Recruiting Report: Braxtyn Leen (Waconia-2020)
When I found out Waconia HS 2020 graduate Braxtyn Leen (6’4, 250 lbs.) was interested in playing D2 or D3 football in Minnesota, I almost could not contain my excitement. Big #99 for Waconia played on both sides of the ball…
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Continue ReadingWhen I found out Waconia HS 2020 graduate Braxtyn Leen (6’4, 250 lbs.) was interested in playing D2 or D3 football in Minnesota, I almost could not contain my excitement. Big #99 for Waconia played on both sides of the ball this year as Waconia went 7-1 in the regular season before losing a tough playoff matchup to eventual 5A state champion Chaska. A big and strong player meant for the trenches, Leen has put on 50 pounds since his freshman year and still has a ton of room to grow. He has a high ceiling and was a physical force for Waconia who had to be game planned for every week. He possesses strong hands with good hand placement, a relentless motor, and a mean streak to boot who has no problem finishing blocks or tackles. Minnesota D2 and D3 coaches should be really excited about the senior, and I hope you enjoy Braxtyn’s exclusive interview for Northstar Football News where we discuss Waconia’s hot start, his prep career, and who he has been contacted by during his recruitment process. Hudl: http://www.hudl.com/v/2CEnMV
NFN: Hello and thank you for your time, Braxtyn. Please start by introducing yourself and telling us a little bit about your career at Waconia.
Leen: ”I was born in St Cloud, lived near there for a couple years. Moved down to a house near Waconia until 6th grade. Moved to Waconia in 7th grade. I have always been in Waconia schools. I started playing football before I can remember. Flag football, and tackle since 4th grade. I love fishing, hunting, sports and just about anything outside. I like football because it is always a challenge. Football is a picky sport because if you dont work hard, you won’t succeed. I love putting the work in in the offseason. I am 6’3 245 pounds.
Lee leading the charge onto the field.My 40 time is 5.2. I clean and bench 245 and squat 415. My junior season I played almost strictly offense. I played half reps at tight end and did some long snapping. My stats would be the number of pancake blocks I had. Junior year I had maybe 5. Senior year I started every game at tight end and a few at dline. This season I had too many pancakes to count, and had about 15 tackles and a sack. In 2018 I didn’t really know what to expect, but after our first couple of games I knew we were good. My highlights of the year were going 7-1 and playing my first varsity games. The lowlights was the playoff loss to Chaska. I knew I had to work my butt off in the offseason for my team. I learned that I was very prepared for varsity football. Personally I thought my season was good, but I knew I could do better.”
NFN: What were your expectations for 2019? Explain to us a little bit about the season in your own words and what you learned from it.
Leen: ”My expectations for this were just as high as the year before, but I knew it wouldn’t be quite as good. During my first game this year, I realized how good I had become. My offseason work since freshman year was really paying off. We built on last season by winning our first game against a good Robinsdale Cooper team. The rest of the season for the team was a little disappointing. But I played very well in every game. My offseason work was a lot of lifting, agility and conditioning. Since freshman year, I have gained 50 pounds while getting faster and quicker. There is nothing like Waconia football, my group of seniors was a great group of guys. The atmosphere at the new stadium was crazy. The program is definently heading in the right direction. I kinda already talked about the Robinsdale Cooper game. After that game I thought the season was going to be like last year. It was an excellent win. St. Louis Park was a disappointing game. We were up 17-0 I think and I thought it was over. Unfortunately the offense stalled and defense broke down.
Some of my favorite blocks are from this game. Jefferson was a great game. I didn’t play great in the first half, but the second half was great. It was a great win for us. Orono was a game we should have won, this game was my second worse of the season. Chanhassen was the game I had a 40 yard touchdown but it got called back. That was the first game I played a lot of defense. I played well this game on both sides of the ball. Holy Angels was my best offensive game of the year. I must of had 10 pancakes. It was a fun game to be a part of. Chaska senior night was a crazy game. The weather was gnarly and the game was tough. I didn’t play the greatest this game. I played o and d some but it wasnt anything special. Benilde was a crazy game also because of the overtime and almost beating an undefeated team. I played mostly defense this game for the first time and I had 5 tackles in one half. My best game of the season overall was New Prague. I played great on both sides of the ball. I really hustled this game and had a great time. Playoff game against chaska was a doozi. I didn’t play terrible but it wasnt great.”
NFN: Forsure. There is still a lot to be proud of. Walk us through your recruitment thus far, who you’re interested in, and what you’re looking for in a college?
Leen: “Right now I am most interested in Bemidji. I have an official coming up with Bemidji, Concordia Moorhead, River Falls, and Northwestern Iowa. I have also been talking with SMSU, Concordia St. Paul and St. Thomas. I would like to play D2 but not opposed to D3. I am looking for a smaller campus.
Lee with a big tackle.I like the outdoors so that could also play a part in where I go. My recruiting process has been different. I reached out to Bemidji and SMSU. I really liked Bemidji when I was there for a game day visit. Concordia Moorhead, River Falls, and Northwestern Iowa. I am open to going on as many visits that I can.”
Wherever Leen ends up, that school is going to be happy they landed him. Stay tuned for updates on the Waconia senior!