PrepRedzoneMN Stock-Up Showcase: OL/DL Standouts and Notes
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Yesterday, over 200 athletes from Minnesota and Wisconsin descended on the Brooklyn Park Sports Dome to compete in what is inarguably the premier high school football showcase in Minnesota. With athletes representing all parts of Minnesota and every classification of…
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Continue ReadingYesterday, over 200 athletes from Minnesota and Wisconsin descended on the Brooklyn Park Sports Dome to compete in what is inarguably the premier high school football showcase in Minnesota. With athletes representing all parts of Minnesota and every classification of football the state has to offer, our scouts, other media members, and college coaches from three different levels of college football (not to mention the P5, FBS, and FCS programs receiving testing results while adhering to the dead period that included the 17th), we were treated to hours of high-quality athletic testing (40, short-shuttle, broad jump, L-drill), position-specific coaching and individual time from college staff, and competition against the best the state has to offer, not to mention the recruiting bonuses. After what was a fun, thrilling, eventful, and tiring day of action, I’m pumped to present my notebook of top performers, sleepers, stock-risers, and dark horses from Session 1’s OL and DL of the PrepRedzoneMN Showcase, which were our most loaded position groups of the entire event, both in top-end talent and depth.
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OL:
Overview:
Stacked to the brim with size, talent, experience, youth, and real-deal recruiting muscle, the offensive line group at the PrepRedzoneMN Showcase was one of our most talented of all time and lived up to the hype during all three portions of Sunday’s event. With multiple P5 offerees in attendance, highly ranked 2025s and 2026s battled for MVP status, rankings placement, competitive advantage, bragging rights, and iron-sharpens-iron prestige. It was quite the clash of titans, and some Alpha Dogs were cemented with clear-cut P5 status as our scouts, 247/Sports Ryan Burns, DII and DIII college coaches, and parents looked on. Classically, some young took some lumps, and the Outstate underclassmen used to run blocking and hard-nosed, straight-forward, run-heavy offensive attacks when asked to pass set against seasoned, big-time 6A pass-rushers from the Metro. However, competition only cultivates improvement, and as stated above, iron sharpens iron, so those same young bucks will be confident veterans coming out on the winning end of these 1-on-1 reps in no time. The Top 3 performers of both the OL and DL position groups are very promising collegiate recruits and some of the top performers were pleasant surprises or even came from completely off the radar for breakout performances in Brooklyn Park. Check out the best of the best below!
Oliver’s Top-3 Most Noticed OL Standouts:
MVP: Ryan Babatz Ryan Babatz 6'4" | 275 lbs | OL Buffalo | 2025 State MN (Buffalo) – 6’4.75″, 279 lbs.
The Alpha Dog and #1 Performer of the Offensive Linemen goes to Buffalo’s 2025 OT Ryan Babatz Ryan Babatz 6'4" | 275 lbs | OL Buffalo | 2025 State MN , who measured in at a verified nearly 6’5 and 280 pounds, showing the necessary size to play P5 football in the future, although a slide inside to guard may be a possibility. In addition to the size box being checked, Babatz has the overall strength to block and dominate top-notch competition in the Midwest, and was impressively comfortable and effective in pass protection, especially compared to the other heavy hitters in attendance. Technically sound, had a powerful lower body that helped him drop his base and absorb contact very well at the point of attack, and showed off good timing in his punch and balance throughout drills, testing, and competition. Additionally, to solidify his athleticism, Babatz posted a 5.28 40, 4.94 short-shuttle, and an 8’11” broad jump. He came in during the Best of the Best 1-on-1s at the end of Session 1 after a full day’s work and comfortably handled and beat superstar 2026 DE Howie Johnson Howie Johnson 6'4" | 250 lbs | DL Forest Lake | 2026 State MN (we’ll get to him later) in a 1v1 rep towards the end of the morning. Big, strong, agile, balanced, and flexible, he’s cemented himself as the Top Dog of the promising 2025 OL class in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Great showing, Mr. Babatz.
Bib #209: Peter Okafor Peter Okafor 6'3" | 350 lbs | OL Park Center | 2025 State MN (Park Center) 2025. 6’2, 350 lbs.
