PrepRedzoneMN 2026 Rankings Update: Top New Additions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I am thrilled to announce that the 2026 <em>PrepRedzone Minnesota</em> Official Rankings Update is live on the site! Without getting too into the weeds, it is awesome to see a very talented graduating class on deck to follow up what is considered a "down year" in the Land of 10,000 Lakes' recruiting space. The state needs to bounce back big-time to get back into the Midwest and national recruiting discussion, and it looks like the rising juniors have just what to takes to make that happen. The update, which consisted of more than 100 new names added to the Big Board and a ton of movement throughout the rankings, including the naming of the new #1 overall prospect, featured some heavyweight new additions to the top tiers of the ranking, the biggest, baddest, and best of whom we'll break down in detail below. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I mentioned it briefly on X in the initial ranking release statement, but it's important to reiterate that ranking underclassmen is a complicated process. Prospects still are waiting on growth spurts and to fill in and get comfortable in their body, a lot of athletes are still working towards earning varsity reps, some don't even have any film available, we don't have access to a lot of valuable info that we do for upperclassmen in terms of multi-sport data points, showcase experience, and overall, the playing field isn't level for every 2026 at this point in time. However, I do feel good about these Top Newcomers and New Additions to the 2026 Big Board, so let's not waste any more time and get right to it. Get to know some of the future stars of MN gridirons and the recruiting trail below!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1255125"],"_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_0_evaluation":"Credit to Rod Voss, father of Rudy John Voss and MN 2026 Top-10 prospect and the class #1 ranked ATH [player_tooltip player_id='212362' first='Roman' last='Voss'], as he had been aware of and plugged into the talent and potential of his son's 2026 teammate, OT u003cstrongu003eWeston Roweu003c/strongu003e. A massive 6'6, 260 lber. who has possessed eye-popping size since he was a freshman and is coming out of an Outstate program in u003cemu003eJackson County Centralu003c/emu003e that has produced some especially talented football players u0026amp; athletes at a quietly impressive pace since I've been following college recruiting in the state both casually and professionally.rnrnOff the bat, u003cstrongu003eRoweu003c/strongu003e possesses great size for his age and position, is an experienced and talented multi-sport athlete with a solid basketball background running with Sanford Sports Academy and the u003cemu003eHuskiesu003c/emu003e' high school team, and has anchored JCC at the LT spot deep into the state tournament and U.S. Bank Stadium, and will have a ton of high school reps under his belt as he loads up to join the college ranks. The sophomore displays some power at the initial contact point, with heavy hands and the flexibility to drop his hips to square his shoulder pads up on an opponent. u003cstrongu003eRoweu003c/strongu003e looks comfortable and bendy in his stance and gets off the ball well, has quick feet, and can send smaller defenders flying onto their butts when he locks his arms out. He does have some pass pro experience, showing a strong and balanced anchor, and can work to depth to handle speedier DEs and EDGEs, and the 260 lber. is effective when pulling and working back across the LOS, as he's able to adjust to and corral smaller LBs and DBs in space. His basketball background shows up when he's working laterally to cut off and stay square to pass rushers, as well as when finding work at the second level, where he looks quick and balanced and comfortable adjusting east-west. Effective first step cuts off rushers and allows him to stay patient in his vertical drop, and he looks like a the running of the bulls when he gets out and leads block in space. The change of direction and overall body control is eye-catching and impressive for his size and age. You have to be athletic to be an effective collegiate OT, and u003cstrongu003eRoweu003c/strongu003e has athleticism in spades. Can't ever discount a multi-sport background and how it lends itself to gridiron play.rnrnu003cemu003eJackson County Central'su003c/emu003e sophomore sensation of an OT u003cstrongu003eWeston Roweu003c/strongu003e