AAA Standouts: Minneapolis Edition Pt. 2

Continuing my coverage of high-profile AAA athletes, specifically from Minneapolis schools, I have 6 more up-and-comers who tout legit collegiate potential. With athletes ranging from having D1 offers to being on the verge of a serious breakout season, I'm pumped to present some more MN standouts!!    Russ is a returning varsity starter who has tape at both corner and safety. During the 2025 season, he racked up 37 total tackles, 1 fumble recovery, and 1 FF in 9 games. He doesn't have a ton of tape, but what he did have was encouraging, especially for a sophomore. He does an excellent job of tackling low, usually attacking the ball carrier's hips or lower. His pursuit of the ball carrier, on special teams in particular, impressed me, as he'll come flying in to make a big hit from seemingly out of nowhere. His utility in the run game is very underrated. I'd love to get some measurables on him going forward.     Robinson is a monster defensive lineman and arguably one of the most impactful football players in the city of Minneapolis. He currently holds 2 D1 offers, one from North Dakota and the other from FCS powerhouse NDSU. On defense last season, Robinson was extremely productive. He brought down 58 total tackles, 14 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 4 FF, and 3 PBUs. His tape is electric. He tears through offensive linemen like paper, showcasing a variety of moves in his bag that are all seemingly super effective. He can swim an offensive lineman before they take their first step, or he can bull rush them straight into the backfield. Robinson also does a fantastic job of playing down the line, highlighting his potential as an elite run stopper. Truthfully, he can line up anywhere on the defensive line. He's had a ton of success as an interior force and as an edge rusher. He does a standout job of collapsing run lanes, often successfully beating a double team in the process. This kid is mean, explosive, and he punishes offensive linemen for 4 quarters. I'm excited to see what he can do during his senior season.     Gatlin-Thompson had a solid level of production through 9 games last season, where he brought down 31 total tackles, 7 TFLs, and half a sack. Gatlin-Thompson was primarily an edge rusher last season, where he was able to utilize his agility to burn tackles both across their face and around the edge. He comes off the edge with surprising speed, and he's been able to disrupt plays in the backfield because of his explosive get-off. I love his motor and the effort that he displays when playing. Although he didn't find the QB often while pass rushing last year, the pressure that he was able to create expands beyond the stat sheet. That Camden defensive line is returning two studs, and it should cause real problems for offenses next season.     Jones is an absolute UNIT of an offensive lineman. He was listed at 6'4", 375 lbs last season and put forth some solid sophomore tape on the interior offensive line. At his best, Jones can bury defensive linemen, and he's more mobile than the typical prospect of his stature. He also does an excellent job of finishing his blocks, often following defenders to the ground in the process of pancaking them. When he pulls, it can have a devastating effect on whatever poor defensive end is going to be on the receiving end of one of his blocks. He does consistently look for work upfield, too, and when he locks onto a defender, he can completely erase them from the play. He's a prospect with upside to be sure, and I'll be following his junior season intently.     Abdus-Shahid is a versatile offensive lineman who also played a limited role on defense, where he tallied 9 total tackles, 1 TFL, and a forced fumble. His offensive tape is far more impressive, however. With experience at all three positions up front. Abdus-Shahih can get the job done anywhere he's needed. He's got a lot of junior tape at tackle, where his mobility shines. He's quick to reach the second level when run blocking, and makes great use of his hands in pass-pro. I'd like to see a little more bend in his knees at times, but his agility is legit, and he is an asset while pulling. His hand fighting in pass-pro is solid, he doesn't allow the defender to grab an anchor, and properly siezes the opportunity to lock into pads when it presents itself. He should be a welcome return in the trenches for the Polars next fall.     A 6', 270 lbs defensive lineman, Tolliver was a standout at the PRZ Stock Up Showcase in December, and has continuously made waves on the camp circuit this offseason, highlighted by his 5 flat 40-yard dash. In just 7 games last season, Tolliver racked up 27 total tackles, 10 TFLs, and an impressive 3.5 sacks. With a lot of tape as a DT, Tolliver showcases a mean streak and eye-catching explosiveness. He does a great job of splitting double-teams and works relentlessly toward the ball carrier. He's ferocious when tackling QBs and makes them pay at every opportunity. He's also got plenty of tape on the other side of the ball, where his success continues as a guard for the Polars. On offense, he's quick off the ball and touts plenty of upside as a run blocker due to his physicality and willingness to stick with a block downfield.

Continuing my coverage of high-profile AAA athletes, specifically from Minneapolis schools, I have 6 more up-and-comers who tout legit collegiate potential. With athletes ranging from having D1 offers to being on the verge of a serious breakout season, I'm pumped to present some more MN standouts!!