Steve Walsh Award Semifinalists: MN's QB of the Year in 2022

It's going to be a busy week here at PrepRedzoneMN and we're chugging along with our newly introduced heavyweight award series naming the best Minnesota prep football players in 2022 at each position on the gridiron. If you haven't checked it out already, make sure you take a look at yesterday's Larry Fitzgerald Award semifinalists feature --> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2022/11/larry-fitzgerald-award-semifinalists-mns-wr-of-the-year-in-2022/" data-type="URL" data-id="https://prepredzone.com/2022/11/larry-fitzgerald-award-semifinalists-mns-wr-of-the-year-in-2022/">https://prepredzone.com/2022/11/larry-fitzgerald-award-semifinalists-mns-wr-of-the-year-in-2022/</a> - and next up we have the always-important & always-scrutinized Quarterback position. The 2022 season saw some lights-out performances from gunslingers across the state and in all classifications of high school ball, with familiar names taking the spotlight, new faces stepping into big roles, and surprise signal-callers making waves in the state's statistical categories and/or on the recruiting trail. Of the many talented, strong-armed, playmaking QBs in Minnesota this fall, only 10 could be named a Steve Walsh Award semifinalist for MN's QB of the Year in 2022, and although it can be agonizing for me selecting these picks, all 10 are surely deserving of the selection and I will do my best to explain why below. Named after the Cretin-Derham Hall graduate and Miami Hurricanes national champion QB Walsh, the 6'3, 215 lber. was spurned by the instate Gophers and other Midwest institutions and took his talents to the Sunshine State, leaving as a Miami Hurricanes legend on some of the best teams college football has ever produced. My GOAT when talking Minnesota-born QBs, these 10 semifinalists embody the award's namesake big arm, decision-making, ball security, and two-sport prep background, among other things, and I also wanted to take a second to praise Mr. Walsh for returning to St. Paul to coach CDH back to glory.   The semifinalists and eventual winners of this award were picked on a combination of factors including statistical production, individual impact on their team's success, talent, consistency, and recruiting potential, and if you have any questions about the process or selections please email me at: oliver@prepredzone.com. Congratulations to the semifinalists!   --   1) [player_tooltip player_id='105379' first='Tanner' last='Zolnosky'] (East Ridge) Junior. 5'11, 185 lbs.   In the hotly contested debate that is MN's QB1 for 2024, East Ridge junior [player_tooltip player_id='105379' first='Tanner' last='Zolnosky'] did a good job of separating himself with his personal production and influence on East Ridge's success in 2022, particularly in their late playoff run. Playing against some of the best competition the state has to offer, Zolnosky was 171-278 (61.5%) for 2,913 yards and 27 TDs (first in 6A) to 10 INTs. This was good for 10.5 yards an attempt and 265 passing yards a game, and he was 7th in the state in completions, 2nd in yards, and 7th in TDs, and 3rd in yards per game for QBs over two starts.   His success through the air helped the Raptors earn wins over Hopkins, an upstart Eagan squad, a shutout of cross-town rival Woodbury, and then late season, streaking wins over Eastview, STMA, Totino-Grace, and culminating in a 28-27 win over Prior Lake in the 6A state second round. Additionally, he's the only 2024 QB in MN to hold a D1 offer, as FBS Bowling Green State offered up in February. MAC schools are all over Zolnosky this fall, with Akron getting a game day visit and the Zips, Miami (OH), Central Michigan, Eastern Michigan, and Western Michigan all staying in contact throughout his junior season. Zolnosky possesses a strong arm that can fit the ball into tight windows and put the ball on a rope, or stretch the field vertically and drop the ball nicely into the receiver's breadbasket and over the DB's heads. He also displays the ability to throw off-platform and on the run, nifty footwork to escape pressure and extend plays behind the LOS, and accuracy on all types of throws all over the field. The junior checks a lot of boxes needed for a successful collegiate QB and I'm very interested to see how the summer camp circuit treats him.   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/96-Tanner-Zolnosky.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-247444" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='105379' first='Tanner' last='Zolnosky'] </figcaption></figure>   2) [player_tooltip player_id='112056' first='Max' last='Shikenjanski'] (Stillwater) Senior. 