comes in as the #17 ranked sophomore and OL8.","_player_evaluations_0_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_1_player":["1255130"],"_player_evaluations_1_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_1_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_1_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"It was certainly eye-catching when I saw the u003cemu003eCentennial Cougarsu003c/emu003e Twitter account remind us that stud 2026 DL u003cstrongu003eJosh O'Sheau003c/strongu003e was the first-ever sophomore to start on the defensive line for the u003cemu003eCougarsu003c/emu003e in the modern era. First off, you gotta love a coaching staff advocating for their players, and second, that tidbit reminded me immediately of another stud DL from not too long agoprospect' with a similar resume: formeru003cemu003e Minnetonka Skipperu003c/emu003e Beau Allen, who was the first sophomore to start for the u003cemu003eSkippersu003c/emu003e DL way back when. I'm not saying u003cstrongu003eO'Sheau003c/strongu003e is Beau Allen 2.0, but it's an impressive notch in the belt buckle and one that undoubtedly bodes well for the prospects future.rnrnAn issue I ran into in the evaluation of u003cstrongu003eO'Sheau003c/strongu003e was his size. Whether intentional or not, I couldn't get a reported height/weight on u003cstrongu003eO'Sheau003c/strongu003e no matter how hard I dug through the internet, and although I found some scrap of info that had a height on it, I really don't know how big he is, although that's on my shortlist of 2026 info to track down in May. On tape, there's tons of power in his game, no matter what weight he is. As a 5T, his hand usage stands out on film, as u003cstrongu003eO'Sheau003c/strongu003e will push/pull you and your facemask into the grass and has an effective arsenal of power rushes as well. u003cstrongu003eO'Sheau003c/strongu003e has a rep showing off all of the aforementioned traits where he puts an OG on skates and bullrushes him backward and straight into the ball carrier, nearly knocking the RB over and forcing him to change direction impressively. I also like his get-off and first step, nonstop motor, and quickness when working to the inside shoulder of the tackle. The DL also demonstrates a good base and maintains his balance through contact well and brings some notable play speed to the position, which combined with his motor makes him a force in both run and pass defense. Additionally, u003cstrongu003eO'Sheau003c/strongu003e seems to have a nose for the football and forced/recovered his fair share of fumbles during the 2023 6A state championship campaign for the u003cemu003eCougars. u003c/emu003eStill some unknowns surrounding the sophomore, but the tape, starting experience on the Big School state champion, production, motivation, and technique are all worthy of a Top 30 debut on the 2026 Big Board, and he's only trending up!rnrnu003cemu003eCentennial Cougarsu003c/emu003e standout sophomore DL u003cstrongu003eJosh O'Sheau003c/strongu003e debuts as the #28 ranked 2026 and DL7.","_player_evaluations_1_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_2_player":["1255131"],"_player_evaluations_2_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_2_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_2_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"Meet the 2026 class LB1! With a ton of talent coming out of Robbinsdale the past couple of cycles, a trend which is expected to continue, u003cemu003eArmstrong'su003c/emu003e 6'2, 200 lb. LB/DB u003cstrongu003eCalan Pilonu003c/strongu003e is leading the 2026 crop of prospects and did a great job of getting himself on u003cemu003ePRzMN'su003c/emu003e radar in 2023, both due to his play and social media visibility. A PRzMN Underclassmen All-State pick as well as a u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneu003c/emu003e Combine Series Top Performer, u003cstrongu003ePilon u003c/strongu003ealso has my early vote for the state's hardest-hitting defensive player in the 2026 class.rnrnGot some safety reps/assignments in 2023, a fact that bodes well for his projected position of LB, but generally operated as a roving LB/SS hybrid who played in the box as well as in space at the third level of the defense, both of which he can do with equal effect. u003cstrongu003ePilon u003c/strongu003eis an aggressive tackler who closes with pace and brings the boom to the contact point, and although he's got a good build and some length, strength, and power behind, he's just one