Minnesota Gophers 6/7 Prospect Camp: Underclassmen Top Performers

Sunday, June, 7th saw the the Minnesota Gophers second and final prospect camp of the summer come and go, but not without news! With double-digit college programs in attendance, in addition to the state's flagship university, host, and premier college football program, not to mention North Dakota State, South Dakota State, North Dakota, and a boatload of NSIC and DIIIs, prospects from around the country and from the 2027-2030 classes, not to mention JUCO players, this camp was a beast! Check out the June 7th, 2026 PJ Fleck RTB Prospect Camp's top 2028 and 2029 performers below!   --   Underclassmen & Overall Alpha Dog:    With the build, verified athleticism, and play all reminiscent of past blue-chippers that PRZ has seen in our time in MN, WI, IL, and Florida, let's call a spade a spade here and call [player_tooltip player_id='1555622' first='Jayden' last='Bates'] a blue-chipper. The 2029 blue-chipper was the not only the best underclassmen in attendance at the second PJ Fleck RTB Prospect Camp of the summer, he was the best player overall, and had a dominant showing during 1v1, padded competition in both run and pass-defense scenarios. Explosive get-off and tremendous play speed at his size, Bates was the twitchiest DE in attendance, but also highlighted his play with a tremendous and thundering bull rush that put a large upperclassmen OT flat on his butt in frightening fashion. Bates also had the bendiest reps of the camp, and some of the bendier reps PRZ has seen live, and he had a speed rush win where he dropped his hips, flashed that back and shoulder to the punching and setting OT, and bent that corner with NFL and Sunday-worthy ability.   Bates has recently announced a move to Denver metro powerhouse Cherry Creek, a very high-level and competitive program out west in Colorado, but holds a Gopher offer and should see his hometown team play a big role in his developing recruitment. Remember this MN born-and-bred talent's name, folks! Tremendous representation of MN ball.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Jaydenbates_/status/2064878860844306811 </div></figure>    Underclassmen Stock Riser:    The son of former Golden Gopher TE coach Rob Reeves, a 2x All-Conference and 1x All-American QB at Saginaw Valley in the '90s, [player_tooltip player_id='1651178' first='Brady' last='Reeves'] has been on a tremendous tear this current Summer Camp SZN. Coming into June with offers from North Dakota and Kansas, Reeves earned offers from South Dakota State and Miami (OH) after camping at Iowa, South Dakota and Iowa State offers after camping in Ames with the Cyclones, and offers from Vanderbilt, Wyoming, Eastern Michigan, and Southern Illinois offers after the Lindenwood Mega Camp. Reeves brought all that momentum into Dinkytown for the second & final Gopher camp of the summer, and he made it worthwhile, earning the lone Gopher offer from the entire camp and roster of prospects.   Nearly 6'3, confirmed 225 pounds, and long arms, Reeves was a standout and obvious top performer during every phase of the prospect camp, looking and playing more like a seasoned senior as opposed to a sophomore. Running with the TE group, the most loaded position group of the camp, Reeves, ith verified elite athleticism for his age and size, was closely watched during the camp, earning some "good job, Brady!" and "atta boys" after his performances during the 40, shuttle, and broad jump. Reeves, while being closely examined by PJ Fleck and GM Gerrit Chernoff during drill work and indy, was displaying quick, light feet and overall concise footwork and movement skills. He could flip and unlock his hips, transition, and change direction with more play speed and explosiveness than anyone in his group, and demonstrated little to no wasted movement, no matter the drill or pace of the coaching and exercise. Drill to drill, he was one of the fastest and best performers in the group as well. It wasn't a big surprise that Reeves earned the offer after the second and final Golden Gopher prospect camp of the summer.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Brady_Reeves18/status/2064168177802600591 </div></figure>    Top Performers    One of the biggest winners of the second & final Golden Gopher prospect camp of the summer, Grand Haven, Michigan was represented impressively by TE Grayam Beyer, a towering 6'6 rising junior with significant room to grow. Beyer did so well in testing that he was pulled by a few of the Gopher coaching and support staff, and he looked great during drill work, changing direction, dropping his hips, and getting out of his breaks with explosiveness, and flipping his hips and transitioning well, including breaking and unlocking his hips at 45 and 90 degree angle movements. During 1v1s, Beyer was displaying eye-popping speed as a route runner for his size, and his ability to drop his hips and accelerate at the top of the route was really giving SAFs a ton of issues during competition. The size and athleticism look like a prototypical future B1G TE. Beyer came in with offers from South Florida, Kent State, and Western Michigan, and with another good showing or two on the camp trail, and maybe some good junior tape, and the offers will come pouring in. The Gophers will be staying in touch with this TE out of The Mitten.