Nate’s Favorite 2021 Signings: MN, ND and SD
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Because my bread and butter go across state lines, I figured now that National Signing Day has passed, it would be an excellent time to review my favorite signings for the class of 2021. To make it even more fun,…
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Continue ReadingBecause my bread and butter go across state lines, I figured now that National Signing Day has passed, it would be an excellent time to review my favorite signings for the class of 2021. To make it even more fun, I took my whole territory I scout and put them all together.
I introduce 18 prospects from Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota and why I love the signing their making at the next level with some details why!
Josh Buri Josh Buri 5'11" | RB Stewartville | 2021 MN , RB, Stewartville (MN)/Brookings (SD)
I remember it like yesterday; Buri and another Stewartville Tiger were headed to Brookings, South Dakota, to get their senior season while Minnesota played games while the rest of the states played ball. From the start, Buri’s main goal was to play Division I college football, and he was going to do whatever it took to achieve that goal.
After a season of powering over defenses averaging over 10 yards per carry, the Division I’s Buri was trying to attract were starting to take more notice, especially the one right in the heart of Brookings Bobcats country SDSU. Buri started with a PWO from South Dakota and the same from SDSU, but when that PWO turned into an offer from the Jackrabbits, it was a no-brainer for Josh Buri Josh Buri 5'11" | RB Stewartville | 2021 MN . The Jackrabbits are getting a very hard-working kid that was not afraid to bet on himself to make sure he got what he wanted, a chance to play Division I football. Buri is one of the most physical runners I have seen in the three states I scout for Prep Redzone, hands down.
Commitment: South Dakota State
Trent Finney Trent Finney TE SMB | 2021 State MN , TE, SMB (MN)
Finney was a player that was on our radar for a while, but one I first got to see in person this summer. Trent is a player that’s had to make a transition. He transformed from being an offensive lineman to one of the most elusive quarterbacks Minnesota has seen in years in Jalen Suggs Jalen Suggs 6'4" | QB SMB | 2020 State MN to dropping some frame and moving to a tight end as a senior.
I watched the transition all summer working with the Hitmen and E-Money in training. By the start of the season, Trent Finney Trent Finney TE SMB | 2021 State MN was the best put together, college-ready tight end Minnesota had to offer in my book. He goes to an NAIA program in Grand View that is a proven winner and wins with character, which is something Finney has a lot of. He also has a lot of versatility; he’s one that can throw some blocks and has reliable hands when you need a first down. Grand View got a steal in this kid.
Commitment: Grand View (Iowa)
Deezwin Cooper Deezwin Cooper ATH Totino-Grace | 2021 State MN , ATH, Totino-Grace (MN)
Cooper was another one that “bet on himself” but followed a different path than the others. I watched Cooper in their Pumpkin Bowl game Holloween night at Anoka and watch who’s sent us film after film put it all together on the field.
His jamming ability stood out to me against the Tornadoes, as he was just all over the field, offensively and defensively. I had watched his film before the game, and he defined the term: playmaker. Somehow and someway, Cooper only held one NAIA offer and a PWO from Western Illinois. Cooper showed he was a high-level scholarship player; he just was scraped by the year 2021, where projected kids are dropping down Divisions. He’ll get “bet on yourself” year at Ellsworth CC in Iowa Falls, Iowa, where he’ll look to light a spark in the secondary for the Panthers to hopefully get a Divison I offer.
Commitment: Ellsworth Community College (Iowa)
Bennett Lecher Bennett Lecher 5'11" | WR Litchfield | 2021 State MN , WR, Litchfield (MN)
Ignore the #300 ranking; Lecher will be one of our top climbers in our 2021 rankings. I got the opportunity to watch this kid live this fall, and his playmaking ability was outstanding. Besides Kristin Hoskins, Lecher might have the best twitch in his feet in the entirety of the Outstate.
Dordt is getting an absolute steal in this kid as they’ll get two Dragons in their 2021 class the other being OL Christian Kelsey Christian Kelsey OL Litchfield | 2021 State MN . When I had a conversation with Lecher this fall, it sounded like he would have gone the Division II route o the Northern Sun if the season had ended that day. Seeing the Defenders grab this under the radar (but shouldn’t be), WR is going to be one of the steals of prospects in our 2021 rankings. Lecher is a hard-working kid that will put in the work for the Defenders and be a high-level performer in NAIA.
Commitment: Dordt (Iowa)
Emmet Kenney Emmet Kenney K Fargo Shanley | 2021 State , Kicker, Fargo Shanley (ND)
The strongest leg in all of the Dakotas, and even I would say in the Midwest, is Emmet Kenney Emmet Kenney K Fargo Shanley | 2021 State of Fargo Shanley. Kenney was a prospect that was locked in on a bunch of FCS radars throughout the Midwest until Stanford swooped in completely out of nowhere.