of those kids who naturally creates big collisions and laid some massive hits on normally routine tacklers by lesser defenders. The 200 lber. displayed patience when tracking and pursuing ball carriers, takes good angles to the football, and has the ability and technique to defeat blocking attempts in the box and out on the perimeter. He also took an INT to the house and used a combination of quick processing and play speed to make a ton of tackles behind the LOS as a sophomore. The combination of his film, frame, DB background, and in-person performance at the u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e Showcase made him an easy choice for LB1 in the budding 2026 class in Minnesota.rnrnu003cemu003eRobbinsdale Armstrong'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003eCalan Pilonu003c/strongu003e debuted as #41 overall and as the 1st-ranked LB in the u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e 2026 Rankings Update.","_player_evaluations_2_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_3_player":["1104940"],"_player_evaluations_3_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_3_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_3_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"u003cemu003eByron Bearsu003c/emu003e 2026 RB u003cstrongu003eCarson Heimeru003c/strongu003e already has a lot of good things going for him. The u003cemu003eBearsu003c/emu003e have been pumping out RBs as of late and have manufactured one of the best rushing attacks in Class 4A the past few years, which paved the way for their 4A state semifinal appearance in 2023. u003cstrongu003eHeimer'su003c/strongu003e coaches have raved about his ability, and if u003cstrongu003eHeimeru003c/strongu003e wasn't sitting behind MSU-Mankato RB commit [player_tooltip player_id='139178' first='Adam' last='Glynn'] last fall he would have had a much more featured role in the offense. However, he still made the most of his opportunities and proved he could be explosive and productive, under the bright lights of varsity and deep playoff football.rnrnAdditionally, the kid brings legit athleticism to the table and it was on full display at December's u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e Stock-Up Showcase. At a verified 6'0.5u0022, and 171 pounds, u003cstrongu003eHeimeru003c/strongu003e popped off back-to-back 4.5 40s, a 4.46 short-shuttle, 9'7u0022 broad, and 7.02 L-drill for one of the best testing performances at the entire showcase regardless of position. On tape, he demonstrates good burst, a powerful lateral cut and an ability that he times well and uses to force missed tackles in space, and utilizes and sees space on the field well, and uses every inch to his advantage, eventually when working to the sideline.  With Glynn very much taking up the majority of the RB reps, the u003cemu003eByronu003c/emu003e coaches got creative to get u003cstrongu003eHeimeru003c/strongu003e on the field, so the sophomore got notable WR reps in 2023 and showed off good hands and a knack for finding holes and seams in an opponent's zone coverage, and he also played a significant amount of DB, displaying the speed to stay on top of WRs going vertical, ball skills, and comfortability when the ball is in the air, undercutting routes on shorter and more intermediate throws and staying in a receivers hip pocket on deeper routes. Always worth mentioning too, that u003cstrongu003eHeimeru003c/strongu003e is a three-phase contributor who showed off his explosive top-end ability as a kick returner. As a junior, I want to see him finish some of these explosive runs he creates. He's able to get into space and does a good job of making that free defender miss, but being able to find the endzone and show off and utilize his verified speed is going to be an important next step if u003cstrongu003eHeimeru003c/strongu003e wants to continue raising his stock as a prospect and player. We are VERY excited about his future at the prep level and as a prospect.rnrnu003cemu003eBryon'su003c/emu003e 2026 RB u003cstrongu003eCarson Heimeru003c/strongu003e debuts as the #37 overall sophomore and RB3.","_player_evaluations_3_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_4_player":["944592"],"_player_evaluations_4_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_4_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_4_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"I knew I had something good on my hands when I got my first look at u003cemu003eSpring Lake Park'su003c/emu003e massive