A breakout star of the PRzMN Showcase and a new dark horse in the talented 2025 crop of OL in Minnesota, Park Center’s Peter Okafor Peter Okafor 6'3" | 350 lbs | OL Park Center | 2025 State MN was a brickwall in pass protection and really showed out during 1v1s at the end of Session 1. I came away quite impressed, as he was strong at the point of contact, could drop his anchor and stonewall talented DL in pass pro, had a heavy punch, displayed a clean pass set, and was balanced through contact and when working laterally. Has some work to do on his body as 350 is rarely the ideal weight to play college ball at, but he moves well at the size and is far from unincumbered movement-wise. Lots to like in a very powerful and balanced skillset.
Bib #182: Jayden Gournaris Jayden Gournaris 6'2" | 270 lbs | OL Farmington | 2025 State MN (Farmington) 2025. 6’1.5″, 260 lbs.
PRzMN has had Farmington’s standout rising senior OL Jayden Gournaris Jayden Gournaris 6'2" | 270 lbs | OL Farmington | 2025 State MN for a while, as he’s going to be a three-year starter this upcoming fall, but he really took some leaps forward in my eyes after his performance at Sunday’s PrepRedzoneMN Showcase. Stout in pass protection, technically sound, evident strength influenced by that excellent Farmington strength & conditioning program, and quick and active feet that helped him handle inside-breaking pass rush moves, Gournaris played well during the all-important 1v1s and looked like a consistent and effective interior defender in run and pass blocking situations. He’ll see a good rankings bump thanks to his performance in the PRzMN Showcase in the upcoming 2025 rankings update.
Other Standouts and Top Performers:
Bib #198: Trey Boyd Trey Boyd 6'5" | 270 lbs | OL Shakopee | 2025 State MN (Shakopee) 2025. 6’5.5″, 247 lbs.
Shakopee is chock-full of young talent right now and is poised to make a deep run at that 6A title next year, and they’ll be headed by stud offensive tackle Trey Boyd Trey Boyd 6'5" | 270 lbs | OL Shakopee | 2025 State MN , who headlined the top-tier recruiting talent at the PRzMN Showcase. Boyd took some licks throughout the day, but a lot of that is most likely due to Shakopee’s triple-option, run-heavy offense and a lack of experience doing pass protection, especially in a hyper-focused, 1-on-1 camp setting, but I really his long, lean frame that could pack on a ton more weight in a collegiate S&C program, and he showed some lateral power and balance in pass pro situations and an effective punch when he could land and time it out right. Plus, with the dominance he shows on tape, the ready-to-be molded frame, and I’m excited to see how his recruiting process continues to develop. Cinci and Iowa State have offered so far.
Bib #216: Amir Downs Amir Downs 6'2" | 370 lbs | OL Patrick Henry | 2024 State MN (MPLS Patrick Henry) 2024. 6’1, 369 lbs.
Arguably the top unsigned OL at the Showcase, the 612 product had a good showing during competition and could handle power rushes if he won inside hands and was a strong kid at the point of attack. I’ve heard Augsburg is firmly in the mix and I think that Auggie staff would do a great job of developing him and utilizing that raw strength and physicality. Patrick Henry had one of their best years in a long time and football wins start and end in the trenches, especially in Minnesota, so Downs owns a lot of that credit for the Patriots 2023 success lays on his shoulders as well.
Bib #211: Noah Dietel Noah Dietel 6'6" | 295 lbs | OL Litchfield | 2026 State MN (Litchfield) 2026. 6’7, 290 lbs.
A gigantic sophomore OT with now-verified size at an eye-catching 6’7, 290, Dietel possessed good quickness and lateral balance and tested well in the short-shuttle as a young and still-developing OT. Dietel’s length was utilized well in pass-pro reps, and although he got caught reaching and lunging on a few reps, he still showed the ability to overwhelm quality opponents once he got engaged with them. I’m excited to see how he continues to develop and grow into his body.
Bib #210: Jacob Stevens Jacob Stevens 6'4" | OL Chatfield | 2025 MN (Chatfield) 2025. 6’4.5″, 260 lbs.