6'2, 170 lbs. Committed to Minnesota   One of Minnesota's biggest stock risers in 2022, Shikenjanski went from mid-major basketball to B1G quarterback commit thanks to his thrilling senior season with the Stillwater Ponies. Stillwater was a top contender in 6A all season long thanks to the lynchpin and playmaker at QB and finished 9-2 on the season, a year after going 8-2 and two seasons out from a 4-3 season. That turnaround can undoubtedly be attributed in part to Shikenjanski taking the reigns at QB, and in two seasons at the helm, he recorded 3,633 passing yards, 34 passing TDs, and 9 TDs on the ground as well. This year as a senior, Shikenjanski went 182-276 (66%) for 2,294 yards and 26 TDs to only six INTs and averaged over 200 yards passing a game. The success and individual impact he was creating inspired the Minnesota Gophers to take a harder look at the athletic signal-caller near the Wisconsin border and offered a B1G PWO, a rare and well-earned opportunity for in-state standouts. Shikenjanski's father played basketball for the Gophs, and the stars aligned and the senior backed off his college basketball commitment to play football for the hometown team. I was entranced the entire time! It looks like Fleck & Co. got a good one too, as his senior tape shows off a passer with a smooth, efficient throwing motion, a big arm that can beautifully teardrop the ball high into the air and right into the waiting arms of his wideout without having them break stride, and a ton of mobility that can extend plays or create big runs when he tucks the ball and takes off. Also accurate, smart with the football, and a natural leader willing to put his body on the line for his squad. Can't wait to watch him as a Gopher.   3) [player_tooltip player_id='246028' first='Bart' last='McAninch'] (Mankato West) Junior. 6'1, 205 lbs.   In the race for MN's 2024 QB1, the Darkhorse candidate is surely Mankato West's [player_tooltip player_id='246028' first='Bart' last='McAninch'], who took over the Mankato West varsity QB job from state champion turned St. John Johnnie Zander Dittbenner, and McAninch has taken the role and ran with it. He's performed so well in fact, that he was one of MN's 2022 breakout stars and has earned himself a well-earned selection in the Steve Walsh Award semifinal list. Yes, Mankato West is loaded and talented, but I doubt they'd be competing for a 5A state championship this season without the consistent playmaking presence of McAninch. The juniors stat line ends in eye-popping fashion, and through 12 games he'd completed 174 passes on 259 attempts (67%) for 2,247 yards and 27 to ZERO interceptions and possessed one of the best passing rates in the state at 129.0. He also popped off one of the best statistical games of 2022, throwing 7 INTs against Mankato East and throwing at a 70% completion percentage as well. I've also seen him compete in person, and his size, arm strength, and ball placement ability are as legit in the flesh as on tape. He's a thick, strong kid who can whip the ball out of his hand with noticeable zip, and in his regular season highlights, it's easy to see his quick decision-making and release, combined with his timing and accuracy, make him a very dangerous passer. He's also accurate outside the pocket, is a potent runner when called upon, and posted double-digit+ rushing TDs in 2022. I'm excited to see him compete in the upcoming Prep Bowl and loved watching him week-to-week this season. Now he's a Steve Walsh Award semifinalist!   <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/12/86-Bart-McAninch.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-247437" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='246028' first='Bart' last='McAninch']</figcaption></figure>   4) Jakob Nachreiner (Springfield) Junior.   Another breakout star of 2022, Springfield junior QB Nachreiner stepped fittingly into the cleats of his predecessor and became one of the most prolific passers in the state leading one of the most explosive ariel attacks through all classes of MN prep football. The Tigers love to sling the pigskin around, and Nachreiner's 2022 stat line proves it, as he goes into the Class A state championship with 196 completions on 283 attempts (69.3%) for 2,924 yards and 38 TDs to 12 INTs. The completions, passing yards, and TDs all led the state of Minnesota, and he's also played outstanding in Springfield's biggest games of the season, especially these last three wins over TMB, Kerkhoven-Murdock-Sundberg, and Deer River. Sadly, Nachreiner doesn't have any film updated, and I can't even find measurables on him, but I don't need Hudl to know that Nachreiner and the Springfield Tigers are competing for a state championship and were led by their junior stat monster at the QB position. Update that film soon please, Jakob! Also, I don't know what's in the water in Springfield but they are producing some talented and productive QBs and pass catchers like a factory line. Good luck this weekend, Jakob!   5) [player_tooltip player_id='201177' first='Asher' last='Zubich'] (Mountain Iron-Buhl) Senior. 6'2, 185 lbs.   Another state championship QB competing this Saturday for some hardware, I love having small school representation on this list and especially 9-man selections. The player has to be worthy of the pick, and luckily Zubich has talent in droves and has put up a ridiculous senior stat line that includes an outrageous 82% completion percentage (140-171), 30 TDs to ZERO interceptions, and 1,961 yards in 12 tough games of action. His skillset, production, and athleticism at the position shown this season also helped sway NSIC powerhouse Minnesota-Duluth recently offer a scholarship, and Zubich also earned St. Olaf, Madison JC, and UW-Stout basketball roster spots this fall. An elusive and mobile gunslinger, Zubich is best when on the run and flourishing when things break down and he needs to improvise, but I also like how he can stretch the field vertically and generate big plays in multiple ways. Zubich is also a fantastic weapon with his legs and is a natural football player. This senior year culminates a long and illustrious career at the helm of the Rangers and he earned this spot on the Steve Walsh QB of the Year semifinal list for 2022.   <figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-large"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2021/09/IMG_3486-768x1024.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-205256" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='201177' first='Asher' last='Zubich']</figcaption></figure>   6) [player_tooltip player_id='112076' first='Noah' last='Strickfaden'] (Norwood Young America) Senior. 6'2, 185 lbs.   The experienced Class AA signal-caller has had a great career with the Raiders and four years of starting varsity action honing his craft and developing into a Steve Walsh Award semifinalist as one of the Top-10 QBs in MN for 2022. The senior finished 2022 with a stat line of 179-306 (59%) for 2,056 yards and 27 TDs to 7 interceptions, was named to the MN All-Star Game and is a legitimate DII NSIC recruit holding offers from Upper Iowa (before they announced they were leaving), Winona State, and MSU-Mankato. Norwood Young America did have other offensive weapons on their 2022 roster, but no one came close to his personal impact and productivity and the competitive, tough squad that NYA turned into. Strickfaden shows pinpoint ball placement and back-shoulder fades along the sideline, has the arm strength to put velocity on the ball into tighter windows, and can read coverages and get rid of the ball quickly. He carved up opposing secondaries all season and was also dangerous with his legs on called runs and when extending plays. His game-to-game consistency and leadership were also huge in the Raider's success, and although NYA couldn't get out of the section this fall, his legacy will no doubt be felt in that program for years to come. From a 1-7 record in 2019, Strickfaden has been the spark and the anchor that helped Norwood Young America go .500 in 2020 and 2021 and build to an impressive 8-3 campaign in 2022. Still uncommitted as well!   7) [player_tooltip player_id='312928' first='Landyn' last='Nelson'] (Andover) Senior. 6'3, 215 lbs.   Stepping into the shoes of an All-Metro pick is never easy, but Andover's [player_tooltip player_id='312928' first='Landyn' last='Nelson'] did it effortlessly as a senior, tearing up stat lines and gridirons alike while continuing Andover's constant presence amongst the top 5A programs MN has to offer. The well-built senior Huskie was one of the most productive in the state, finishing 149 completions on 225 attempts (66%) for 2,192 yards and 32 TDs to only three INTs, and his 220 passing YPG and 131.9 passer rating were also near the top of the MN leaderboards in 2022. Nelson also helped his 2022 Andover squad, who graduated a ton of talent from last year's team, to a 7-3 record with impressive wins over Rogers, Brainerd, Buffalo, Coon Rapids, Monti, Cambridge-Isanti, and a monster revenge win over St. Francis in the section semifinals. They also came to within two points of beating Elk River, who will compete for a 5A state title this weekend, and that success wouldn't have been possible with the efforts of Nelson. He was also second on the team in rushing (nearly first) and by far #1 in rushing TDs, producing a ton of points and yardage for his offense and taking a lot of the attention away from his teammates, who were then put in a better position to succeed. With a big arm able to get the ball downfield at the flick of the wrist, Nelson also has the accuracy, poise, and consistency to complete the routine and shorter/intermediate throws all around the field. His touch on fades and posts is also noticeable and impressive. He's got a ton of football left in him and would play his best football for a college that lands his talents, and hopefully this selection as an inaugural Steve Walsh Award semifinalist.   8) [player_tooltip player_id='295821' first='Jack' last='Spanier'] (Rocori) Senior. 6', 180 lbs.   A continuation of Rocori's growing tradition of stud two-sport standouts to lead the Rocori offense from the QB spot, and lead it well, Spanier helped the Spartans reach the Class 4A state semifinal before a heart-breaking one-point loss to Simley ended their season, but that didn't stop or change the 2022 season the 6', 180 lber. manufactured. Smart, precise, and efficient with the football all season, Spanier finished 120-176 (68%) for 1,711 yards and 22 TDs to six INTs while Rocori competed and succeed in one of the toughest districts in the state, no matter the class. Spanier was the focal point in big wins over Becker, North Branch, Little Falls, and Delano, among others, and had some outstanding personal efforts in the completion percentage department game-to-game. With the expectations, competition, and high-pressure moments that come with leading the Spartans offense, it takes a cool, calm, & collected football player to man the QB spot, and Spanier was more than up for the challenge as Rocori once again went deep into the state 4A playoffs. Quick, elusive, and electric when buying time around the pocket, Spanier's baseball background shows up in his arm and how much zip and velocity he can create on the ball and he completed throws into some of the tightest windows of anyone on this list. His ability to read, react, and take what the defense gives him was also a big part in Spanier's selection to the Steve Walsh QB of the Year Award.   