PrepRedzoneMN 2027 Rankings Update: Most Explosive

Only a couple more features left of 2027 PRZMN Official Ranking's Update before I dive into the 2028 Update, and in the hopes of getting that done and completed as quickly as possible, I want to leave you guys with a healthy amount of content to consume while the update is underway. One of the last 2027-focused specials before we move onto the sophomores highlights the state's Most Explosive juniors in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Offense, defense, and special teams all represented! Enjoy.   --    Litchfield's 2025 squad was a manufacturing plant of rushing yardage last season. Led by one of the Most Explosive RBs in Minnesota, the Dragons' 6'2, 210 lber. [player_tooltip player_id='1633392' first='Anthony' last='Taylor'] - who is firmly on the Gophers instate recruiting board - is a tremendous runner, posting a ridiculous 1,997 yards and 30 TDs on an 18.5 YPC average as a junior. With big-time size, Taylor has a ton going for him, including an eye-catching performance at the 2025 UND Flagship Prospect Camp, putting up green testing numbers on a tremendous frame whose COD, hips, and general mobility we got a nice firm look at in Grand Forks. He's poised and primed for a big-time boost in the rankings and an outstanding Summer Camp SZN after helping Litchfield to a 8-4 record and 319 YPG average, according to MNFootballHub, in 2025.   Taylor opens his junior highlights with a dazzling first rep in which he spins through two LB's tackle attempts and a mass of bodies on the ground at the second level, runs through another tackle attempt, then carries a DB like a backpack for an extra 10+ yards in an electric display of strength and effort. The 6'2, 210 lber. follows it up by showing off some vision as takes a direct snap, zigzags and bursts upfield, cuts back against the grain, and then stiff-arms three, yes, three, defenders to the ground before racing upfield, gathering his balance, and stiff-arming another would-be tackler before getting hawked down near the goal line. He does show some homerun speed and ability, and Taylor is a violent runner who sent some defenders flying onto their butts in 2025 and owns a mean truck stick that will drop the pads and bring the physicality and aggression to the tackler and to the contact point.   Taylor is an electric blend of speed, power, size, and physicality, though I'd categorize him as a power runner first, and one who potentially projects to LB at the next level, but it's hard not to love his nonstop motor, lateral agility, and vision, as he sees and manipulates space as a ball carrier and packs a wallop at the contact point, with some of the best contact balance in the state regardless of class. Pay attention to this Litchfield Dragon as the Summer Camp Circuit approaches quickly.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/AnthonyTay4271/status/2031162407393853730 </div></figure>     The second of the two electric Hungerholt brothers out LeRoy-Ostrander, younger brother Reid Hungerholt is the least surprising pick for "Most Explosive" out of MN's small school ranks, given the fact that his career stats already pile up to an absurd 4,791 all-purpose yards, 47 TDs, 100 tackles, and 11 INTs going into his senior season with the LeRoy-Ostrander/Lyle-Pacelli co-op. The Gophers' DOR John Schaekel stopped by LeRoy-Ostrander Public School in January to see Reid, so I'm hoping we'll see him at one of the Gophers' prospect camps this June, and the younger Hungerholt is also a good hooper ranked on PrepHoops just outside the Top 150 in the state.   The junior highlights show straight-up small school dominance, as Hungerholt owns the speed to win while working completely East to West with the rock in-hand and is on a whole different plane of athleticism and elusiveness against 9Man competition. The stat-stuffer of the 2027 class displays game-changing speed that can go 0-60 in a blink, sees the cutback well as a ball carrier, and take a routine carry the distance at seemingly any given moment. He seems to weave and fly through traffic of pursuing defenses like he's in a different gear of speed. Hungerholt demonstrates impressive quickness and pace out of his breaks from either his CB or SAF spot, ballhawk who can see and anticipate the timing, concepts, and breaks of passes from opposing WR and QB tandems. PRZMN is very curious how he tests this summer, which will play a large role in the division of competition he will end up in. Must-know small schooler coming into the Summer Camp SZN hot!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/reidhungerholt2/status/1987637604553011416 </div></figure>     We obviously need some WR representation for the PRZMN "Most Explosive" special, and there's none better than Woodbury product and East Ridge High School 2027 [player_tooltip player_id='1360530' first='Akeed' last='Ali']. A long-time popular name at PRZMN thanks to some strong showings at PRZMN Showcases early into his high school campaign, Ali has nothing but green testing numbers in his game - clocked in the low 4.7s/high 4.6s in the 40 at PRZMN Showcases and, and a boat load of MVFC and FCS stop-ins this winter have us bullish on Ali's chances at earning some serious collegiate consideration during spring workouts and the Summer Camp Circuit.   