Chatfield has a couple must-know 2025s coming up this offseason, which absolutely includes the big-bodied Jacob Stevens Jacob Stevens 6'4" | OL Chatfield | 2025 MN . Must-mention verified size, performed well during 1-on-1s, and is a force in the small school ranks of the Southern MN trenches.
Bib #212: Andrew Trout Andrew Trout 6'6" | 270 lbs | OL Rocori | 2026 State MN (Rocori) 2026. 6’6.5″, 270 lbs.
Talked to Andrew for a while after Session 1 concluded and he’s a really good kid with a good head on his shoulders coming from a top-notch coaching & development staff at Rocori. Also is absolutely massive and has a P5-worthy frame and wingspan that he utilized well during 1-on-1s. Big hands and could adjust laterally well. Took some licks through 1-on-1s but is a young buck getting thrown into the fire, but I like the competitiveness and raw ability at his age and size.
Bib #214: Cooper Mansfield Cooper Mansfield 6'10" | 300 lbs | OL Elk River | 2025 State MN (Elk River) 2025. 6’9′.5, 275 lbs.
The tallest PrepRedzoneMN attendee we have ever had is certainly an eye-catcher. The size alone will get P5 programs to take a flier out on the rising senior, who could really be a big-time development project down the road. Put some solid reps on take as a junior at Elk River and I could see why he was dominant at the point of attack this fall. The sheer size and long arms could overwhelm defenders and get him out of situations where average sized blockers would lose a rep. You gotta keep his name on your radar for this upcoming recruiting cycle.
DL:
Overview:
Star-studded, explosive, and D1-caliber defensive linemen were littered all over the PrepRedzoneMN Showcase on Sunday. Excellent variety of body types and skill sets, graduating skillsets, and DL positions, along with an emphasis on youth and raw ability, the DL group was undoubtedly led by Howie Johnson Howie Johnson 6'4" | 250 lbs | DL Forest Lake | 2026 State MN (Forest Lake) and Graysen Schneider Graysen Schneider 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL Stewartville | 2025 State MN (Stewartville), two P5 talents who competed their tails off and dominated the competition. Johnson was called out by the esteemed LOS co-founder Ayo Idowu for back-to-back-to-back reps during the Best of the Best 1v1 reps at the end of Session 1, which the junior ate up like a hot breakfast against some top-notch competition from a stacked opposing OL group. The rest of the class if full of D1-worthy talent, coached up by a knowledgeable and energetic Idowu, brought their best to the 1-on-1 portion of the morning, and I think this group has a chance to be one of the more decorated and accomplished PRzMN DL groups once all of their college careers wrap up in 3-5 years. Get to know the cream of the crop below.
Oliver’s Top-3 Most Noticed DL Standouts:
MVP: Howie Johnson Howie Johnson 6'4" | 250 lbs | DL Forest Lake | 2026 State MN (Forest Lake) 2026. 6’4, 240 lbs.
This one won’t be long as the play speaks for itself. Howie Johnson Howie Johnson 6'4" | 250 lbs | DL Forest Lake | 2026 State MN is the real deal, folks. Speed to power, twitch, heavy hands, bend, well-executed pass-rush moves and counters, Johnson was almost an almost unwinnable matchup on Sunday in Brooklyn Park. He’s as strong as a bull, is a top-notch athlete (5.03 40, 4.63 short-shuttle, 8’5 broad), and is already fluid and comfortable in pass-rushing situations to a very impressive degree. The first step and get-off is especially prominent and impressive, and he ton of reps from simply exploding off the ball so well that defenders had no chance of dropping or adjust in time. It’s not often you see a cut-up 240 lber. pop off the LOS like that, especially as a sophomore. Johnson plays and brings the physicality of a senior, and to that argument he had a rep where he used a hump move – a la Reggie White – that tossed aside a 6’4″, 240 lb.+ OL like he was 100 pounds smaller. We’ve said all the good things we can about Johnson since his freshman season, but it’s always good to know he shows up and shows out in a camp and personal 1-on-1 setting with the pads both on and off. The athleticism speaks for itself. Johnson has the chance to hear from blue-bloods once his recruitment is up in full spring. Enjoy the ride while he’s here, folks!