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GrayamBeyer/status/2064172410555814096 </div></figure>     Florida's Lincoln Zadach made the trip from Estero worth it, walking out of camp with his first D1 offer. The NDSU Bison, who were well represented at the camp, pulled the trigger after watching the 2028 DB, adding to the tradition of Minnesota's staff recruiting the Sunshine State with an impressive hit rate. Tall, long, and explosive, Zadach, like your typical Florida skill talent, is very athletic, and he was a fun watch during drill work and indy with the defensive back group. Zadach was bendy, could get in and out of breaks and stick and plant smoothly and quickly, and looked very impressive working 90 degree transitions, led by the Gopher DBs. Didn't get to see him much during 1v1s but it wasn't a surprise he was the lone NDSU offer of the camp. Gophers will be watching this Florida DB/WR closely this coming season.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Z_18lincoln/status/2063811111640498523 </div></figure>     Representing the always-talented Kansas City area and Center High School, Johnigan was maybe the most vaunted recruit in attendance at the second & final Golden Gopher prospect camp of the summer. "Izzy" walked in with offers from Kansas State, Arizona, Minnesota, Texas Southern, and Iowa State under his belt, and he showed why on Sunday night in Dinkytown. Long, explosive, and had loose hips and nimble feet, a a huge catch radius with some juice at the top of the route. Johnigan could separate, as well as finish catches through tight coverage in the first and second level of the field, an always important trait for P4 TE prospects. Expect this kid's stock to climb throughout the Midwest's TE ranks this summer and fall.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/IsraelJohnigan/status/2053951114739871910 </div></figure>     Every time I see an Arizona prospect outside of the state in a camp setting, it seems to go well. As I've mentioned in a couple of the earlier evaluations, the TE group at the second & final Golden Gopher prospect camp was a doozy, and the most talented of any group on the gridiron that day. Centennial High School, in Peoria, AZ, around a half hour NW of Phoenix, has themselves a legit pass-catching talent in 2028 Torrin Hill. A bit of an inbetweener in terms of measurables, Hill was impressive during drill work and indy and absolutely outstanding during 1v1 competition. With smooth, explosive breaks and cuts thanks to his footwork and hips, Hill displayed very little wasted movement as a route runner, which he put to good use during 1v1s. Hill produced a crazy, fully-extended snag on a 50/50 ball on a helpless Minnesotan CB, and he showed even more body control on a back-shoulder snag after climbing the ladder impressively and easily. This   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/TorrinHill_TE/status/2064413544750424172 </div></figure>     PrepRedzone's OL MVP from the second & final PJ Fleck RTB Prospect Camp hailed from the Great State of Iowa. PCM's Hayden Shannon earned a ton of hard-fought wins against a variety of different rushers during padded 1v1s. Shannons' ability to stay engaged, post-contact, drop his base, and keep his feet and hands moving made for some dominant pass pro Ws, and he as strong enough to handle even the biggest DL representation during competition. Nimble, consistent, and overall tough as well. This Iowa native has future B1G OL written all over him.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/HaydenShannon28/status/2040566318638743570 </div></figure>     An obvious top performer out of a loaded OL group at the second & final PJ Fleck RTB Prospect Camp of the summer, Gerrit Dewaard represented his home state of Nebraska well. A mammoth of a sophomore, Dewaard, from his OT spot, was winning pass sets against speed rushers thanks to his patience and powerful strike, and any time he took a loss in 1v1s, he took the coaching, applied it, and then beat that very same rusher the very next rep. It was impressive to see him coached up and developed in real time, and Dewaard's tools were staring at you in the face, with his long arms, ability to create good angles and stay square, and keep those giant cleats moving both pre and post-contact. Good basketball player as well!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GerritDeWaard54/status/2063992019093987729 </div></figure>     Coming out of a powerhouse Pittsburg Central Catholic program, Roman Maurizio is a rising standout in the Pennsylvania 2028 OL crop of talent. Maurizio earned some good wins against high-level DL opposition, and he flashed an excellent ability to gain both depth and width in his pass set while staying square and patient, and he could also adjust laterally and stay in good body positions to play twitch or bend. Really liked the balance and body control in the big man. Bright future for this 2028 OL prospect out of the Great State of Pennsylvania!