9) [player_tooltip player_id='112054' first='Jacob' last='Kilzer'] (Maple Grove) Senior. 6'3, 205 lbs.   Recently named StarTribune First Team All-Metro at the QB position, Kilzer has been outstanding for the Maple Grove Crimson, who were bit by the injury bug hard in 2022 but fought, clawed, and earned a spot in the 6A state championship this weekend with a chance to avenge last year's loss in the state title game. Undefeated at 12-0, Kilzer's control of the offense and dual-threat capabilities helped him come into the state title game with 85 completions on 135 attempts for 1,222 yards and 12 TDs to 2 INTs, and has also recorded 1,228 rushing yards and 18 rushing TDs at a 7.5 YPC clip. He also stepped up in big moments against the Crimson's best opponents, and was reliable, tough, and could be counted on to produce a big play when Maple Grove needed it most. His performance this season also has landed him two big-time PWO offers from North Dakota State and Minnesota, and he also holds an FBS offer from Ohio as an athlete. Big arm, smart with the football, and explosive as a runner or passer, he's going to come out hot in the upcoming state championship appearance and can really cement his legacy as a Crimson player and Metro, 6A QB if he can get this dub. To add to his lengthy sheet of awards this season and in his career, Kilzer is also now a Steve Walsh QB of the year semifinalist.     <figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img src="https://prephoops-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/redzone/uploads/2022/05/159-Jacob-Kilzer-1024x810.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-330781" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">[player_tooltip player_id='112054' first='Jacob' last='Kilzer'] </figcaption></figure>   10) [player_tooltip player_id='105394' first='George' last='Bjellos'] (Woodbury) Junior. 6'2, 190 lbs.   One of the most physically talented QBs in the state regardless of age, Bjellos is in hot contention for the QB1 spot in MN's 2024 class and helped the Royals to a 6A, big school 7-3 record in 2022 behind the passing attack that led their offense. He finished the year with 98 completions on 151 attempts for 1,220 yards and 14 TDs to 6 INTs. With a smooth and efficient throwing motion, consistent footwork, and a booming arm, Bjellos throws a great deep ball and puts the ball where only his wideout can get. He also shows accuracy down the seam, in the MOF, and in the redzone, and will stand in the pocket and complete a tough throw through a big hit. He'll be coming in hot for the Steve Walsh Award winner next year as a senior. Make sure you keep your eyes open for Bjellos this spring/summer on the recruiting trail.   Honorable Mentions:   [player_tooltip player_id='313203' first='Grant' last='Loge'] (Pequot Lakes) Senior.   [player_tooltip player_id='112140' first='Finn' last='McElroy'] (Edina) Senior.   [player_tooltip player_id='242401' first='Milos' last='Spasojevic'] (Minnetonka) Junior.   Chase Thompson (Alexandria) Sophomore.   [player_tooltip player_id='280071' first='Caden' last='Rodkewich'] (St. Anthony Village) Senior.

It's going to be a busy week here at PrepRedzoneMN and we're chugging along with our newly introduced heavyweight award series naming the best Minnesota prep football players in 2022 at each position on the gridiron. If you haven't checked it out already, make sure you take a look at yesterday's Larry Fitzgerald Award semifinalists feature --> https://prepredzone.com/2022/11/larry-fitzgerald-award-semifinalists-mns-wr-of-the-year-in-2022/ - and next up we have the always-important & always-scrutinized Quarterback position. The 2022 season saw some lights-out performances from gunslingers across the state and in all classifications of high school ball, with familiar names taking the spotlight, new faces stepping into big roles, and surprise signal-callers making waves in the state's statistical categories and/or on the recruiting trail. Of the many talented, strong-armed, playmaking QBs in Minnesota this fall, only 10 could be named a Steve Walsh Award semifinalist for MN's QB of the Year in 2022, and although it can be agonizing for me selecting these picks, all 10 are surely deserving of the selection and I will do my best to explain why below. Named after the Cretin-Derham Hall graduate and Miami Hurricanes national champion QB Walsh, the 6'3, 215 lber. was spurned by the instate Gophers and other Midwest institutions and took his talents to the Sunshine State, leaving as a Miami Hurricanes legend on some of the best teams college football has ever produced. My GOAT when talking Minnesota-born QBs, these 10 semifinalists embody the award's namesake big arm, decision-making, ball security, and two-sport prep background, among other things, and I also wanted to take a second to praise Mr. Walsh for returning to St. Paul to coach CDH back to glory.