PRZMN 2028 Ranking's Update: WL to Rankings

PrepRedzoneMN is very excited about the state's 2028 class. From trench warfare specialists to explosive, game-breaking skills, the rising junior class is loaded with top-end talent that, right now at least, projects to exceed that of the last couple cycles in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. In the latest Ranking's Update, the 2028's Big Board saw some of its prospects make big-time jumps, both from tier to tier in the rankings, but also from the watchlist to the distinguished Big Board. Check out some of these massive jumps below!   --    Andover's [player_tooltip player_id='1581381' first='Luke' last='Ketchum'] has had a great offseason. The bulky Huskies' OL has added some serious size inbetween his sophomore and junior seasons, worked his butt off in the weight room and training circuiting, and has shown up and shown out at a variety of offseason stops such as the<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/2025-przmn-stock-up-showcase-all-ol-dl-team/"> PRZMN Winter Showcase</a>, <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/01/lineofscrimmage-x-trench-mob-5v5-tryouts-ol-standouts/">LOS x TrenchMob 5v5 Tryouts</a>, and <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/03/line-of-scrimmage-big-dogs-camp-quick-hitter-evals/">LOS Big Dogs Camp</a>, attended by [player_tooltip player_id='1292716' first='Nate' last='Wahl'.   With some Andover OL heading off to college early next month, I'd be surprised if if he isn't starting for the Huskies' OL in 2026, but as a sophomore last fall, he was a JV mauler paving the way for his tailbacks all season long. As an LT, he's a bullish down blocker who is heavy handed and can bully non-varsity DL at the contact point. Ketchum always works to finish, can run DL out of the club, and shows off active hands that consistently work for ideal interior hand placement. He can gain depth and looks balanced in his pass set and can climb to the second level, breakdown in space, and corral second and third-level defenders impressively for his size and the fact that he's playing JV. Plus, check out his lacrosse highlights if you want to see a big man who is light on his feet! Very impressive multi-sport ability for an offensive lineman.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/LKetch9/status/2058713876309430741 </div></figure>     Big-time debut for Burnsville's [player_tooltip player_id='1657939' first='Carlos' last='Noriega']! The younger brother of Mateo Noriega (Burnsville c/o 2022), who committed to NDSU as a walk-on but never showed up on a roster, 2028 OT Carlos was a varsity starter in the trenches for a Class 5A Metro competitor at LT. The younger Noriega produced some good <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22568615/68feaa4b2903f84385faeb41">tape</a> as a first-year starter last fall, as he can overwhelm defenders and finish routine down and 1v1 blocks in impressive physical fashion. Against high-quality defenders too! The young Blaze OL displays light, active feet, and he does a great job of driving his legs after he gets his paws on an opponent. He also has the strength to drive large school DL flat onto their backs and demonstrates active, effective hand usage. Noriega has a good understanding of leverage and how to manipulate a DL once they get out of position or off-balance in order to get them on the ground, and he will also bully defenders if given the chance. PRZMN was also impressed how Noriega smoothly climbs to the second level and shows the ability to drop his hips and eliminate LBs and DBs once he puts the pads on them, and he's also able to finish defenders in pass pro. Plus, he reports 315 bench, 225 clean, and 475 deadlift. Don't be surprised if this kid continues to climb the Big Board throughout his prep career.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/NoriegaCarlos_7/status/2029322971651948868 </div></figure>     Sticking to the Burnsville Blaze program and their WL to Ranking's risers! 2028 [player_tooltip player_id='1636574' first='Lincoln' last='Zilka'] is one of the largest and best-framed sophomores in Minnesota, and that size is verified, as Zilka was an eye-catching performer at this past spring's PRZMN Spring Showcase. The sophomore varsity starter measured in at a towering 6'5.5", 244 lbs., with an 80" wing and 10.5" hands. Wowza! Plus, Zilka popped off a 7'6 broad and is a multi-sport athlete excelling in basketball and track, posting a 38'5" shot put and 117'1" discus as a sophomore during this current outdoor T&F season.   