Bib #66: Graysen Schneider Graysen Schneider 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL Stewartville | 2025 State MN (Stewartville) 2025. 6’2.5″, 240 lbs.
Very close to vying for Top Dog status, Stewartville’s Graysen Schneider Graysen Schneider 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL Stewartville | 2025 State MN is physically built to and passes the eye test as a legit 240 lber. with a broad, formidable, powerful, and explosive frame that could really grow monstrous in a P5 S&C room. We have him at a verified 6’2.5″, 240 lbs., and although an inch or two could help recruiting-wise, this kid is 100% worth bucking the “trend” for. Twitched-up and then some, Schneider is explosive off the snap, is a natural, comfortable, bendy, and effective pass rusher who could beat you at the top of the arc or embarrass you inside off the snap or after setting you up to reach, lunge, or overcommit. Powerful, heavy and accurate with his hand placement, and able to counter and adjust to quality opponents mid-rep, Schneider beat anybody and everybody on Sunday and earned a Top Performer status. Will be keeping a close eye on this recruitment.
Testing: 4.78 40 (better than more than 70% of skill positions players), 4.56 short-shuttle, 8’11” broad jump. The dude is legit.
Bib #62: Michael Bruggers Michael Bruggers 6'3" | 230 lbs | DL Champlin Park | 2025 State MN (Champlin Park) 2025. 6’3, 222 lbs.
A total darkhorse in the 2025 DL class, Bruggers brings solid size and length to the table and knows how to use, propelling himself to Top-3 status at the event after eating opponents after opponents lunch in Brooklyn Park. Effective off the snap, very quick laterally and able to beat OTs and OGs to either shoulder, could drop his hips and bend well, and used his hands as well as anyone at the Showcase, you couldn’t ignore the Champlin Park product during 1-on-1s as he tore apart the competition and XL offensive linemen from around the state. Really strong performance to round out the Top 3 DL at the ultra-stacked PrepRedzoneMN Showcase.
Testing numbers: 5.09 40, 4.59 short-shuttle, 9’0″ broad jump
Other Standouts and Top Performers:
Bib #197: Brodie Gemlo Brodie Gemlo 6'4" | 260 lbs | DL Spring Lake Park | 2026 State MN (Spring Lake Park) 2026. 6’3.5″, 250 lbs.
I originally spotted SLP sophomore Brodie Gemlo Brodie Gemlo 6'4" | 260 lbs | DL Spring Lake Park | 2026 State MN at the Centennial/Champlin Park/Spring Lake Park scrimmage during the preseason in the heat of late July/early August, where he anchored the Panthers defensive line as a 3T/NG and commanded double teams thanks to the athleticism he displayed from the iDL, and Gemlo backed it up during testing, where he posted a 4.88 and 4.94 short-shuttle to really showcase some juice and pass rushing ability from the DT spot, a hard trait to find.
Bib #201: Kyle Graham Kyle Graham 6'1" | 260 lbs | DL Farmington | 2027 MN (Farmington) 2027. 6′.25″, 269 lbs.
Another product of the outstanding Farmington Tigers strength & conditioning program, freshman Kyle Graham Kyle Graham 6'1" | 260 lbs | DL Farmington | 2027 MN came in and will now see himself ranked after his performance from the PrepRedzoneMN Showcase on Sunday. I saw him throw a sweet spin move out once or twice to get some wins during 1-on-1s, and I liked how he competed against larger and more experienced opposing OL. Going to be a name to watch this very early 2027 class.
Bib #80: Colin Hansen Colin Hansen 6'7" | 220 lbs | DL Byron | 2025 State MN (Byron) 2025. 6’7, 218 lbs.
Cemented himself as a must-know in the 2025 class after his performance in Brooklyn Park. Not only does he possess outstanding size and length, Hansen tested very well for his stature and posted a 5-flat in the 40, a 4.66 and 4.47, and a 9’5″ and 9′ on the broad jump to really display some top-tier athleticism at his size. Also flashed some very impressive reps during 1-on-1s and overwhelmed opponents with his combination of athleticism, length, and quickness. Still raw, but he’s no doubt a Missouri Valley kid at minimum and should see some legit FBS and B1G suitors come knocking and inquiring this offseason. Great showing, Colin.