Kenney’s commitment made it pop in our rankings, making it two FBS commitments inside our top 20 and the only two FBS commits across our entire board. Kenney’s kicker film is electric as he set the North Dakota state record with a 58-yard goal this season and, on one occurrence during the regular season, made two kicks over 50 yards. I know Kenney will have a strong advantage going to play for the Cardinal, as North Dakota winds with not much to stop it are a lot worse than sunny, not so windy Northern California.
Michael Moore Michael Moore 6'2" | DB Minneapolis Edison | 2021 State MN , DB, Minneapolis Roosevelt (MN)
When I came across Moore for the first time, I loved his film; when I found out that as a junior, that was his first year of varsity football, I was blown away by his level of potential.
After grabbing some Division III roster spots from schools across Minnesota and Wisconsin, Bemidji State saw that potential we had talked about so many times on PRZ Minnesota. I also got to see Moore live at the Pylon7on7 tournament in Maple Grove, where I got a great glimpse of his remarkable character. Moore’s great strength will be for the Beavers is his length, standing at 6’2 and having quite long arms to stretch for a ball in the secondary.
Cody Frounfelter Cody Frounfelter 6'0" | 210 lbs | RB TGU | 2021 State , RB, Towner-Granville (ND)
Fraunfelter was one of the first 9-man prospects I got my eye on when I launched the Dakotas site. One word to describe Cody? A bully. His running ability reminds me of how fellow North Dakotan and former Viking Jim Kleinsasser used to bulldoze over defenders with his power and man amongst boys running command.
Another strength Valley City State is getting is a prospect that can gain a ton of yards after contact as it takes an army of defenders to take him down. Frounfelter also has an excellent one-cut ability inside to help bring his game to Valley City.
Max Soeth Max Soeth OL Moorhead | 2021 State MN , OL, Moorhead (MN)
Soeth gets my nod for one of the most grittiest Centers in Minnesota. This kid is fearless and not afraid to lay a punch. When you break down Soeth’s film, you have to be shocked that a prospect like him fell to the Division III level. He can finish blocks, drive the bus upfield, and get deep into the first level with his blocking schemes.
Soeth was probably the biggest steal on this list. What a grab of hometown talent for the Cobbers!
Commitment: Concordia (MN)
Austin Lake Austin Lake QB Tea Area | 2021 State , QB, Tea Area (SD)
Another future Cobber is Tea Area’s Austin Lake Austin Lake QB Tea Area | 2021 State . Lake was a tough commodity to find via film when I first launched the Dakotas site, but from what I read, everywhere was having an exceptional year for the Titans. Once I got my eyes on virtual scouting a Tea Titans game, I knew this kid was a game-changer.
Lake has an excellent touch on his throws deep. He stands out most because his ability to extend plays with his legs and scampering is one of the best in Eastern South Dakota.
Brayden Weber Brayden Weber 6'2" | LB Becker | 2021 State MN , LB, Becker (MN)
One of the most low-and-high recruiting paths I saw this year was right up the road in Becker LB Brayden Weber Brayden Weber 6'2" | LB Becker | 2021 State MN . After a scare on the wrestling mat that was nearly fatal, many programs backed away from our best linebacker in the state until one and then two jumped on board. Weber is a complete ballhawk whose physical stature (6’2 255) is a scary site when he enters your team’s backfield. His physicality off the line is fierce, and his shedding ability is powerful.
I was shocked to see late in the 2020 recruiting season that Weber got his first offer from Dordt (Iowa) after being a projected Division I prospect by myself and our Minnesota scouts. In mid-December, Weber came out of the left-field, committing to North Dakota State for football and following plenty of Becker Bulldogs that have been very successful in Fargo. Weber’s commitment to NDSU had to be my favorite of the 2021 season. A player that had to overcome so much adversity in Fall, and even though he was business as usual on the football field playing his rear end off for the Bulldogs, it finally came thru. Hence why I always say: “Good things come to those who wait.”
Commitment: North Dakota State
Ben Westling Ben Westling OL Princeton | 2021 State MN , OL, Princeton (MN)
Westling is another prime example of good things coming to those who wait. I was impressed with Westling in the late summer when I attended one of the Tigers camps. Westling showed in that camp and on film that he has a sound finishing ability and keeps his man down when he pancakes them on the ground. Westling also is mobile with his great measurables (6’4, 290) that can aggressively pull block around the line.
During the three days of January 18th-January 20th, Westling turned in three Division II football opportunities, two from the Northern Sun and the RMAC. Westling jumped on his first opportunity, Black Hills State.
Commitment: Black Hills State
Sam Valor Sam Valor 5'10" | RB Monticello | 2021 State MN , RB/DB, Monticello (MN)
Valor has some very twitchy feet, to say the least. Another thing to point out is his burst because if he gets by you, good luck catching him as he’s also was a great track and field star for the Magic.
Valor was one that had some early roster spot opportunities at the Division I level, but his goal from the start was to become a Division I prospect, which he achieved. After another Pioneer League program went with another guy in their running back room, Valor sparked another conference interest. Sam is also a fantastic student with a 4.0 GPA, so finding a program where he can use his burst and academics like Davidson is such a great match.