Noticeably long with an intriguing amount of room to fill in on his giant frame, Zilka was a varsity starter in the trenches as a sophomore for a Class 5A competitor. He displayed pass-rushing production as an underclassman thanks to a good get-off, solid ability as a 1v1 tackler in the backfield and in space, and a noticeable motor. Zilka also envelops ball carriers as a tackler. However, I do think it's worth noting that I believe his ceiling and future may be higher as an OT, so keep an eye out there. He's got the build and frame and the position fits his skillset and athleticism better. Either way, Burnsville has some tremendous young bucks coming up through the ranks right now. You heard it here first!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/ZilkaLincoln/status/2048116964137001229 </div></figure>     A must-know DL out of Maple Grove, sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1506709' first='Julian' last='Cipala'] first caught PRZMN's attention at the 2025 Bemidji State War on the Shore Big School Team Camp. Long, lean, but physical and bendy, Cipala went onto become a contributor in the trenches for 6A Maple Grove, who went 10-1 in 2025, and he posted 18 tackles, 3 TFLs, and 1 sack against some of the top competition in Minnesota.   Long, noticeable wingspan, great frame, and tons of room to fill in, Cipala earned reps as a 5T and occasional true NG as an underclassman in MN's 6A ranks. He displays twitchy COD ability, length helps as a tackler, and he shows a bit of pop in his hands. Plus, he's a physical, willing tackler always looking for work, and he's strong and balanced enough to make tackles through contact and with OL draped all over him. Cipala does a good job of not getting tied up or too engaged with OL, and he is able to shed thanks to his length and active hand usage, and we like his impressive pursuit speed and motor for his age and position. Plus, he's technically sound, owns a good get-off, and is should have a huge junior season depending on how his offseason went. Cipala's experience will be much-needed for the Crimson's new-look roster in 2026.   Twitter: @WithLife38119     A QB that PRZMN is very excited about going into 2026, CDH's Gavin Russell could hav a huge year at the helm of the Raiders' offense. Stepping into the shoes of 2025 MN Mr. Football finalist Izaak Johnson, Russell brings a different kind of skillset to the helm of CDH, and he's a good athlete who was one of the best QBs at the recent <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/prepredzonemn-spring-showcase-session-2-all-camp-team/">PRZMN Spring Showcase</a>. Also standout performance at the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/przmn-exposure-series-best-qbs-i-saw/">PRZMN Stock-Up Showcase this past winter</a> as well.   This spring, he measured in at 6'1.5", 177 lbs., with a 77" wing and 9.75" hands. Plus, as mentioned, he's a good athlete who posted athletic times such as a 4.88 40, 4.48 shuttle, and 9'5 broad as a sophomore! Also hooped for CDH this winter, on the B squad for the Raiders.   Russell's JV tape displayed a skinny, mobile but athletic non-varsity gunslinger who will will step up in the pocket and through pressure, after which his athleticism aides him with the ball in-hand, and he can also extend plays thanks to his athleticism. As a passer, he displays a good arm that can stretch the field vertically and with accuracy and touch, generate some impressive zip on the ball for his age, something we saw in-person at multiple exposure points this offseason. He's also especially impressive when he can sling it off-platform with some mustard and is accurate to all three levels of the field. Can't wait to see this new QB in action this fall!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/GavinRussell28/status/2058542976368812388 </div></figure>     Bloomington Jefferson has some fun pieces going into 2026, and a lot of the Jags' standouts are in the trenches! One of these young bucks is [player_tooltip player_id='1682521' first='Gavin' last='Sturz'], a varsity starter in 2025 who tallied 8 starts at OT and 1 at DT in for a Class 5A Metro competitor. As an LT, Sturz displays a powerful first punch that popped some kids off their feet and backwards in 2025. He owns impressive COD ability and balance as a 3T defensive tackle, also is a good 1v1 tackler in space, and is a crushing finisher from his OT spot. Sturz can reach DEs and set the edge, owns a nonstop motor, and shows noticeable leg drive post-contact, as he always works to finish and sent some big, 5A DL flat onto their backs in 2025 as a sophomore. I like him on both sides of the ball. Size would fit well at DT, where his sophomore reps flash I may add, and that position is always a premier need on the recruiting trail. PRZMN can easily see him climbing the 2028 Big Board soon.