surprise teams across the state. Meet the 2025 Jefferson Jaguars!