sophomore DT u003cstrongu003eBrodieu003c/strongu003e u003cstrongu003eGemlou003c/strongu003e at a three-team padded scrimmage in the dog days of summer preceding the 2023 high school football season. Not only was he the biggest player on u003cemu003eSLP'su003c/emu003e team at that in-person event, but he also played like a beast, clogging the middle gaps of his opponents and stuffing the opposition's run game with seeming ease, while also adding a sack or two in pass defense as well. I was very excited to add u003cstrongu003eGemlou003c/strongu003e to the 2026 rankings Big Board, and he came out of 2023 with some strong film after what was a more-than-successful sophomore campaign with the u003cemu003ePanthersu003c/emu003e.rnrnPossessing great size for a collegiate 3T or NG, u003cstrongu003eGemlou003c/strongu003e already owns some solid strength, benching nearly 300 pounds, squatting nearly 400, and cleaning 250 pounds. Additionally, he plays basketball for the u003cemu003ePanthersu003c/emu003e and also has some experience as a TE when u003cemu003eSLPu003c/emu003e needs him on the offensive side of the ball. Possessing a great frame that looks lean at 260 lbs. with a ton more room to fill in and add mass, u003cstrongu003eGemlo u003c/strongu003eowns quick COD skills along the LOS and can beat blockers laterally as well as North-South with power moves, and he plays fast and closes on ball carriers quickly for his size. The 260 lber. displays powerful hands that toss blockers aside like rag dolls, and he keeps his hands active and does a good job of fighting off blocks along the interior of the LOS. I like u003cstrongu003eGemlo'su003c/strongu003e balance through contact and control when adjusting in space, and his strong lower body and balance help him eat and stay upright through cut blocks and double teams alike. He's also a powerful tackler who brings the boom when he gets a clean shot on a RB or QB, and owns a good get-off, although I'd like to see him work on his pad level and coming out of the snap lower, but that can be worked on no problem. Overall, he's a towering, massive, can't-miss defender on tape who can create disruption and production no matter the game or opponent. Athletic big men with u003cstrongu003eGemlo'su003c/strongu003e size at a premium position like DT are hard to come by, so once this kid starts reeling in the offers I think he has the chance to blow up. I hope I get to see him again this summer, he's got a great shot of continuing to climb up the rankings Big Board.rnrnu003cemu003eSpring Lake Park'su003c/emu003e stud sophomore DT u003cstrongu003eBrodie Gemlou003c/strongu003e debuts as the #29 overall 2026 and as DL8 in the recent rankings update.","_player_evaluations_4_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_5_player":["1255129"],"_player_evaluations_5_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_5_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_5_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"Finally, some skill players! If you haven't already noticed, the majority of the prospects at the upper echelons of the recently updated 2026 rankings are OL and DL, so I'm very curious to see how the sophomore classes skill players take advantage of the offseason and continue to develop going forward. A player that I'm confident can continue progressing into an eventual FCS and/or FBS level wideout is u003cemu003eApple Valley'su003c/emu003e 6', 155 lber.u003cstrongu003e Q Barnslateru003c/strongu003e, earned Underclassmen All-State, All-District, and District WR of the Year honors in 2023 as a sophomore. Barnslater also competes in the 110 and 300M hurdles and the high jump as a track u0026amp; field competitor, and I came away impressed by his sophomore tape after grinding film for the 2026 rankings update.rnrnPosting 35 receptions for 454 yards and 5 TDs as a sophomore, u003cstrongu003eBarnslateru003c/strongu003e can take the top off the defense and was particularly effective on fade routes during the 2023 season. He displayed the ability to win contested catches, tracks and plays the ball well in the air, and shows off some good body control when climbing the ladder and high-pointing the pigskin, has good concentration and strong hands, and is a willing blocker out in space that will help his teammates find paydirt and do the little things necessary from the WR position. I like how he stems and baits DBs into opening their hips or stopping their feet, and he's dangerous at the top of the route and quick when he plants to create