Despite playing in a run-heavy offense led by Gophers basketball commit [player_tooltip player_id='1602754' first='Cedric' last='Tomes'] in 2025, Ali still managed to pop off 52 catches for 818 yards and 4 TDs last fall, and he displays the speed, vision, and playmaking ability to take a routine jet sweep or hand-off behind the LOS and ripping it for a TD against 6A defenses around the Metro. Ali owns the top-end speed to burn those last pursuit angles from defenders and finish big runs broken out in space for six, and he can go 0-60 in a blink. Has a great rep against Maple Grove where he slows and settles down to reel in a slant, then, in a second, he's back up and sprinting into the endzone without a Crimson defender being able to even lay a hand on the wideout. Plus, Ali is positionally versatile and especially dangerous out of the slot, displays some loose hips and is a burner of a vertical threat, and is shifty, powerful, and twitchy at the top of the route.   Ali flashes strong hands that can finish contested catches through tight coverage and aggressive hands looking to knock the ball loose, and he fires and shows noticeable power out of his cuts, which can happen at top speed with fluidity and effortlessness. PRZMN really likes his rep catching a deep post against I believe Stillwater, wherein the East Ridge junior gets decleated by the SAF coming back from the backside. However, as good, tough receivers do, Ali held onto the ball like his life depended on it! Gotta love the reliability and grit in the junior. Must-know WR in the state going into the offseason and 2026 season!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/akeedali_1/status/2018089498844799455 </div></figure>     Gotta have some defensive representation on this "Most Explosive" PRZMN special, and none better than Mahtomedi's standout 2027 LB [player_tooltip player_id='2126052' first='Will' last='Seevers'], who qualifies for more than his fair share of titles and superlatives as a rising senior prospect. Recent 2027 Ranking's Big Board debutant, Fastest LB in the State (?), Multi-Sport Standout, 2026 Class A All-Tournament Team for hockey, and big-time potential Stock Riser on the 2026 Summer Camp Circuit are some of the first that to come to mind when thinking of the linebacker and stat-stuffer. Before we get to the junior's game on the gridiron, it's worth mentioning that Seevers absolutely tore up Grand Casino Arena at the recent state hockey tournament, walking away with prestigious Class A All-Tournament Team honors after tearing up the tourney, scoring against Hibbing/Chisholm and adding the OT, walk-off, game-winner against Delano in an athletic moment the Mahtomedi class of 2027 won't soon forget. Seevers finished his junior season with 27 points in 31 games, finishing with 16 goals and 11 assists while helping lead the Zephyrs to a state playoff berth and a 3rd place, memorable finish.   Seevers has some serious skills on the gridiron as well, finishing 2025 with 95 total tackles, 20 TFLs, and 4 sacks while showing off sideline-to-sideline pursuit range, start/stop acceleration helps him make tackles all around the box, and the closing speed to get him on ball carriers hips in a hurry. Seevers is a strong tackler, which helps him to act as a weapon on kickoff coverage and special teams, and he attacks blockers with physicality while also doing a good job of utilizing his natural leverage advantage when working up and under blocking attempts from larger OL climbing to the second effort. Plus, Seevers packs some serious punch for size. We would LOVE to get him to the <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2210/register/exposure-series-minnesota-session-1">PRZMN Spring Exposure Series' stop in Plymouth, MN on April 18th. </a>Should be a huge offseason for Seevers this spring and summer.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ClassAHockeyGuy/status/2030337403588649315 </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/apx_hockey/status/2030743521989099840 </div></figure>   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/WillSeevers2027/status/2000987946737131800 </div></figure>     Mahtomedi has not one, but two, 2027 prospects qualifying for this PRZMN "Most Explosive" special, and 6', 195 lber. [player_tooltip player_id='1607795' first='Luke' last='Torgrude'] also is in a very small contingent of juniors in contention for the title of Minnesota's "Best Kickoff/Punt Returner." Seriously explosive, Torgrude totaled 15 PBUs, 3 TFLs, 2 FFs, 1 INT, 4 punt returns for 95 yards, and 8 kick returns for 295 yards, and he was one more tackle break away from 2-4 return touchdowns on special teams. Also a stud baseball player who manufactured a .407 BA last summer with a .507 OB%, 23 runs, and 14 RBIs, Torgrude was a Preseason All-State according to Prep Baseball Minnesota, and you can bet your butt he's going to see some serious Preseason All-State accolades this summer for his gridiron exploits.   Torgrude sets up, sees, and explodes through coverage holes as a kick returner, and he is fast and strong enough to break, step, and work through tackles attempts at full speed and in the open field. The 195 lber. is dangerous with the ball in-hand and is always looking to pop off a big play, and his three-phase utility is really impressive, which is reinforced by how smoothly and fluidly he changes direction and cuts at top speed. Torgrude is a press CB with noticeable bounce, which aides him in contested catches and 50/50 balls and also allows him to cover and play the ball with aggression from his cornerback stop, and he's sticky in man-coverage thanks to his good footwork, ball skills, top-end speed, and eye-discipline. The Mahtomedi product has an awesome rep of him forcing a fumble, which also happened to save a TD, after melting off his covered up WR and hawking down a loose wideout on the other side of the field, putting a big stick on the WR and forcing the ball loose at the 5-yard line, and I'm incredibly curious to see he tests and performs in football settings while unpadded this summer. Montana State stopped by to check in on Torgrude this winter, so someone besides PRZMN is zeroed in on this dynamic junior, but stay tuned as his recruitment in multiple sports continues to develop. And Luke: make sure to stop by <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2210/register/exposure-series-minnesota-session-1">Plymouth on April 18th for the PRZMN Spring Exposure Series stop</a>!