Emergent Series: Class of 29′ Standouts from Class 1A MN

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In our second edition of <em>Emergent Series </em>for 2026, we move up to Class 1A MN, which showcased quite a large group of freshmen who immediately made an impact at the varsity level, whether through a significant amount of reps from the start or by the pure potential that they flashed in limited reps that could see them become regular starters in 2026. Here are 7 players from Class 1A MN from the class of 2029 that should be on your watchlist this upcoming season!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1699579"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696d2c7e7e12f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Springfield had another strong showing in 2025, and through their success came a batch of underclassmen that will look to sustain their success over the coming years. One of those underclassmen that stood out was [player_tooltip player_id='1699579' first='Conner' last='Schmitt'], who in just 3 appearances ran for 143 yards on just 11 carries (13 YPC) and 3 rushing TDs. Schmitt made up for his smaller size with impressive breakaway speed and an underlying level of strength, notably evident by his testing numbers, which include a 320 lb squat, a 315 lb deadlift, and an impressive 33" vertical jump. Schmitt should quickly find himself receiving more reps in the backfield heading into 2026, which will give him more opportunities to flash his big-play potential. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1716426"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696d2c7e7e1b7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">[player_tooltip player_id='1716426' first='Jackson' last='Kruse'] is in an interesting position for Tracy-Milroy-Balaton. He will likely have to wait another year before potentially taking the helm at QB with starter Aiden Sanow returning for his senior year, but with his size and athleticism, it's clear that the Panthers are trying to find other ways to utilize him in their lineup. He notably had a 51 yard TD reception earlier this season against BOLD. He also showed success at LB, though from his tape, it may be clear that QB will be his preferred position. He is fearless in the pocket with taking shots down the field while also being mobile, showing a strong arm and good mobility scrambling out of the pocket. Kruse's role and how he will be utilized for the Panthers will be interesting to watch heading into 2026. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Grant Daniels","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"155","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Fillmore Central","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696d2c7e7e2e0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the unsung heroes for Fillmore Central's defense last season was Grant Daniels, who made an immediate impact as a LB who excelled in run-support. Daniels ranked 2nd on the team with 60 total tackles to go with 2 TFLs and an INT. Daniels also contributed with 91 rushing yards and a rushing TD along with a receiving TD on offense. Daniels flashed as a steady force with solid closedown speed and an impressive level of power to drive the ball-carrier back. Daniels will be a strong contributor for the Falcons' defense over the next few years and he could also begin to see an increase in reps on the offensive side of the ball in 2026 as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Noah DeRoo","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'10u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"150","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Belgrade-Brooten-Elrosa","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696d2c7e7e397"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Noah DeRoo was a solid contributor to a defense that allowed just 15.5 points per game last season. Seeing most of his reps at OLB, DeRoo recorded 32 tackles (22 solo) and 1 TFL. Though modest in production, DeRoo did a great job as a contain defender, plugging the gaps against the outside run well and holding his own against swing blockers. DeRoo will need to work on his aggression with going after the ball more, but he received valuable experience as a lever-spill defender that could become a viable component to the Jaguars' defense going forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Bennett Bonow","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'2u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"175","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2409","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Lewiston-Altura","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696db22ccc52d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bennett Bonow is in position to be tasked with taking over the starting QB position in 2026 with the departure of senior Jayden Hansen. Bonow impressed in limited reps, finishing 7 of 14 for 154 yards passing and a TD over the air while adding 2 rushing TDs. Bonow also served as the team's primary Kicker, where he excelled in PATs throughout the season. Under Center, Bonow has the traits to excel as a solid drop-back QB who's not afraid to sling the ball down the field, though could work more this offseason in finding a more consistent stride with his throws. Bonow could take a big jump up in his sophomore year to becoming the leading QB under Center for the Cardinals' offense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Tim DeSmet","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'11u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"170","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2411","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Minneota","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696db22ccc63f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Seeing playing time at both LB and TE, Tim DeSmet made modest contributions to the 1A powerhouse Minneota as a freshman that should set the groundwork for a much bigger role with the team next season. On defense, DeSmet recorded 18 total tackles while catching one pass for 11 yards on offense. DeSmet's size may better suit him as a LB, and he flashed potential to be a strong presence in run support, including a 9 tackle performance against Yellow Medicine East, but with starting TE Brock Fier graduating following the 2025 season, DeSmet could see an increased role at TE, which with some added weight could really help with his development. DeSmet will look to continue extending Minneota's winning streak going forward as they chase a 5th straight state championship next season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":["not_in_db"],"_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_selected_featured_image":"field_62cca28ffa4e7","player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"Kade Fennern ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2029","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'3u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"275","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2406","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Martin County West","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"field_62aba4fdecf33","player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_club_program":"field_62d20e723441a","player_evaluations_0_player_details":"","_player_evaluations_0_player_details":"field_62aba4afecf2e","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-696e47ccd5e42"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Despite struggling to a 1-8 record, Martin County West found a gem on the trenches in Kade Fennern. In 5 games last season, the big-bodied lineman recorded 11 tackles and a sack. In limited reps, Fennern showed the physicality and motor required to excel on the trenches, proving to be a tough cog in the interior gaps to plug up the inside run. With several returning starters on the defensive line next season, it may be another year before we see Fennern receive full-time starting reps, but he should see an increased level of playing time as a rotational player heading into his sophomore year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->