Winona State Prospect Camp: Top Performers and Standouts

Last Friday, under a blazing Southern Minnesota sun, upwards of 100 Minnesotans, Wisconsinites, and Iowans made their way to Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium for some good ol' fashioned padded competition in front of a talented and pleasant Winona State staff. The Warriors, with a loaded 2025 roster housed in one of Minnesota's prettiest towns, have a lot to offer DII hopefuls and future NSIC standouts, and PrepRedzoneMN was excited for our second-to-last stop on the camp trail in what has been a memorable Summer Camp SZN the past two months. Thanks to much for Head Coach Brian Curtin for letting us attend. Top Performers and Standouts below!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/2025-Winona-State-Prospect-Camp-crop-3226x2118-1753828680.jpg?w=800" alt="" class="wp-image-1741442" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">2025 Winona State Prospect Camp</figcaption></figure>   --   Alpha: [player_tooltip player_id='1801572' first='Adrian' last='Johnson'] (Fond Du Lac, WI) 2026. EDGE/TE.   Johnson, coming out of the talent-factory that is Fond Du Lac High School, put on one of the most impressive and noteworthy individual performances I've seen on the 2025 camp circuit. A long, dynamic, and aggressive 6'3+, 220 lber., [player_tooltip player_id='1801572' first='Adrian' last='Johnson'] displayed legitimate scholarship potential on both sides, with especially shocking (in a good way) and impressive route running skills that had defensive backs on their heels and OL nervous for their inevitable 1v1 confrontation with the Fond Du Lac product. With a somewhat unassuming baby face and a significant amount of room to add weight to his eye-catching frame, Johnson flipped a switched a really turned things up once prospects donned the pads, showing the most physicality and aggression of any prospect at the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp, and as an EDGE/DL, his consistent pad level and leverage helped him win the positioning battle off the snap, and his heavy hands and leg drive post-contact were an asset during 1v1 board drill competition, as well as his length, balance, interior hand placement, and tight elbows. There's obvious upside in his game as an EDGE prospect, but man, Johnson was tremendous as a TE and particularly, as a route runner. Johnson, thanks to his deep speed at 6'3, 220+, ability to smoothly and effectively drop his hips, and burst out of his breaks made him nasty at the top of the route, and he ended camp with a fantastic post-corner route that had the DB's head spinning, arguably the best route of the day. I don't think I've ever seen a kid that big run the route that effectively, and it was the cherry on top of what was an excellent showing under the hot Southern Minnesota sun. Bemidji State and Upper Iowa offered this spring.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/Adrian-Johnson-Fondy-2026jpg.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1741440" style="width:543px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='1801572' first='Adrian' last='Johnson'] Fondy 2026</figcaption></figure>   Stock Riser: [player_tooltip player_id='1654516' first='Treve' last='Stoffel'] (Mosinee, WI) 2026. QB/SAF. 6'3, 194 lbs.   With a small QB group in attendance at the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp, I knew that the gunslingers in attendance were in store for a ton of reps, but I wasn't expecting both gunslingers to not only line up and take significant DB reps, but do so with so much success. A First Team All-Eye Test selection from the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp, Stoffel was an eye-catching 6'3, 190+, and he had a strong testing showing to back up what was a standout performance on both sides of the ball throughout the camp. A good hooper with Mosinee's varsity basketball team, Stoffel showed off a big arm that could stretch the pigskin down field, as well as good touch on his throws downfield, but his performance as a safety was about as good as any defensive back in attendance. With ideal length for the position, Stoffel was sticky in coverage, albeit a bit handsy, but his was an effective combination of physicality and patience at the top of the route in coverage, and he could get out of his breaks with noticeable burst, helping him undercut a ton of throws throughout the afternoon to earn more than his fair share of INTs and PBUs. Versatile, athletic, physical, Stoffel earned his first DII offer from the hosting Winona State Warriors after the camp, solidifying himself as a standout performer on the 2025 camp circuit.   Top Performers   [player_tooltip player_id='1620347' first='Connor' last='Navis'] (Appleton West, WI) 2027. QB. 6'2, 180 lbs.   