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LukeTorgrude/status/1994219419841757409 </div></figure>     One of the darlings and breakout stars of the winter recruiting period, the SMB Wolfpack had the biggest turnaround of arguably any program in Minnesota last fall, and the Wolfpacks' pivot was helped by a Division 1 skill player and multi-phase contributor in [player_tooltip player_id='1792020' first='Ty' last='Malone']. The 6'2, 170 lber., who has earned offers from South Dakota State and South Dakota in the past couple months, finished 2025 with 20 tackles, 1 INT, 2 FFs, 13 catches for 229 receiving yards (17.6 YPC) and 4 TDs, and 259 kick return yards. Another 2027 very much in contention for the title of "Minnesota's Best Returner", Malone is a smooth, silky, explosive kick returner who can step and power through tackle attempts at his lower body, accelerate out of his cuts, and see and exploit space on special teams. Confident with the ball in his hand, Malone returned a KOR for six against Holy Angels and nearly broke a couple others throughout the Wolfpacks' 7-3 2025 campaign.   Malone also displayed his rare athleticism and playmaking ability later in his junior highlights on a simple hitch, as the 170 lber. seemed to jog by two tacklers, working back towards the rock, and stepping/spinning/pivoting 180 degrees away from a Winona DB before putting his foot on the gas and speeding upfield and away from the streaking safety like it was a jog around the park. The long, wiry three-phase standout displays great contact balance, is fearless over the middle, and can turn routine catches into game-breaking TD reception and runs, and I'm very curious about the speed - as Malone has a rep of him hawking down a loose RB from the backside CB spot in a beautiful display of speed and effort. Speaking of his DB skills, where I believe he best projects in college, Malone made some quick, effective breaks on the ball from his CB spot on both three-step quick game and deeper routes further downfield, and he owns the make up speed, ball skills, 50/50 ability, and general athleticism help him make a ton of plays on the ball from his CB spot. I can't get a good read on his hips, but he looks bendy and shows some foot speed in his junior highlights and I would LOVE to get some verified data points on his speed especially. No better way to get your summer camp circuit started with some momentum than by blowing the roof off the PRZMN Spring Showcase, Ty! Sign up <a href="https://events.prepredzone.com/e/2210/register/exposure-series-minnesota-session-1">here</a>!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TyMalone_/status/2018886661707383202 </div></figure>     One of the biggest and best sleepers, under-the-radar, and darkhorse talents in Minnesota's 2027 class comes out of Moorhead, but not Moorhead High School! Park Christian, who went 7-3 in 2025 as a Class A, Section 8 competitor, represents the private school option in Moorhead, and like many 2027s in the Fargo/Moorhead area right now, [player_tooltip player_id='1858670' first='Logan' last='Giese'] owns rare, special, and verifiable athletic and testing data points that reek like scholarship money. Giese, who is coming off a monster junior season as a RB, SB, returner, and sticky DB, posted eye-catching 2025 Outdoor T&F season times such as his 11.23 100M and 6.92 55M indoor 2025, already platforming him as one of the most dynamic and explosive 2027s in the Upper Midwest, not just Minnesota.   Giese can leave defenders trailing in the dust, and his game-breaking speed can tear a game and defense wide open at any second and on any kind of rep. Giese gashes coverage units as a kickoff returner, where he can work East-Wide patiently before a seam reveals itself, and he can outrun any and all Class A defenders once he sees daylight. Giese can cut at top speed, and his tool bag of moves in the open field helps him consistently make that free man and defenders miss. Plus, he's laterally agile and explosive when he sticks his cleats in the grass and gets vertical, can burst between the tackles and through the free safety and third level defenders before they can seemingly react, and demonstrates good contact balance for his size, thanks to his strong lower body which helps power those terrific track times. Additionally, Giese is a ballhawk of a DB whose top-end speed, instincts, and natural playmaking composition make a lockdown defender in both man and zone coverage alike. Shawn Kostich of North Dakota came to Park Christian in late January to check out Giese & co. this winter, so he's very much on the radar of local D1s and D2s, as well as displaying all of the pieces to be a massive stock riser and ranking's riser on our 2027 Big Board.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LoganBGiese/status/2015624242918748160 </div></figure>    --

Only a couple more features left of 2027 PRZMN Official Ranking's Update before I dive into the 2028 Update, and in the hopes of getting that done and completed as quickly as possible, I want to leave you guys with a healthy amount of content to consume while the update is underway. One of the last 2027-focused specials before we move onto the sophomores highlights the state's Most Explosive juniors in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Offense, defense, and special teams all represented! Enjoy.