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/gavinsturz2028/status/1982553688993681884 </div></figure>         A must-know LB name in MN's 2028 class, Chanhassen's Hudson Englund is the younger brother of Ollie Englund, a 6'5, 210 lb. freshman DL at UMD. The younger Englund, a recent PRZMN Spring Showcase standout in a loaded LB group, Hudson Englund posted 21 tackles, 3 TFLs on an 11-2 Chanhassen 2025 roster as an off-ball ILB. He displays closing speed and packs a physical punch at the contact, opening his tape with an impressive thump on a RB in the backfield for a TFL. Englund is quick when working around blocks, his closing speed shows up on tape, and he's comfortable tackling 1v1 in space. The 200 lber. sifts through traffic smoothly and cleanly, sees and triggers on the rock with urgency, and also takes good angles to the football. I smell a big season coming for this 2028 'backer!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Hudson_Englund/status/1994972642764624028 </div></figure>     One of my favorite QBs in the class, Mankato East's Kellen Willaert had a solid 2025 first year as a starter in the 5A ranks, going 3-6 overall record with 166 passing YPG. He also plays baseball (3B/catcher) and hoops for the Cougars, but on the gridiron as the school's signal-caller, and while playing against a good 5A schedule, Willaert went 119-191 (62.3%) for 1,441 yards and 11 TDs to 8 INTs. That completion percentage is especially impressive, and training with 612Q's has allowed him to build on his sophomore year, improve on his situational awareness, practice in-game situations and settings, and recognize coverages better. Speaking of 612Q's, Willaert has looked good in offseason, unpadded settings, namely the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/przmn-exposure-series-best-qbs-i-saw/">PRZMN Spring Showcase</a> and <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/02/612qs-elite-academy-off-platform-session-27-and-28-standouts/">612Q's Elite Academy session</a>. We also saw him against a tenacious Chanhassen 2025 defense on the road in Chanhassen, where he still was moving the ball downfield a bit despite the competition and eventual loss.   Willaert owns a tight, compact throwing mechanics, with a consistent, quick release, and he throws with proper timing and accuracy to all three levels of the field. He demonstrates a strong arm and is comfortable with the entire route tree, despite the age and first-year-starter status, and he has some impressive reps on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/21815732/695180ff4a2d85d7fe0d9dd2">sophomore highlights</a> wherein the Mankato product perfectly places the ball inbetween multiple layers of defenders and overall tight windows at the prep football level. We also like his touch, as he leads WRs open and puts his WRs into successful positions for YAC and away from incoming DBs and contact. We want to see him improve the TD-INT ratio as a second-year starter, but the accuracy and overall production are noteworthy for the age and 5A classification of competition. Buy stock now.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/kellen_willaert/status/2048940838034563177 </div></figure>     Richfield has one of the lowkey more explosive offenses in the Metro 4A ranks this season. As with all football teams, things begin with the QB, and the Richfield Spartans have a good one in [player_tooltip player_id='1651946' first='Mason' last='Woods'], who PRZMN is quite familiar with thanks to his work this offseason. Woods was a PRZMN Spring Showcase standout at the QB position and amongst a good group of peers and overall competition, and he popped off a 4.9 laser 40 and 8'8 broad jump at the Showcase to solidify himself as a dual-threat from the QB position. In his first year starting and against a Class 4A schedule, Woods went 94-183 (51.4%) for 1,201 yards and 13 TDs to 10 INTs while Richfield went 4-5 in 2025.   Woods can stretch the field with accuracy and touch and owns good footwork in and around the pocket and as a scrambler. Can evade pressure, locate his WRs downfield, set his feet while DL and LBs are bearing down on him, and rifle darts right into a WR's breadbasket. He also has some good reps of him reading the field, working through his progressions, and making sound, accurate passes to his WRs corps. Woods is accurate off-platform, owns a quick release, and is explosive and dangerous as a ball carrier when he tucks and takes off. Woods and [player_tooltip player_id='1105134' first='Dre' last='Collins'] have the makings to be one of the best QB/WR tandems in the Metro and in all of Class 4A. Pay attention!