separation, u003cstrongu003eBarnslater u003c/strongu003eshowed a variety of tools to beat would-be tacklers in the open field and after the catch, including speed, quickness, balance, shiftiness, and timing, as I like how he can cut on a dime and break some ankles of defenders in space. He has a nice rep where the opposition's defense is prevent defense and the CB is giving u003cstrongu003eBarnslateru003c/strongu003e a huge cushion on a 3rd or 4th and very long, wherein the sophomore wideout smoothly and calmly runs a slant, reels in the rock, and bursts upfield and through a couple of tackle attempts to earn the first down by a yard. Take what the defense gives you and make a play, it seems to be the M.O. of the 2026 u003cemu003eApple Valley Eagleu003c/emu003e WR. Can't wait to see what he does as a junior.rnrnu003cemu003eApple Valley'su003c/emu003e playmaking wideout u003cstrongu003eQ Barnslateru003c/strongu003e debuts as the #22 overall sophomore and as WR1.","_player_evaluations_5_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_6_player":["1255890"],"_player_evaluations_6_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_6_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_6_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"u003cemu003eChanhassen'su003c/emu003e thrilling 2023 5A state championship campaign was very much a team effort. With high-profile talents like seniors [player_tooltip player_id='105374' first='Maxwell' last='Woods'] (SDSU commit) and [player_tooltip player_id='105369' first='Sam' last='Macy'] (Minnesota commit) leading the way, the glue of the state title run came from unheralded juniors and sophomores just like 2026 safety u003cstrongu003eLogan Smithu003c/strongu003e. I came away impressed with u003cstrongu003eSmith'su003c/strongu003e sophomore tape while grinding film for the 2026 update, as his play speed was some of the most notable and effective in the entire class and I liked his instincts and physicality in his still-growing 5'10, 160 lb. frame. Starting for the 5A state champs playing big boy ball in the Metro, u003cstrongu003eSmithu003c/strongu003e totaled 87 tackles, 4 PBUs, and 2 TFLs, and the kid also has some game on the ice, as he's a talented forward on the u003cemu003eStorm'su003c/emu003e hockey team and was just selected to the 17s Final 54s final roster after helping win u003cemu003eChanhassen'su003c/emu003e first-ever hockey state championship in March.rnrnAs a safety, u003cstrongu003eSmith u003c/strongu003ereads, identifies, and quickly triggers on the ball, both in run and pass defense, and man does he display range in run support. The 165 lber. covers an eye-catching and impressive amount of ground when coming downhill, running the alley, and closing on ball carriers, in pass defense, he identifies route combinations well, triggers on his assignment with certainty and control, and is smooth and shows good timing when breaking on the football. u003cstrongu003eSmith u003c/strongu003edoes a good job of getting out of his backpedal and contesting shorter and more intermediate routes around the MOF, and the 165 lber. is a strong tackler who halts ball carriers in their tracks when he sticks them. He punches above his weight class in the physicality department, especially for his size, and he's one of the hardest hitters in the state as of right now who is more than able to stop bigger RBs and negate extra gains as the last line of defense from his safety spot. Some added size would be ideal, but u003cstrongu003eSmith'su003c/strongu003e game is on point right now, and playing a key role in a bigger school state title at a vital position like safety cannot be ignored, just like his multi-sport accolades. I'm already looking forward to his junior tape.rnrnu003cemu003eChanhassen'su003c/emu003e 2026 DB u003cstrongu003eLogan Smithu003c/strongu003e debuts as the #47 overall sophomore and DB5.","_player_evaluations_6_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_7_player":["1255886"],"_player_evaluations_7_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_7_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_7_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"There are a handful of 2026 LBs who made huge impacts on their respective varsity defenses in 2023, none more so than u003cemu003eEdina'su003c/emu003e 6'1, 210 lber. u003cstrongu003eEvan Gilderu003c/strongu003e. En route to an MN 6A Big School state runner-up finish with the u003cemu003eHornetsu003c/emu003e, u003cstrongu003eGilderu003c/strongu003e posted 