Another Top Performer from the small yet talented QB/DB group, Appleton product and West High School rising junior [player_tooltip player_id='1620347' first='Connor' last='Navis'] was a Top Performer at the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp on both sides of the ball. After a significant amount of QB reps, in which he threw a consistent and tight spiral, put noticeable touch on the ball, and was accurate to all three levels of the field. Navis was also able to put effective zip and velocity on the ball and put the pigskin on an absolute rope on a few throws downfield, especially down the seam. Navis also showed solid ball placement ability with a few eye-catching back-shoulder tosses highlighting what was a good day through the air for the rising upperclassmen out of the 920. Had some good reps in coverage throughout the afternoon and added a 9' broad jump to sweeten the pot! Should be a big year for Navis & Co. over at West High School.   Freddie Nelson (Frederic, WI) 2026. DE/TE. 6'2, 219 lbs.   The headliner out of a strong contingent of Frederic, Wisconsin prospects to make their way three hours south to the 507, DE/TE Freddie Nelson was a well-built 6'2, near-220-pounder who passed the Eye Test and showed a dynamic skillset at his size that stood out from the crowd at the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp. Nelson, with a thick, powerful frame and effective hand usage, was a standout in all three phases of the prospect camp, kicking things off with a 4.54 shuttle during testing, and that COD ability looked great during indy, where he could cut with fluidity and quickness that stood out amongst his peers. Nelson also showed off pad level, strength at the point of attack, physicality, and hand placement during board drill and 1v1 reps, and he was also a smooth route runner who was shifty at the top of the route against LBs and SAFs. No offers yet, talk about a sleeper!   [player_tooltip player_id='1220691' first='Nolan' last='Rustler'] (Sun Prairie West, WI) 2026. LB/HB. 6'1, 207 lbs.   Hard not to be a fan of Sun Prairie West's [player_tooltip player_id='1220691' first='Nolan' last='Rustler'] after his performance at the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp. With a versatile skillset and an effective strength/speed combination, Rustler was flashing on both sides of the ball and in a variety of settings. The Madison product was impressively comfortable and fluid as a route runner, where his sudden COD ability (4.44 shuttle at camp) showed up all throughout a route. Quick footwork, twitchy at the top of the route, did a good job of hitting his marks and stacking DBs once he got a step, and was natural and nuanced with the whole route tree, especially on digs and comebacks. Rustler was consistently creating separation against even the most talented cornerbacks as a TE/FB, and I loved his juice as a route runner and pass catcher throughout the afternoon of competition. Good attitude, never took a play off, and showed off good endurance as well. Also popped off a 9'2 broad during testing!   [player_tooltip player_id='703914' first='Julio' last='Campos'] Jr. (Fond Du Lac, WI) 2026. OL. 6'1, 247 lbs.   Good showing from the OL group at the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp, who were led by another standout Fond Du Lac recruit in offensive linemen [player_tooltip player_id='703914' first='Julio' last='Campos'] Jr. Well liked by the DII and DIII coaches in attendance, Campos Jr. was strong at the point of attack, earning some tough wins against quality scholarship opponents during the board drill, twitchy laterally, and powerful once he got his hands on an opponent. Great pad level and was flexible in his stance and when firing off the snap as well. No offers yet for the mauler out of the Badger State!   Will Hopper (DC Everest, WI) 2027. WR. 5'9, 144 lbs.   Talk about a surprise standout and breakout top performer! Coming out of a DC Everest program that always seems to be pumping out sleepers and scholarship talent all around the gridiron, Hopper was a physically unassuming baller of a wide receiver who was fantastic during 1v1s. Starting with an excellent showing during testing that included a 4.64 40, 4.53 shuttle, and 9'5 broad, Hopper put that verified athleticism to good use, displaying real-deal juice as a route runner who also had the top-end speed to burn some fellow speeders when working vertically and downfield. Hopper was crafty and instinctive at the LOS in his releases, was quick to stack DBs after gaining a step or two, and could really do some damage at the top of the route. Plus, he earned some contested catches throughout the afternoon and even snagged an INT or two when stepping in at defensive back. Well-rounded athlete right on the cusp of entering his upperclassmen campaign. Should be a huge year for the young wideout.   [player_tooltip player_id='1530375' first='Brody' last='Schmidt'] (Rochester Mayo, MN) 2026. RB/LB/TE. 6', 200 lbs.   The more I saw of Rochester Mayo Spartan [player_tooltip player_id='1530375' first='Brody' last='Schmidt'], the more I liked. A well-built 6', 200 lber., Schmidt kicked off testing with an impressive 4.22 shuttle and 8'11 broad combination, and he was able to show off some good traits on both sies of the ball throughout competition. Schmidt was able to fight through the press, drop his hips, and make clean, cut tights as a route runner, and he used his hands physically and effectively without playing too handsy or grabby as a defender. Plus, I liked how Schmidt was able to read/react/process as a defender, which, when coupled with his quickness out his breaks and overall aggressiveness in coverage, created a ton of PBUs and disruption against WRs and TEs. Should be a big year for Schmidt and his fellow Spartans, who drop back down to 5A for the 2025 season.   [player_tooltip player_id='1426577' first='Gary' last='Holloway'] Jr. (Osseo, MN) 2026. ATH. 5'8, 150 lbs.   The fastest prospect in attendance at the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp, Osseo's [player_tooltip player_id='1426577' first='Gary' last='Holloway'] Jr. is one of the most explosive athletes in Minnesota's Big School Class 6A, as well as one of the Top Performers from the 2025 Summer Camp SZN. Coming into the camo with offers from Minnesota State-Moorhead, UW-River Falls, and UW-Eau Claire, Holloway Jr. popped off the best testing performance of the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp, including a 4.6 40, 4.34 shuttle, 9'4 broad, and 7.1 L-drill, and he transferred the athleticism into competition effortlessly. Holloway Jr. possessed loose hips, a ton of twitch and COD ability as both a WR and DB, and a ton of burst. As a defensive back, I was impressed with Holloway's physicality at the LOS, patience at the top of the route, and eye discipline throughout a WR's route. He was smooth and controlled in his read steps, triggered on the ball with effective explosiveness, and had the deep speed to hang with any WR in attendance. Someone is going to get a steal. Should be a huge year for the Osseo rising senior.   Kyan Vaassen (Western Dubuque, IA) 2028. RB/LB. 5'9, 194 lbs.   My oh my, what a 2028 Western Dubuque has on their hands! An immediate eye-catcher and First Team All-Eye Test selection, Vaassen was one of the most jacked, cut up, and physically impressive 2028s I've seen all summer, and in addition to what is a strong frame built for varsity football, Vaassen also displayed explosive burst, smooth change of direction ability, and some noticeable top-end speed, and he did a great job during testing, popping off a 4.79 40, 4.63 shuttle, and 9'4 broad going into his sophomore season with the Bobcats. Vaassen also ran some impressive reps throughout 1v1s, beating some high-quality, varsity-experienced defensive backs and linebackers in coverage, and he also proved he could win contested catches and 50/50 balls. I smell a big year coming for the sophomore out of Western Dubuque in the Hawkeye/Cyclone State.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img src="https://prepredzone.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/07/Kyan-Vaassen-Western-Dubuque-2028.jpg?w=768" alt="" class="wp-image-1741482" style="width:445px;height:auto" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Kyan Vaassen - Western Dubuque 2028</figcaption></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1220792' first='Van' last='Vogler'] (Sun Prairie East, WI) 2026. WR/DB. 6', 158 lbs.   Long, tan, and wiry, Sun Prairie East High School and Madison, WI product Vogler had a good day on both sides of the ball at the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp. Beginning with a good showing during testing that included a 4.75 40, 4.47 and 4.37 shuttle, 9'1 broad, and an eye-popping 6.41 L-drill, the rising senior WR/DB was smooth in his backpedal and when changing direction as a route runner, and as a DB, he did a good job of now allowing wideouts to eat up his cushion and get into his toes. Additionally, he was fast enough to easily maintain phase and stay in the hip pocket of streaking receivers, which allowed him to play and pick off a couple fade routes and attempts in exciting fashion, and he was also physical in his press and able to climb the ladder to reel in 50/50 balls. Vogler got better as the day wore on and had a good showing at the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp, resulting in his second DII and first NSIC offer on his growing recruiting resume.