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/RomanMaurizio28/status/2037590780500475916 </div></figure>    Honorable Mentions    I'm currently writing this evaluation at a coffee shop in West Fargo, so shoutout to Sheyenne High School and Grayson Mowery! Oh yeah, and Mowery was also a standout OL performer at the second & final Golden Gopher prospect camp of the summer. The 2027 standout earned some hard-fought wins during 1v1s and showed he could handle both twitch and power with effectiveness. He had an especially impressive rep wherein Mowery completely stuffed a massive bull rush attempt from a huge DT prospect. Tough and strong, Mowery can also drop his hips, set his base, and really compete in the trenches in terms of strength and physicality.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GraysonMow/status/2062980690681983240 </div></figure>     A Canadian prospect who PRZ is well familiar with, Antayos Kabaalu is a very interesting DT prospect with a growing and well-traveled recruiting path still developing in front of him. Kabaalu earned a UND offer in the 2025 Summer Camp SZN, putting together an outstanding performance while padded up in Grand Forks, and as a now Canadian 2028/American 2029, Kabaalu had a good showing at a P2, B1G camp with the Gophers. Lead in his hands, and kept them active, Kabaalu can unlock his hips and win at the contact point thanks to his pad level and power, a deadly three-pronged combination that earned him some good wins against a highly-rated OL group at the second & final PJ Fleck RTB Prospect Camp of the summer. Total darkhorse but a real-deal talent nonetheless.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Antayoskabaalu/status/2062190621734076552 </div></figure>     An obvious talent out of the QB group at the second & final PJ Fleck RTB Prospect Camp of 2026, Michigan made QB Odin Spencer was also a member of the the All-Eye Test Team. Big, broad-shouldered, and big-armed, Spencer was delivering the ball with accuracy and timing, putting together arguably the best overall body of work amongst the 2027, 2028, and 2029 QBs in attendance, only behind the 2027 Gopher QB commit competing. Spencer had that "pop" in his arm talent that you see with only high-level QBs. I'd keep an eye on this talent out of the Mitten in the Gopher's developing QB 2028 arms race.     If you haven't been paying attention, South Dakota is on a recent hot streak of WR talent, and the tradition seems to be alive and well in the 2028 class with Braylon Treasure. Sioux Falls' product Treasure was dusting kids during 1v1s, displayed a good understanding of the route tree, and nuance as a route runner. Gotta like it when a kid is explosive and productive during competition.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/kaisenjones__/status/2063760704918917346 </div></figure>     Urbandale's Gabe Blanshan was easily the best LB at the Minnesota Gophers' second and final prospect camp of the summer. The lone underclassman to compete in the Big Dog LB group, Blanshan came in at 6'2, 220+ and could move, change direction, and flip his hips with noticeable fluidity for his size and age. Comfortable in space, which he showed later in competition against RBs, Blanshan was also explosive, strong, and impressive on the sled with Gopher LB coach Mariano Sori-Marin anchoring it down, and he was closing and squeezing space with eye-catching smoothness and ease against a quick, twitchy RB group. He also flashed his physical side and edge, and was looking to assert himself physically and aggressively when possible. I liked his combination of power and finesse, and he's only a 2028. Iowa's tradition of LBs doesn't hurt as well. Name to know in the Gophers' rising 2028 recruiting class and crop of prospects. Miami of Ohio has already offered!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Gabe_Blanshan/status/2061982156373553569 </div></figure>     Old Classic Lake Conference performer Hopkins has some seriously fun and diverse body types, positional talent, experience, and explosiveness coming back into the 2026 season. The Royals' were recently anointed the home of Minnesota's #1 DB in the 2028 class, and SAF [player_tooltip player_id='1715731' first='Xavier' last='Bailey'] had a good showing at the second & final PJ Fleck RTB Prospect Camp of the summer on Sunday. Bailey was bendy, fast, loose-hipped, and could transition smoothly during drill work and indy, and he flashed a beautiful, eye-catching one-handed INT during 1v1 competition to highlight his playmaking ability. I also like Bailey's ability to stay disciplined with his eyes, as well as naturally undercut deeper routes as they develop. He has the speed and quickness to take risks and make plays in man coverage. A busy 2026 Summer Camp SZN traveler and performer, Bailey is going to make all of these reps count in the fall with his Royals. Buy stock now!