85 tackles, good for second on the team, as well as a TFL, three FFs, and six PBUs playing against some of the top competition in the state. The ILB looks good when he triggers on the ball full-throttle and brings some pace when shooting gaps and exploiting seams along the LOS, which helped both as a blitzer and as a disrupter of 6A rushing attacks behind the LOS. Does a good job of weaving through and evading traffic muddied up between the tackles and can effectively execute stunts and twists as well. The 210 lber. can tackle in space, is a solid tackler with no issues meeting RBs in the hole, and brings good speed to the position, and can run down QBs rolling out and scrambling out on the edge. Looks like a sideline-to-sideline type linebacker, and u003cstrongu003eGilderu003c/strongu003e does a good job getting underneath OL working to the second level, and not getting engaged with blocking attempts or giving them more than half a man to work with. He'll be in the race for LB1 as long as he's in high school. We'll be watching the u003cemu003eHornetsu003c/emu003e 2026 class closely.rnrnu003cemu003eEdina'su003c/emu003e standout sophomore LBu003cstrongu003e Evan Gilderu003c/strongu003e debuts as the #43 overall ranked 2026 and as LB2.","_player_evaluations_7_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_8_player":["1120569"],"_player_evaluations_8_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_8_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_8_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"Want to get on the recruiting radar? Run a 4.4. In a funny coincidence, 507 product and u003cemu003eRochester Centuryu003c/emu003e rising junior DB u003cstrongu003eOwin Gerberu003c/strongu003e did one better at December's u003cemu003ePrepRedzoneMNu003c/emu003e Stock-Up Showcase, running a 4.44 and 4.43 in the 40 and adding two 4.5 short-shuttles, a 9'4u0022 broad, and 6.91 L-drill for some seriously noteworthy athleticism as a 15-year-old. u003cstrongu003eGerberu003c/strongu003e had one of the best overall performances of anyone during December's talent-rich showcase, balling out in all three phases of the afternoon and leaving me once again impressed by a prospect from the city of Rochester. Competitive, sticky in man-to-man coverage, and with good hips, he passed the in-person test with flying colors and locked in a high debut on the now-published 2026 Rankings Update.rnrnThe tape shows u003cstrongu003eGerber u003c/strongu003eprimarily working out of off-man coverage, and his speed is evident in his ability to easily stay on top of wideouts going deep, and did a great job of staying in the hip pocket of the receiver and maintaining good eye discipline until he's in a proper position to make a play on the ball. I like how maintains his composure and is comfortable and effective at breaking up deep passes where timing and poise are musts. u003cstrongu003eGerberu003c/strongu003e is also a good tackler out in space who understands pursuit leverage and how to hold the edge and will come up and stick his head into the action in the run game. With evident speed, verified athleticism, and an effective deep ball coverage corner who can assist in run support, I think that for him to continue trending upwards as a prospect, u003cstrongu003eGerberu003c/strongu003e needs to get more active in pass defense. I'd love to see him compete on and contest more three-step routes, and there aren't any reps of him getting out of his breaks, although I did get to see that in person at the u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e Showcase. Big plays, more production, and some more flash in his highlights could really make some big waves on the recruiting trail when you combine it with the eye-popping athletic numbers. Going to be a big junior season for the u003cemu003eRochester Centuryu003c/emu003e CB.rnrnu003cemu003eRochester Century'su003c/emu003e 2026 DB u003cstrongu003eOwin Gerberu003c/strongu003e is repping the 507 as he debuts as the 48th ranked sophomore and DB6.","_player_evaluations_8_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_9_player":["1255885"],"_player_evaluations_9_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_9_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_9_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"You'll be hearing a lot about the u003cemu003eMaple Groveu003c/emu003e 2025 recruiting class this summer, and despite their prolific volume of offers and the excitement their talent brings to a potential Big School