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Van_Vogler2026/status/1949226452735693281 </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='1804564' first='Caden' last='Sieker'] (Rhinelander, WI) 2026. DL. 6'2, 237 lbs.   The lone Winona State commit to attend the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp, Sieker had a bit of a different experience than his peers, receiving a significant more individual attention and coaching throughout the event, as he deserved, and you have to respect and mention the fact that he willingly signed up to come to Winona to compete while padded in front of his future coaches and teammates. The kid is a baller, a fact that has been certified throughout a couple of stops on the 2025 summer camp circuit, and he was throwing his weight around and popping opponents with a different kind of power as compared to his peers. With excellent leverage and an explosive get-off, not to mention a ton of power in his hands and pads, Sieker flat-out dominated in the board drill, and he did a great job of exploding out of his stance and then refitting to solidify a 1v1 win. Winona State got a good one!   [player_tooltip player_id='1648486' first='Jayden' last='Onuonga'] (Forest Lake, MN) 2026. K/P. 6'4, 195 lbs.   One thing that the 2025 Summer Camp Circuit has accomplished is revealing standout Minnesota specialists. Forest Lake's Jayden Onuonga, a massive, eye-catching 6'4, near-200-pounder, showed up and showed out at the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp, booming FG after FG and kickoff after kickoff in front of a majority of WSU's staff, resulting in an offer at the end of camp. This dude is mechanically sound, has a naturally huge leg, and possesses the frame to continue to develop and strengthen that already-powerful right leg. FGs, PATs, and KOs, Onuonga looks and plays all-of a scholarship specialist. Expect to see him on the 2026 PRzMN Big Board soon!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/jayden_onuonga1/status/1948928165989978308 </div></figure>   [player_tooltip player_id='936541' first='Jack' last='Carlson'] (Chanhassen, MN) 2026. LB. 6', 215 lbs.   It's been quite the offseason for Carlson, who has put on some serious weight and added some serious muscle to his now-215 lb. frame since the season ended. With impressive quickness for his size, Carlson had a strong showing during 1v1 pass coverage reps against LBs, showing off instincts and a quick read/processing ability that allowed him to occasionally run the route for a RB and meet them at the catch point with physical and reckless abandonment. A first-in-line, high-motor linebacker during drill work and indy, Carlson is bound for a 100+ tackle type of season with defending Class 5A quarterfinalists Chanhassen in 2025, you heard it here first!   Honorable Mentions   [player_tooltip player_id='1688792' first='Noah' last='Zuniga'] (Lakeville North, MN) 2026. OL. 6'3+, 244 lbs.   PrepRedzoneMN was stoked to finally get eyes on the Minnesota 6A Big Schooler, and [player_tooltip player_id='1688792' first='Noah' last='Zuniga'] lived up to the hype at the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp. Possessing a 6'7 wingspan, Zuniga was big, strong, and mean, and he was creating some big pop and contact off the snap, as well as consistent hand placement and the ability to pump his legs and move mass post-contact. St. Scholastica and Southwest Minnesota State are involved right now.   Samuel Vokes (Fond Du Lac, WI) 2026. OL. 6'1, 293 lbs.   A bowling ball of an interior offensive linemen out of an excellent Fond Du Lac program, Vokes won the majority of his board drill and 1v1 pass rush reps thanks to his consistent hand placement and usage, leg drive, and stout anchor post-contact. Strong kid who could really open some gaps and move mass in the run game. No offers yet!   Ethan Backus (Rochester Century, MN) 2026. RB/FB. 5'7, 181 lbs.   A cut up brick of a fullback, 507 representative Backus was one of the last players I'd want to run headfirst into in the hole. The bruiser of a ball-carrier was explosive, powerful, and light on his feet, showing off some good footwork during RB drills and indy, and he did a good job of tracking the deep ball during 1v1s. Now, who needs a fullback?   Lukas Alvin (Randolph, WI) 2029! RB/LB. 6', 203 lbs.   One of the better looking 8th graders I've seen in my time scouting Upper Midwest recruits, I need to make sure to tell PrepRedzoneWI Head Scout Mark Johnson but this future Wisconsin varsity standout. Big, strong, and athletic, Alvin tested well for his age and fit right in with rising seniors and juniors during indy and position-specific drill work, especially as a RB, and he showed some especially impressive start/stop ability during indy. Overall fluid, Alvin is going to have the chance to play earlier than almost every other 2029 in the state of Wisconsin, especially at Division 7 Randolph. Keep you eyes out for this young man going forward!   