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/bailey_xav16869/status/2064685706635550792 </div></figure>     We were fortunate enough to see both of Minnesota's #1 and #2 defensive back prospects in the class of 2028. Cambridge-Isanti's Knox Andrus was an obvious top performer and eye-catcher out of the talented DB group that descended on Dinkytown. He tested well, was plenty bendy, quick, and explosive during drill work, and was nimble, loose, and noticeably fast during DB indy work. Andrus also was productive during 1v1s, showing off a sticky skillset that was breaking up passes left and right, especially on routes to the first and second level of the field. His ability to play with patience, knowing his elite quickness/explosiveness can get him to the catch point quickly, as he reads and recognizes routes, led to an impressive amount of pass break ups, some of which got the Gopher DBs in attendance especially hyped. Aggressive and sticky in coverage, I think Andrus did a good job of showcasing his man-coverage ability on Sunday night in Dinkytown.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/KnoxAndrus/status/2064049776916590782 </div></figure>     Another standout Colorado native and Denver-area product with some rare measureables and a high ceiling, Tobin Delle Donne was an eye-catcher at the PJ Fleck RTB Golden Gopher Prospect Camp on Sunday. Could improve his flexibility a bit, and is still growing into his body, but the Denver Christian sophomore had a good showing during 1v1s, displaying an impressive contested catch ability an an overwhelming, massive wingspan and catch radius. It was all an impressive combination on Sunday during competition.     A standout from the 2029 young buck group at the second & final PJ Fleck RTB Prospect Camp on Sunday, Naples product Jaden Phillips came into the camp with reported offers from Syracuse, Illinois, and Pittsburg recently, and his athleticism and overall play speed + skill were no match for the majority of his underclassmen competitors. Phillips was straight up burning a lot of the LBs he faced in 1v1 box-type drills involving mirroring and squeezing space from the LB standpoint and making a man miss in space for the RBs. Phillips could just outpace their pursuit angles for the most part, and his twitchy feet, natural acceleration, and tool bag of tricks and cuts in the open field also translated to his ability as a route runner and pass-catcher out of the backfield. Phillips was nasty at the top of the route and could burn LBs on wheel routes with ease. Big-time up-and-coming talent out of Florida's 2029 RB ranks.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/boom5jaden/status/2064153172956839973 </div></figure>     A transfer from Eden Prairie to the prestigious IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida, [player_tooltip player_id='2044606' first='Blake' last='Anderson'] made his homecoming worthwhile. A standout out of the QB group at the second & final PJ Fleck RTB Prospect Camp of the summer, Anderson has made significant growth and improvement in his frame, strength, and overall command of the pigskin on Sunday night. Anderson's touch was superb, and he was consistently dropping the ball in the bucket during both drill work into a simulated WR and net, as well as during 1v1s, when WRs were working vertically in particular. His arm talent, accuracy, and confidence were all in the spotlight during the Gopher's camp on Sunday night.     Long, rangy, and a physical eye-catcher and First Team All-Eye Test selection out of the DB group, Neenah has yet another stud back-end player in SAF Owen Fox. A legit 6'2+, Fox was impressively comfortable at the catch point, with great ball skills, comfortability under the deep ball, and advantageous length that he knew how to use to disrupt on a variety of different routes and WRs. Tested nearly off the charts for a sophomore as well.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/OwenFox32/status/2050678203694354747 </div></figure>     2029 [player_tooltip player_id='1719095' first='Antonio' last='Brown'] is looking like he'll make his debut as the WR1 in the upcoming PRZMN 2029 Official Ranking's Update. Hopefully coming next week. Brown, who asserted himself as WR1 before the second Minnesota Gopher prospect camp of the summer, solidified the status during 1v1s, stepping up against a highly-productive DB who was locked in and on a heat check, and produced a highly-effective, highly-eye-catching release with deadly footwork, easily stacking the DB and torching him deep. Brown looked different in that winning rep. Different like a budding FBS WR different. Buy stock now.    Worth Noting...    Wisconsin gunslinger Falkner was an eye-catcher out of the QB group at the second PJ Fleck RTB Prospect Camp of the 2026 summer. With an arm that could really flick the pigskin around impressively, PRZ saw Falkner throw some especially good balls on the move and from untraditional arm angles. Really like the arm strength he could generate on throws around the field as well.     