MN Defenders Making their Presence Felt in 2026

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>PRZMN</em> has been covering as many breakout athletes, new names, and productive prep football players as possible through the first couple weeks of the 2026 season, but as we roll into Week 3 and it's rescheduled 39 game slate for today, Thursday the 17th, we've noticed we haven't been giving defenders their fair share of attention. No worries, come meet some MN Defenders Making their Presence Felt in 2026. Only on <em>PrepRedzoneMN</em>! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- 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":"Cole Schwickerath","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_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":"210","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Monticello","_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aab67d77064c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>Monticello</em> is looking and playing like the #1 program in Class 5A through the first two weeks of the fall. The <em>Magic</em>, in addition to their awesome mascot name, have a plethora of talent on their 2026 roster, representing both established names and recruiting presences as well as under-the-radar sleepers and producers that could really improve a collegiate roster in the coming cycles. One of these sleepers is 2027 LB <strong>Cole</strong> <strong>Schwickerath</strong>, who has been living in the backfield of his opponents through the first two weeks of his senior campaign. <strong>Schwickerath</strong> tallied 4 tackles, 1 TFL, and 2 sacks against <em>Sauk</em> <em>Rapids-Rice</em> in their Week 1 win, and the senior followed it up with a 4 tackle, 2 TFL performance against <em>Alexandria</em> in Week 2. No film on Hudl or updated social media presence, but the size, production, and returning experience all bode well for <strong>Schwickerath</strong> and his projection to the college level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Alexandria Area Week 2: 4 tackles, 2 TFLs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>@C_Schwick22</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2250757"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aab67d770699"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><em>PRZMN</em> got an early sneak-peek at the <em>Paynesville</em> <em>Bulldogs</em> at the Bemidji State small school War on the Shore Team Camp this past July, and despite the heavyweight competition, the <em>Bulldogs</em> had a strong showing from both established names and recruits as well as breakout athletes and new names rising to the service. One of these new MN defenders making their presence felt in 2026 is <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2250757' first='Brayden' last='Meagher']</strong>, a 6'2, 170 lb. WR and DE/LB who is stuffing the stat sheets early into the 2026 season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Meagher</strong> has totaled 10 catches for 176 and 1 TD and 11 tackles, 2 TFLs, and 2 sacks so far in 2026, which included a 5 catch for 101 yards and 1 TD against <em>Kimball Area</em> Week 1. In the film from <em>Kimball</em> + the 48-yard TD reception clip publicly posted by Hudl, <strong>Meagher</strong> displayed good ball skills, amongst other strengths. The junior worked back to the football easily on an under throw, played the ball in the air while the DBs were disabled, then stuck his cleat in the ground and worked vertical, past the frozen DBs for a smooth TD run. Additionally, against <em>Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sunburg</em>, <strong>Meagher</strong> displayed more ball skills. He high-pointed an overthrow, fully extended while showing off his catch radius, not to mention some fight and YAC ability, pumping those legs and dragging/carrying a couple of DBs for extra yardage. Ate a big pop at the end from an oncoming LB. This kid has some juice on both sides of the ball! </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":"Grady Chapman ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_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":"220","_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":"Minnetonka","_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aab67d7706e5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Not surprising that <em>Minnetonka's</em> football program is still pumping out new names to the <em>PRZMN</em> radar, one of which is really catching our attention due to his pass rushing ability as an iDL. In 2026, <strong>Grady Chapman</strong> is really making his presence felt along the <em>Skippers</em>' DL, as he's posted 11 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 2 sacks in <em>Tonka's</em> first two victories from the fall, a 14-7 victory over <em>East Ridge</em> in Week 1 and a tight 7-0 finish over <em>STMA</em> in Week 2. The 6A 5T, despite not having any updated senior tape, proved himself to be a relentless DT in pass rushing situations in particular as a junior. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Chapman</strong> displays a good get-off, can slip through gaps from potential down blocks and zone run blocking schemes, and boy oh boy, is there pass rushing juice. The senior owns strong, active hand usage that can disengage from blockers and opponents, and he made a ton of plays in opponents' backfields as well. Strong tackler who will square you up, stick you, and easily prevent further yardage, and he's hard to tie up and corral around the LOS. High-level D3/NAIA recruit who would look great in one of the MIAC's various color and uniform combos. Can't wait for some updated senior tape. </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":"Hunter Wollenburg ","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'4u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"200","_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":"LeRoy-Ostrander/Lyle-Pacelli ","_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aab67d770729"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The <strong>Hungerholt</strong> boys have been taking up the majority of the attention from the <em>LeRoy-Ostrander/Lyle-Pacelli's </em>recruiting attention the past few cycles. However, that doesn't mean that the Cardinals' don't have more names to know, especially when it comes to their 2027 WR/DE/ATH<strong> Hunter Wollenburg</strong>. The standout multi-phase contributor has posted 12 catches for 212 yards and 2 TDs receiving, 9 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 blocked kick, and 1 pass defended as a senior. This includes a 7 catch for 123 yard and 1 TDs + 7 tackles and 2 sack performance vs.