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/Masonwoods124/status/2052475805322641677 </div></figure>     Yet another Burnsville Blaze young up-and-comer to know, DL [player_tooltip player_id='2067625' first='Jamari' last='Sargent'] showed up and showed out at the recent PRZMN Spring Showcase. A<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/prepredzonemn-spring-showcase-session-1-all-camp-team/"> Session 1, Second Team All-Camp Performer </a>at the defensive line, Sargent displayed strength, a great base, the ability to unlock his hips, and a far deeper bag of tools that we were expecting, combining into what was a highly-productive 1v1 session of competition. A lot of Sargent's success was due to his varsity experience in 2025, where the 5A DL and LG demonstrated heavy, active, effective hands, crushing strength on both sides of the ball, physicality, and a nonstop motor. As an LG, Sargent can really take the fight to the OL and can absorb and redistribute momentum at the contact point and is more than able to finish and pancake larger DL onto their backs in both run and pass schemes and settings. He displays great balance and foot speed in pass protection, also laterally agile, and is lockdown in pass pro once he sets his base. Can't wait to see how this kid continues to develop.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JaMari_Sargent/status/2045600047849521631 </div></figure>     A must-know lineman out of the small school, Greater Minnesota ranks, Chatfield's [player_tooltip player_id='1366416' first='Corbin' last='Horsman'] had a breakout sophomore season in 2025. Playing on both sides of the ball for the 6-3 Gophers in 2025, Horsman displayed positional versatility and the ability to play multiple spots on the OL. As a RG, he opens his tape with a WWE-style toss of a defender, who Horsman somehow upends in such spectacular fashion that it looks like the defender stepped on a mine. You can thank his 405 squat. 235 bench, and 405 deadlift for that. He's also laterally agile, a bruising finisher, and displays a natural understanding of leverage and how to get an opponent flat on their back or straight onto their face. He flashes tons of pop at first contact, has power written all over his game, and owns a balanced, nimble pass set. Horsman a great job of eating and redistributing a DL's rush and bringing the fight back into an opponents grill, and he can fly into the second level and mauls second-level defenders with ease. Athletic, fast, play speed, physicality, don't be surprised if this Class AA representative climbs the Big Board this summer!   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/corbinhorsman/status/1983322617500369189 </div></figure>     One of the must-know, undoubted top performers of the offseason, remember the name [player_tooltip player_id='1557097' first='Jadyn' last='Poe']. A breakout performer this offseason, PRZMN first saw the young Blaine Bengal running with Next Level Athletes on the 7v7 circuit, where he flashed big-play ability that seemed to consistently show up throughout the 7v7 season this winter and spring. Things got better too, as Poe showed up and showed out at the PRZMN Spring Showcase, clocking a laser 40 time in the 4.5s (!) and displaying a downright dynamic route running game comprised of twitch, nuance, top-end speed, and consistent effectiveness. Poe's sophomore tape, while running with Blaine's JV squad, was arguably the best non-varsity tape in the 2028 class and displayed a lot of the same positives we see in person with the smoothy, savvy separation creator.   Poe was electric in the open field field with contact balance and get-up in 2025. He displayed game-breaking speed and accelerates out of his cuts, and he can easily take the top off the defense and beat secondaries vertically. Plus, we like his ball skills and contested catch ability from his sophomore highlights. A shoe-in for "Breakout Performer" status this fall, don't be surprised if Poe is one of the best slot receivers in Minnesota next fall.   <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/JadynPoe/status/1977511869750612105 </div></figure>    --

PrepRedzoneMN is very excited about the state's 2028 class. From trench warfare specialists to explosive, game-breaking skills, the rising junior class is loaded with top-end talent that, right now at least, projects to exceed that of the last couple cycles in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. In the latest Ranking's Update, the 2028's Big Board saw some of its prospects make big-time jumps, both from tier to tier in the rankings, but also from the watchlist to the distinguished Big Board. Check out some of these massive jumps below!