Bib #213: Gavin Wang Gavin Wang 6'7" | 255 lbs | OL Annandale | 2025 State MN (Annandale) 2025. 6’7, 256 lbs.
A bonafide P5 prospect reinforced by a more-than-stellar performance on Sunday in Brooklyn Park, Annandale’s Gavin Wang Gavin Wang 6'7" | 255 lbs | OL Annandale | 2025 State MN tested and performed well during the multiple portions of the Showcase. Flexible and agile enough to really use that size to his advantage, 247Sports’ Ryan Burns floated the idea of Wang taking some reps at OT during the Best of the Best final 1v1 reps, and Wang looked good at OT, so keep that anecdote in mind when evaluating Wang’s recruitment and sometimes big-bodied prep DL/TE like the Annandale standout. Really enjoyed seeing Wang live on Sunday, he lived up to the hype.
Bib #52: Sam Hanson Sam Hanson 6'2" | 225 lbs | DL Maple Grove | 2025 State MN (Maple Grove) 2025. 6’2.25″, 219 lbs.
Another year, another eye-catching athletic performance by Maple Grove’s rising senior DL Sam Hanson Sam Hanson 6'2" | 225 lbs | DL Maple Grove | 2025 State MN . At a solid 6’2+, nearly 220 lbs., Hanson recorded a 4.93 40, 4.62 and 4.41 short-shuttle, 8’11 broad, and 7.15 L-drill to excel in the testing category of the session. I didn’t get to watch him as much as I’d have liked to during 1-on-1s, but I got to see him live and padded up in the regular season finale of 2023, where he made some impressive plays through four quarters of double teams, so I feel good about my understanding of him as a prospect and recruit. Great job improving on your already impressive testing numbers from your sophomore year, Sam.
Bib #73: Ethan Cole Ethan Cole 6'3" | 240 lbs | DL Chatfield | 2025 State MN (Chatfield) 2025. 6’3.5″, 230 lbs.
Another big-time winner from the PRzMN Showcase on Sunday in Brooklyn Park, Chatfield’s 2025 DL menace Ethan Cole Ethan Cole 6'3" | 240 lbs | DL Chatfield | 2025 State MN put up some striking testing numbers like his 5.1 40, 4.47 short-shuttle, and 9’1″ broad jump x2 at almost 6’4, 230 lbs. to really verify some size, speed, quickness, and explosiveness. He put them to good use during 1-on-1s as well, catching the eyes of media and college coaches alike. The power and quickness were put to good use and helped him find a lot of success during 1-on-1s, and I think he’s a Missouri Valley guy as a floor. Chatfield is churning them out lately.
Bib #193: Storm Tiry Storm Tiry 6'4" | 230 lbs | DL Stanley-Boyd | 2025 State WI (Stanley-Boyd, Wisconsin) 2025. 6’3.5″, 229 lbs.
Repped the state of Wisconsin well at his western border rival’s camp last Sunday, posting an impressive testing performance that included a 4.63 and 4.59 short-shuttle and 8’2″ broad jump. Good lookin’ frame that was cut up, muscle-bound, and ready to put in work and blow up in a college S&C program. Plus, he knew how to use it during 1-on-1s. Tiry could drop his hips and beat blockers by winning the leverage battle and also would throw some good physicality into the mix as well.
Bib #189: Spencer Lewis Spencer Lewis 6'3" | 245 lbs | DL Richfield | 2025 State MN (Richfield) 2025. 6’2.25″, 231 lbs.
Quick and explosive, Richfield Spartan Lewis popped off during testing and posted a 5.13 40, 4.53 short-shuttle, and 9’2″ broad jump. Really wish I got to watch him during 1-on-1s more, but the size and athleticism make him a must-know for college recruiters off the bat.
Bib #185: Charlie Olson Charlie Olson 6'3" | 235 lbs | DL Elk River | 2025 State MN (Elk River) 2025. 6’2.5″, 220 lbs.
Excelled laterally and posted a 4.82 and 4.72 short-shuttle and is well-built and worthy of scholarship attention on size and athleticism alone.