<em> Spring Grove</em> in the Week 1 win 28-7. Also went for 5 catches for 89 yards and 1 TD. 2 tackles, 1 BK, and 1 PBU un the Week 2 win over <em>Wabasha-Kellogg </em>47. Also a decorated hoops player but no football tape is available on his Hudl profile. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Update some film and/or socials, <strong>Hunter</strong>! </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":"Beckham Nelson ","_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":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"185","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2495","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Minnetonka","_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aab67d77077f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A 2029 DB that I am dying to see live, in-person, and/or on tape is <em>Minnetonka's</em> <strong>Beckham Nelson</strong>. A very promising sophomore earning hard-fought tick and playing time with one of 6A's traditional heavyweights, <strong>Nelson</strong> has posted 11 tackles, 2 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 1 INT through two weeks of action against MN Big School competition. Sadly, <strong>Nelson</strong> has hoops tape on Hudl with <em>Tonka</em> but no football film publicly available. No socials that we could find as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Beckham</strong>: update that film, young man! People want to see, evaluate, and admire your game. </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":"Bricker Haugrud","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"5'9u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"190","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Pelican Rapids","_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aab67d7707c3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who doesn't love a fullback? <em>Pelican Rapids</em> is home to a breakout bruising blocker + tailback + linebacker in 2027 <strong>Bricker Haugrud</strong>. The 5'9, 190 lb. bruiser has posted 29 tackles, 5 TFL, and 2 sacks + 22 rushes for 156 yards and 1 TD for the Vikings as a senior, but sadly he only has junior tape available on Hudl. Lucky for us, the junior film is impressive, and it shows off a two-way contributor with a nose for the football who puts his hat on the rock as a tackler. <strong>Haugrud</strong> is a strong 1v1 tackler with instincts and speed from his LB spot, but <em>PRZMN</em> really admires his ability to tote the rock with physicality as an offensive weapon. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Haugrud</strong> displays burst, contact balance, and physicality as a ball carrier. He demonstrates good vision and patience, shows an effective jump cut, and owns a a mean truck stick and knows how to run with physicality, pad level, and North-South power. Elusive, tough ball carrier who gets the most out of every carry and will never go down easy. <em>PRZMN</em> loves to watch this kid tote the rock and fight for every inch of territory. D3-type kid, can definitely see him in a Cobber uniform someday soon. Either way, college coaches need to hit up the <em>Pelican Rapids</em> program round out their 2027 recruiting classes. </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":"Owen Behm","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"field_62aba4ddecf30","player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"6'1u0022","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_height":"field_62aba4e8ecf31","player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"215","_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":"St. Thomas Academy ","_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aab67d770802"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A new <em>St. Thomas Academy</em> senior manning a DL spot has come to our attention in <strong>Owen Behm</strong>! The 2027 6'1, 215 lber. has some updated tape from the <em>Cadets</em>' Week 1 loss to the <em>Raiders</em>, and boy is it a good watch. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the film vs. <em>CDH</em>, <strong>Behm</strong> displays himself as a 3T with an explosive get-off and noticeable and impressive twitch. He gets to the backfield quickly and can create so much momentum that he can easily work through contact en-route to the QB. Impressive pass rushing juice from the interior, strong at the point of attack, can chop/rip through blockers easily, gap sound and technically sound, and shows off the speed and twitch get OL reaching and over their toes. High motor kid, plays really fast, lived in <em>CDH's</em> backfield, impressive pass rushing game as an iDL. Reports a 6'5 wingspan and has tallied 10 tackles, 3 TFL, and 3 sacks in two weeks of 5A action. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>@OwenBehm27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1552130"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aab67d770825"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Representing my alma mater <em>Minneapolis</em> <em>Southwest</em>, 2027 DE/EDGE <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1552130' first='Leif' last='Kranz'] </strong>is a player we've been monitoring closely has he posted 6.5 sacks in 2025, earning All-District and District DL MVP honors as a junior last school year. In 2026, he's off to a good start and beating those sack numbers, posting 2 sacks vs. <em>SLP</em> Week 1 in the 27-3 win, not to mention 6 tackles, 1 TFL, and 1 catch for 15 yards. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Kranz</strong> currently holds Carleton and St. Olaf offers, two of the most prestigious academic institutions in Minnesota, and his film from Week 1 against <em>St. Louis Park</em> displayed a pass rusher who can run the hoop and turn the corner, especially as a standup EDGE outside the tackle. <strong>Kranz</strong> can go speed to power, displays noticeable closing speed, and is comfortable tackling in space and can pursue to the edge. He also made a great snag down the seam in-between four <em>Oriole</em> defenders to show off his TE skillset and ability. Keep an eye on this 612 product in the state' ongoing race for sack artist of the year. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>@leifkranz14</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2124090"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aab67d770845"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Shoutout the <em>Northfield Raiders</em>! The 507 Class 5A competitor has taken over the <em>Raiders</em>' QB1 role in 2026, and he's running with the opportunity, especially combined with his usual production from his DB spot. <strong>Ness</strong> has posted 9 tackles and 2 INTs through two weeks of action, as well as going 13-21 (61.9%) for 253 yards and 5 TDs to 0 INT through the air + 9 rushes for 37 yards on the ground. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The junior year tape is all DB film, where <strong>Ness</strong> displays impressive defensive range in run support and pass coverage, acting as a rangy MOF defender in pass coverage from the defensive secondary. He's also a good tackler who runs the alley effectively and will come up and stick you from his safety spot. Noticeable quickness out of his breaks, naturally undercuts WRs with good timing. Good hands as well, and <strong>Ness</strong> does an overall great job of mirroring ball carriers, breaking down in space, and making strong 1v1 tackles to halt ball carriers in their tracks. No reported offers yet either! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>@Ness1Davis</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1655366"],"_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aab67d770862"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another 612 Minneapolis Public School product, <em>PRZMN</em> is heading to the state's 2028 class for this next evaluation and standout defender making his presence felt this fall. <em>Minneapolis Roosevelt's</em> <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1655366' first='Joey' last='Romano']</strong> is fresh off tearing up both the <em>Mesabi East </em>and <em>Bloomington Kennedy</em> OLs, and the 6', 205 lber. is sitting at 17 tackles, 7 TFLs, and 2 sacks through two weeks of action in 2026. This included an 8 tackles and 4 TFL performance in win vs. <em>Mesabi East</em>, not to mention his 9 tackle and 3 TFLs showing in the loss to Kennedy 18-13. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A 4-3 5Tech or standup EDGE 7T or wider, <strong>Romano</strong> lived in opponents' backfields the first two weeks. His get-off and overall play speed from the DE position are his biggest assets. Good tackler too. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>vs. <em>Mesabi East</em>, <strong>Romano</strong> was quick and displayed an explosive get-off and the ability to turn the corner. His strong, active hands don't allow OL to tie him up around the LOS, and he's a good tackler in space. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>vs. Bloomington Kennedy, <strong>Romano</strong> proved he can make tackles through contact, doesn't allow OL to play a full man and square them up, and owns an effective punch that puts OL on their heels at initial contact. He shows some twitch and lateral agility with his footwork, as well as the play speed helps him track down scrambling QBs behind the LOS. Talk about a 612 stock riser! </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>@JoeyRomano67297</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":"Lucas Asplund","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_player_name":"field_62aba4c9ecf2f","player_evaluations_0_player_details_graduating_class":"2027","_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":"215","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_weight":"field_65b288425ecf6","player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"2496","_player_evaluations_0_player_details_position":"field_62aba4f0ecf32","player_evaluations_0_player_details_school":"Grand Rapids","_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"},"alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6aab67d7708b5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700"><strong>Lucas Asplund </strong>is yet another installment and iteration of<em> Grand Rapids'</em> particularly strong recent output of fun, physical, athletic, and multi-phase contributors hitting the recruiting trail as of late. A well-built, powerful, and ultra-physical ILB/MLB, <strong>Asplund</strong> has posted 10 tackles, 5 TFLs, 2 sacks, and 2 FFs through the first two weeks of 2026, and he sure knows how to use that size to his advantage. The 2027 LB standout, who holds a UW-Stevens Point offer right now, has had two strong showings against both <em>Bemidji</em> and <em>Cloquet</em>. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>vs. <em>Bemidji</em>, <strong>Asplund</strong> reads and works underneath and in-between blockers in-real-time as run plays develop. He squares up and sticks ball carriers in impressively physical fashion, and the thumper (!) shows off great closing speed and is comfortable and effective tackling 1v1 in space. He attacks blockers (you don't want to be a RB in pass pro against <strong>Asplund</strong>), and is a tremendously physical, big-time thumper. Eats contact for breakfast, plays with his hair on fire, and consistently wins at the contact point. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>vs. <em>Cloquet</em>, <strong>Asplund</strong> flows to the ball smoothly, plays with good angles, and shoots gaps with pace and intent. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>D2s, D3s, and NAIAs should all get this <em>Grand</em> <em>Rapids</em>' LB on their radar ASAP. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>@LucasAsplund6</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->