state title run, it's hard not to think about who will follow up the potentially historic 2025 graduating class. At the very least, the OL looks like it'll be in good hands, as 6'4, 240 lb. versatile offensive lineman u003cstrongu003eMatthew Perusseu003c/strongu003e debuts as a Top 25 overall prospect with an Underclassmen All-State nod and plenty of high-quality experience already under his belt. Playing on the opposite side of highly sought after 2025 RT [player_tooltip player_id='362276' first='Michael' last='Wagner'], u003cstrongu003ePerusse u003c/strongu003esports a strong yet lean frame that allows him to capitalize on his mobility and possesses a ton of room to grow and add mass. The 240-ish, pounder looks impressive when pulling from his tackle spot and demonstrates good technique, bursts out of his stance, looks controlled, and can start/stop and adjust to opponents' paths at high speed. u003cstrongu003ePerusse u003c/strongu003eseeks out and doesn't shy away from contact and does possesses the strength to finish opponents and does a good job of getting underneath the chest plate, extending his arms, and driving his legs once he makes contact. The 6'4 OT looks quick and efficient when working laterally, both off the snap and when working to the second level, comboing, and handling multiple assignments on a given rep and is overall noticeably balanced, don't see him hitting the deck very often unless he's driving an opponent into the turf. He looks like a good athlete at the position with a ton of room to fill in and a lot of upside and versatility. With the way Minnesota, u003cemu003eMaple Groveu003c/emu003e, and 6A football produce OL, it shouldn't come as a big surprise he makes a big debut on the 2026 Big Board.rnrnu003cemu003eMaple Grove'su003c/emu003e u003cstrongu003eMatthew Perusseu003c/strongu003e debuts as the #25 overall sophomore and OL11 in the u003cemu003ePRzMNu003c/emu003e 2026 Rankings Update.","_player_evaluations_9_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations_10_player":["1256218"],"_player_evaluations_10_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_10_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_10_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"Woodbury-basedu003cemu003e East Ridge High Schoolu003c/emu003e graduated some standout offensive talent in 2024 but return some must-know defensive prospects going into the fall. In particular, the u003cemu003eRaptorsu003c/emu003e have a physical u0026amp; powerful duo of EDGEs in the 2026 class coming into the 2024 season hot after getting a successful and exciting taste of 6A Metro varsity football last fall. Both of the standout sophomores make their debut in Monday's rankings update, and 6'2, 220 lber. u003cstrongu003eHenry Bernu003c/strongu003e is the first u003cemu003eRaptoru003c/emu003e EDGE to debut as a Top Newcomer to the rankings Big Board. With noticeable size for a 15/16 year old, u003cstrongu003eBernu003c/strongu003e showed he was built for the trenches of Big School MN football, posting 24 tackles, a TFL, a sack, and a fumble recovery and looking good while doing it.rnrnAs a standup EDGE lining up with an outside shade of the tackle or TE, and occasionally as far as a WIDE9 alignment, I'm really impressed with u003cstrongu003eBern'su003c/strongu003e ability to beat blocking attempts around the LOS. The 6'2, 220 lber.attacks blockers with physicality and aggression and does a great job of winning with pad level, and he is consistent at keeping his outside shoulder free when beating blocks while keeping proper leverage as an edge defender. He owns a strong lower body, good balance, and understands leverage, and I also am impressed how he closes with pace. u003cstrongu003eBernu003c/strongu003e can tackle in space and is a big, strong, physical prospect who is only getting bigger and stronger, a fact that should frighten East Metro opponents for the next two seasons. Although there's limited tape on u003cstrongu003eBernu003c/strongu003e right now, I'd expect him to have a breakout junior season that really gets him on the map of potential college suitors.rnrnu003cemu003eEast Ridge'su003c/emu003e promising 2026 EDGE u003cstrongu003eHenry Bernu003c/strongu003e debuts as the #44 overall sophomore and DL10.","_player_evaluations_10_evaluation":"field_62aba51aecf34","player_evaluations":11,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-663108b566f69"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>--</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->