Apple Valley 2026 Film Reviews

The Apple Valley 2025 campaign may have just wrapped up, but I wanted to highlight what was an incredibly talented group of seniors. There are a couple of committed guys who put out great tape, and a handful of high-level guys who have yet to find a home for next fall.    A St. Thomas defensive line commit and a standout wrestler, Qaudri had a standout senior season, proving to be a reliable force across the DL. He's very difficult to displace, often doing an excellent job of commanding double teams and standing stout in his gap. Quadri has shown a quick first step, and he plays low enough to create effective leverage, which gives him a dangerous bull rush that he loves to deploy on guards when matched 1v1. Keeps his arms extended and has done a great job of refusing to allow O-linemen to lock onto him. Quadri plays down the line well and is dangerous on stunts and twists. I'm excited to watch him in Purple next fall.     A 2-sport captain (Football/Track) who recently received his first offer from MIAC member Macalester, and was named 2nd team All-Section for his postseason performance, Teferi has all the makings of a late-season stock riser. In terms of 5A offensive linemen, Teferi doesn't get nearly the love he deserves. He moves exceptionally well for a 280 lb athlete, and he plays through the whistle across all of his tape. He's had plenty of success pulling both ways and always manages to find work downfield. He finds work in pass-pro and when he's left unmanned on a 4-man rush, he'll teakettle the nearest locked up defender. I'll be curious to see where the big man ends up next fall.     A 3-year varsity starter at tackle and a 2025 team captain, Jackson is committed to recent NSIC addition Jamestown and has, over the last several years, solidified himself as one of the best linemen in the state. The big man was tasked with anchoring the blindside this season, and on his tape, he showcased a newfound ferocity this season. He's a true 320 lbs, and moves well for his size. He's got a handful of tape pulling, and his agility stood out to me, especially when compared with seasons past. He doesn't just rely on his size in pass-pro and has flashes of effective hand fighting. When he gets an angle on a down-block, that defender is going to find himself out of the play. Jackson is a high-upside prospect who I'm excited to see develop in college.     A commit to FCS powerhouse and frequent NFL talent producer NDSU, Barnslater is a certified PRZ Rankings Riser, a member of the MN All-Star game, and the definition of an athlete. He was forced to step into the QB1 role for Apple Valley this year, but his insane athleticism that got him that NDSU offer is still evident on his tape. His speed and quickness are bordering on the elite, and paired with fantastic acceleration, Barnslater is a legit problem as soon as the ball is in his hands. If I had to guess, I'd say Barnslater is a DB at the next level, in which case his potential for success is vast. Barnslater welcomes contact and can be seen disrupting passes with physical tackling, as well as having an impact as a boundary defender in the run game. I'm pumped to see what he can do in Fargo.     An Ivy League commit to Columbia since April, Ward is another verified PRZ Rankings Riser who had a standout senior campaign. This kid is QUICK on tape, noticeably always a step or two ahead of whatever DB is trying to cover him. He's not just athletic either. Ward brings solid route running to the table and flashes quick hips that benefit him on both sides of the ball. He can often make the first defender miss and holds onto the ball through big hits. I love Wards' potential at the next level, and can't wait to see what happens to him in the FCS.     Himmelwright is an uncommitted linebacker prospect who remains without a home so far. He possesses the frame of a standard middle linebacker, and combined with the insane energy he plays with, makes him an appealing prospect at the next level. Himmelwright plays downhill, and he plays downhill hard. He frequently is able to meet ball carriers at the line of scrimmage and has shown the ability to work through multiple lead blockers on the same play to get to the ball carrier. He has recently received interest from Hamline, Crown, and Georgetown, so I'm eager to see where he lands in the upcoming months.     Schroder split time in what was a secondary loaded with D1 talent, and doesn't have a ton of film out from his senior year so far, but what he does have showcases his athleticism and tenacity as a corner. He fights hard to get off receivers' blocks and crashes well when encountering a ball carrier. He's quick, no doubt, and has good enough speed to recover if he's beaten off the line. He's still looking for a home, and might be a pleasant surprise for a lot of MIAC/UMAC programs.     Pries is an insanely versatile athlete who saw significant time as both a TE and a DE during his senior year. He's got the potential to put on some weight in college, which would make his already aggressive blocking all the more valuable. He's got upside as a receiver too, flashing good hands on tape and showing how he moves fluidly with the rock in his hands. Tight ends are always valuable and sought after at the next level, so Pries should end up finding a place to ball next fall.     Whitley has had two fantastic years back-to-back, and he capped off his senior campaign with a stunning 112 total tackles, 3 ff, and 4 PBUs. For someone of his stature, he is incredibly light on his feet. Whitley fires out of his stance like a rocket and lays the wood once he connects with a ball carrier. He sets the edge well and forces ball carriers back inside, before flowing to them and making the tackle. He's a physical missile, always flying to the ball at 100 mph. He deserves far more recruiting attention than he's currently getting.

The Apple Valley 2025 campaign may have just wrapped up, but I wanted to highlight what was an incredibly talented group of seniors. There are a couple of committed guys who put out great tape, and a handful of high-level guys who have yet to find a home for next fall.