A stud WR in the 2028 class, don't sleep on White Bear Lake's skill positions in 2026! Stuckey showed super quick feet working as a DB at the PJ Fleck RTB Prospect Camp, and he was flying out of his breaks and showed great ball skills, as well as awareness, during 1v1s. He could read and recognize routes well in man coverage.     In a high-volume RB group at the PJ Fleck RTB Prospect Camp, Armstrong's [player_tooltip player_id='1254584' first='Jahsir' last='Pinney'] did a good job of making an impression and making his presence known. Good footwork, little bit of twitch, and dynamic out of the backfield made for a standout showing during drill work, indy, and 1v1 competition.     Hill-Murray's [player_tooltip player_id='1643319' first='Grady' last='Buettner'] did a good job of making an impression and catching PRZMN's attention during 1v1 box drills in space with LBs. Buettner put a couple twitchy, effective moves in the simulated open field, showed some nifty footwork, and did a good job of setting up LBs, as well as reading and reacting quickly. Always like when a kid can make a man miss, especially an underclassman!     Only a young freshman, White Bear Lake's WR corps is absolutely loaded going into the fall, in large part thanks to the likes of [player_tooltip player_id='1715721' first='Biran' last='White']. A big-time athlete for his size and age, you're going to see White make a high debut in the upcoming 2029 PRZMN rankings update, but first, White's performance at the Minnesota Gophers prospect camp was something special. I saw White step up and easily stack and burn a 2027 MN DB with FCS offers like it was a walk in the park. This kid is explosive and knows how to create separation like a seasoned vet. Stay tuned for that aforementioned ranking's update!     We were blessed to see DB 1, 2, and 3 in attendance at the second & final PJ Fleck RTB Prospect Camp of the summer. Apple Valley's [player_tooltip player_id='1239133' first='Lyman' last='Myers IV'] was hanging with the Big Dogs of his DB group in terms of play speed, technical, and confidence, and he really came alive and was productive during 1v1 competition. His boatload of big school experience was showing up well, as Myers IV was comfortable and effective against all different kinds of routes, and was flying out of his breaks, staying sticky and in the hip pocket of WRs as they broke and tried to shake him, and was undercutting routes with lethal accuracy and timing at the catch point. Showed he could press with physicality and technique as well.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Lyman_Myers10/status/2064165438674645489 </div></figure>     Physically big new name to the PRZMN 2028 radar came to light at the PJ Fleck RTB Prospect Camp, the second & final Golden Gopher camp of the summer. Erickson was reeling in some impressive contested catches against tight coverage around the MOF, and was strong and tough through contact. Soft hands too. I like the size and pass-catching versatility and arm to his game.     Ombega earned some hard-fought PBUs during 1v1s at the second & final PJ Fleck RTB Prospect Camp of the summer. He was one of the more physical, as well as better overall pressers, out of the underclassmen DB group. We'll be keeping an eye out for Ombega on Rosemount's 2026 defensive roster this fall.     Representing Reedsburg, WI, Sawyer Mitteldstaedt did a good job of asserting himself and owning the spotlight during 1v1 competition against WRs at the PJ Fleck RTB Prospect Camp. PRZ saw Mitteldstaedt step up against a MN WR with some can't-miss competitive fire in his eye, looking like a predator looks at a potential snack, before stepping up to play press-man in physical, bully-like fashion. Mitteldstaedt is noticeably long, rangy, and technically-sound in man coverage, with a ton of room to fill in and some real-deal, verified explosiveness backing his game. Great looking SAF prospect in Wisconsin's 2028 class bumped his stock on Sunday night in Dinkytown.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Sawyer_M352/status/2064010006056305092 </div></figure>     Explosive out of the interior and is a mismatch thanks to his size/twitch combination. Plays very low, with noticeable bend, and thrives in physical settings as well. Is not 6'1 but does provide a ton of juice in pass rushing settings from the DL. Dynamic skillset as well.    --

Sunday, June, 7th saw the the Minnesota Gophers second and final prospect camp of the summer come and go, but not without news! With double-digit college programs in attendance, in addition to the state's flagship university, host, and premier college football program, not to mention North Dakota State, South Dakota State, North Dakota, and a boatload of NSIC and DIIIs, prospects from around the country and from the 2027-2030 classes, not to mention JUCO players, this camp was a beast! Check out the June 7th, 2026 PJ Fleck RTB Prospect Camp's top 2028 and 2029 performers below!