2025 Preseason Preview: St. Francis Fighting Saints

The St. Francis Fighting Saints appear to be turning a corner as a program. Entering the 3rd year under the leadership of head coach Tracy Torson, they've done nothing but improve up until this point. With a talented roster featuring two D2 commits and some very promising underclassmen, this looks to be the season for them to make a deep playoff run. Meet the 2025 Fighting Saints!    One of the most intriguing 2026 QBs in the state is recent Minnesota-Duluth commit and three-year starter [player_tooltip player_id='1593562' first='Tanner' last='Rothbauer']. An offseason riser with a great camp performance at Northern State, Rothbauer is a dual-threat QB who is primed for a massive senior campaign. A dynamic athlete who can deliver a dime from anywhere, Rothbauer does a great job of leading his receivers deep, often hitting them perfectly in stride. He boasts a smooth release and the ability to throw successfully off platform. With a dangerous receiving core, the Fighting Saints' offense could end up being very explosive with Rothbauer at the helm.     A weight room workhorse who recently committed to NSIC member Northern State after some great camp showings, Becker is going to be a two-way starter (TE/DE) for the Saints for the second straight season. He's got upside as a physical tight end who can lay the wood, but he shines on the defensive side of the ball. Explosive off the line with long arms, Becker can wreak havoc in the backfield with a potent pass rush. He uses his length well by locking out offensive linemen and batting down passes. Becker is going to be a problem for offenses this fall.     I've maintained that Jordan is among the most underrated athletes in the state. He can do everything that you ask of him, and more. A three-year starter at wideout who stepped up to the plate last season as a safety, Jordan is a two-way threat who looks to make a massive impact during his final season. On offense, he's a crisp route runner with a fantastic work ethic. He fights yard for extra yardage and protects the rock when he gets hit. On defense, he's a leader who rallies hard to the ball. He attempts to get a turnover at every opportunity, whether that be breaking toward a pass in his zone or ripping the ball out of a receiver's hands. He definitely needs more recruiting attention ahead of his senior campaign.     One of the most dynamic athletes in his class, Downs caught 26 balls for just short of 200 yards and a TD as a freshman wideout, but looks to truly break out into his own during his sophomore campaign. His athleticism is insane, especially for a 2028 athlete. He possesses the speed the beat kids over the top, and the vertical ability to contest high passes. Downs can create an immense amount of separation from DBs almost instantly, and he's a massive problem for defenses once he gets loose in space. He looks due for a massive year, and I would get on the hype train sooner rather than later.     Darsow has been on PRZ's radar for a while now, and I think this is the season that he really makes a splash on varsity. He's looking to split duties as the team's head ball-carrier this season, and based on some of his scrimmage and camp performances, I'm very excited. He's incredibly explosive, especially for how thick he is. He doesn't stop moving his feet when he gets hit, and he's able to run through multiple defenders on the same play. His ability to change direction is high-level, and he looks to be one of the most promising kids in the class of 2028.     A dominant offensive lineman who is a returning starter at guard, Walker is a big multi-sport athlete with a mean streak. He moves well for a true 260, and works to the second level quickly and often. He'll get after defensive linemen and makes use of that wrestler leverage to play low and drive them off the line. His play has elevated throughout the offseason, leaving me excited to see what he can accomplish throughout 2025.     Andy "Diesel" Engler is another returning starter for the Fighting Saints' offensive line. He holds an offer from MIAC member St. Olaf, and I could see many more following shortly. Engler plays low and moves fast, a lethal combination in the trenches. Multiple times on his tape, he can be seen finishing a drive block deep downfield, often ending with a defender in the dirt. There's a lot to like from this 2026 class out of St. Francis.     If you're looking for an offensive lineman who is an absolute unit, look no further than Zurn. A two-way starter for the Saints at both tackle positions, Zurn is a big-bodied prospect who I could see rising through the ranks of the state's top linemen. On defense, Zurn is a commanding DT. He's very difficult to displace from the LOS and provides constant pressure, often demanding a double team. On offense, he can drive a defender clear out of frame, and has surprisingly quick feet for a 300 lb prospect. Zurn is definitely a 2027 to watch going forward.     Colton Burman is entering his 3rd season as the kicker for the Fighting Saints, and he's only a junior. He's more than consistent when kicking PATs, and he's shown the ability to kick through the endzone more than once on kickoffs. He's nearly automatic with field goals under 30, and has shown the ability to hit ones up to 45 yards. In my eyes, Burman is close to becoming one of the top kickers in his class.     Bergman is entering his 3rd season starting as a center for the Saints, and there's a lot to like about his game. The kid is quick and adept in both zone and power blocking schemes. He likes to get underneath pads and bully bigger defensive linemen, and does a great job of finishing his blocks downfield. He works well to the second level and always aims to put a defender in the dirt. If you're looking for an under-the-radar gem, Bergman is for you.

The St. Francis Fighting Saints appear to be turning a corner as a program. Entering the 3rd year under the leadership of head coach Tracy Torson, they've done nothing but improve up until this point. With a talented roster featuring two D2 commits and some very promising underclassmen, this looks to be the season for them to make a deep playoff run. Meet the 2025 Fighting Saints!