Commitment: Davidson (North Carolina)
JJ Williams JJ Williams 5'8" | 180 lbs | RB Willston | 2021 State , RB, Williston (ND)
Williams was another diamond in the rough prospect I found when growing the Dakotas site. What I loved about his film is how elusive of a runner he really is. His ability to be a speedster but take the bulk of his carries up the middle is what made me such a fan.
My projection turned out to be correct, as I had seen Williams as a Division II prospect. After plenty of NAIA offers, a non-scholarship Division I offer, the most local program in proximity to Williston swept in and gave Williams an offer. Within a week, it was a no-brainer to stay close to home and play college football at Minot State, which I think is a solid fit for Williams to improve his skill set in one of Divison II’s best conferences.
Commitment: Minot State
Isaac Burgett Isaac Burgett 5'9" | ATH Alden-Conger/Glenville-Emmons | 2021 State MN , ATH, Alden-Conger/Glenville-Emmons (MN)
One of my favorite parts of this job is pulling up a map and just saying I’m going to scout this area I know little about, and that is exactly how I found Isaac Burgett Isaac Burgett 5'9" | ATH Alden-Conger/Glenville-Emmons | 2021 State MN of ACGE.
Not only do I love how Burgett is so versatile you can line him up anywhere, but man, I love this kid’s hustle. Burgett is one of those players that plays so much bigger than his size might read. His strength in his legs to get so many yards after contact will make this kid a huge asset at the NAIA level at Waldorf. Burgett also has a fantastic character and an outstanding team-first attitude.
Commitment: Waldorf (Iowa)
Tucker Haakonson Tucker Haakonson ATH Rocori | 2021 State MN , ATH, Rocori (MN)
The biggest thing that stuck out to me in Haakonson live was his length, and why the heck doesn’t this kid have a football opportunity yet? Paging thru a few months later, I love where Haakonson ended up.
I’m intrigued to see where the UW-Stout Blue Devils are going to line Haakanson up. He’s got great brakes to be a fantastic slot receiver. He had some critical interceptions in the Spartan’s shortened season. He had one of the best three-game stretches for a wide receiver from quarterback Camdyn Bauer the state of Minnesota saw this year. Man, I’m looking forward to watching Haakonson in Menomonie and the WIAC from Minnesota’s 2019 state champions in 4A, and in my honest opinion, got my vote for 2020 state champions as well.
Commitment: University of Wisconsin-Stout
Jack Drobinski Jack Drobinski 6'2" | 210 lbs | QB St. Michael-Albertville | 2021 State MN , QB, STMA (MN)
I got to watch Drobinski this fall in the My7on7 League, and I will admit the Royals got a steal. Drobinski is extremely poised in the pocket and has good awareness to hit the best player available in stride.
Drobinski is also a quarterback that can extend plays with his legs and has a decent burst of speed to log some yards on the ground when needed. Drobinski is a very alert quarterback that will be a successful player for Bethel in the MIAC.
Commitment: Bethel University
Tyler Feldkamp Tyler Feldkamp 6'0" | 190 lbs | WR Sioux Falls Roosevelt | 2021 State , WR/DB, Sioux Falls Roosevelt (SD)
The Dakotas most dangerous threat on three sides of the ball, offense, defense, and special teams, was Tyler Feldkamp Tyler Feldkamp 6'0" | 190 lbs | WR Sioux Falls Roosevelt | 2021 State . He just has so much downhill speed it’s not even fair. His versatility is off the charts; what more could you want out of Feldkamp?!
I certainly thought Feldkamp had caught the eye of some Power 5 suitors, but the fact that South Dakota State could pull in a more local approach to grab Feldkamp and his secondary teammate Tucker Large Tucker Large 5'11" | 170 lbs | DB SF Roosevelt | 2021 State speaks volumes of the Jackrabbits coaching staff. Feldkamp is so equally talented on both offense and defense its anyone’s guess where he’ll play in Brookings, but I can tell you this, don’t be surprised if this kid is one of the most dominant returners in Missouri Valley Conference in the coming years.
Commitment: South Dakota State
Parker Theobald Parker Theobald DL Stewartville | 2021 MN , DL, Stewartville (MN)/Brookings (SD)
Theobald was the other Tiger turned Bobcat crossing state lines to get his high school football season. There was no defensive lineman in the backfield more in the Dakotas than Theobald had with the numbers he put up. When you roll back Parker’s film, it almost has you like, “did they forget to block him?!” Sometimes that is the case, but from my eyes, he’s so quick at shedding off blocks if you blink, you might miss it.
Theobald, much like his Stewartville teammate, was patiently waiting for that Divison I opportunity. Theobald had a bulk of Northern Sun offers, but it was clear that Theobald, much like Buri, wanted and, in my opinion, was deserving of playing Division I football. Just like how they moved to Brookings as a pair, they’ll continue to unite right there in Brookings, a city that made a big splash to get them to Division I football in their senior year.
Commitment: South Dakota State