This fall, when I was writing my weekly Minnesota’s Top Performers features for PRzMN, Braham’s do-it-all extraordinaire Jake Tepley was a perpetual member of the article series and finished his junior season with 30 TDs (21 rushing, 9 passing), 1,420 rushing yards, 723 passing yards, and 29.5 tackles and 2 INTs. A strong kid who posted a 500 lb. squat before the ’22 season kicked off, Tepley was named his district’s MVP once the regular season concluded, and I’m sure his competitors were impressed by his speed, versatility, and high-energy playstyle. I love his gait and how hard he runs, and his speed is impressive on both sides of the ball, burning pursuit angles and creating big offensive plays while running down loose QBs from the backside and making sure he always needs to be accounted for. Also uses his strong lower body to stay upright through weaker tackle attempts and lay powerful hits as a tackler. Tepley also made some nice throws showing off accuracy when he dropped back and passed, and overall he’s a dynamic athlete and very fun to watch. Speed is the name of his game!

Jake Tepley Jake Tepley 6'0" | 195 lbs | ATH Braham | 2024 State MN is an outside linebacker and a Quarterback, a combination that often indicates athleticism on top of a deep understanding for the game. He is no exception to this, as his skills at both positions have proven to be top notch. At quarterback, Tepley is a rumbler, working well out of both designed runs and broken plays where he has the liberty to scramble. He also shows a great understanding out of the option, as he consistently pitches the ball to his running back when he is swarmed by defenders. On top of his running prowess, Tepley also shows poise in the pocket. Unlike many running Quarterbacks, scrambling isn’t his first instinct, and when given the time, he sits back in the pocket and delivers strikes to the open man. Defensively, Tepley is built to blitz. He uses his aforementioned strength and speed to keep opposing Quarterbacks uncomfortable by constantly bringing pressure, taking them to the turf, or batting down balls at the line. He is an asset on both sides of the ball, and should have himself a great fall once the season kicks off.

The Braham stat-monster was productive and then some in 2022 and finished his junior campaign with 30 total TDs (21 rushing and 9 passing), 1,420 rushing yards, 723 passing yards, 29.5 tackles, and 2 INTs and was his district’s Offensive MVP this season. He opens his tape with big hits, shifty TD runs around the edge, and accurate passes to the MOF to highlight his dynamic ability, and I really like watching him lay the wood and run the rock in particular. Contact balance and a shifty gait help him break tackles in a variety of ways, and he’s also capable of running the option with efficiency. His speed also helps him close on ball carriers impressively and finish the big runs he pops off. NSIC schools should get in touch quickly, as natural playmakers from the Land of 10,000 Lakes like this are generally excellent and successful Northern Sun signees. Get at him!