DeAndre Smith (Osseo, MN) 2026. WR. 5'5, 130 lbs.   Don't let the size fool you, Smith had the juice, and his real-deal twitch and route-running ability had the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp hyped up thanks to his performance. Smith put a couple of defensive backs in a blender throughout the 1v1 portion of the Prospect Camp, and he was nasty at the top of the route with a ton of shiftiness and suddenness in his cuts and breaks. With game speed that helped him threaten and beat cornerbacks vertically, Smith did a great job of immediately working to stack defensive backs and cut them off during a route, and he walked out of the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp as the best route runner at the event. DIIIs, NAIAs, JUCOs, get on this kid!   [player_tooltip player_id='1658019' first='Ronell' last='Willis Jr']. (Minneapolis North, MN) 2026. DB. 6', 168 lbs.   Another in-person exposure point, another stock rising performance from Minneapolis North Polars CB [player_tooltip player_id='1658019' first='Ronell' last='Willis Jr']! My choice for the Land of 10,000 Lakes' most physical corner, Willis Jr. put up his best 40 I've seen from him in Winona, not to mention a 4.47 shuttle and 9'4 broad jump, and he was, as always, mean and nasty during 1v1 reps. Willis Jr. did a great job of playing with patience and anticipation, but when he had the chance to press a WR he really made the most out of it, jamming with great timing and pop, and he routinely was able to knock WRs off their marks, especially at the line of scrimmage. Additionally, his quickness out of his breaks and instincts when reading/reacting to a WRs breaks and routes showed up well all over the field and on a variety of routes, and I was impressed by his technique at the catch point as well. This kid is going to make a heckuva addition to a college DB room. Only UW-Eau Claire has offered as of right now.   Ellis Banks (Lake City, MN) 2026. ATH. 6'2, 185 lbs.   A new name to 2026 PRZMN radar, Banks is a local 507 kid nearby Winona, and he made the short drive worth it, showing off a big-play skillset in addition to some exciting size. A multi-phase contributor for Lake City, Banks had some of the best hands at the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp, and he made one of the best catches of the entire afternoon during competition, making a circus catch while juggling and eventually reeling in the rock right on top of a flailing defender. Potential sleeper right by Winona!   Devin Phillips (Columbus Catholic, WI) WR. 2027. 5'8, 145 lbs.   A rising junior, Badger State product Phillips came alive during 1v1 competition at the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp, showing off a quick and balanced skillset that included easy change of direction ability, a solid understanding of route running and a consistent ability to separate, and a ton of burst out of his breaks and cuts. Phillips was also aggressive and disruptive in coverage as a defensive back, and made a couple INTs and PBUs that made him look head and shoulders above some of his 2027 peers. Could be a breakout season for the Columbus product, who also had a strong showing during testing!   Logan Leonhardt (Champlin Park, MN) 2027. LB.   Good understanding of field and spatial awareness, was physical and aggressive in coverage, and showed off effective technique as well. New name out of Champlin Park to know!   Hunter Schaumberg (Lomira, WI) 2029. WR. 5'11, 165 lbs.   Another rising freshman performer from the Badger State who made an imprint at the 2025 Winona State Prospect Camp, Schaumberg wasn't backing down from upperclassmen competition, something his peers weren't as comfortable doing, and although he took some big hits and tough licks, Schaumberg routinely came up with contested catches and tough snags through contact. Big catch radius, strong hands, tough, concentrated, and was getting open prior to the catch as well.

Last Friday, under a blazing Southern Minnesota sun, upwards of 100 Minnesotans, Wisconsinites, and Iowans made their way to Altra Federal Credit Union Stadium for some good ol' fashioned padded competition in front of a talented and pleasant Winona State staff. The Warriors, with a loaded 2025 roster housed in one of Minnesota's prettiest towns, have a lot to offer DII hopefuls and future NSIC standouts, and PrepRedzoneMN was excited for our second-to-last stop on the camp trail in what has been a memorable Summer Camp SZN the past two months. Thanks to much for Head Coach Brian Curtin for letting us attend. Top Performers and Standouts below!