There is a terrific batch of 9-man prospects in the 2025 class of Minnesota, and contrary to traditional representation, the strength of the 9-man crop is in its skill players as opposed to linemen. My favorite of the bunch comes out of 9-man state champ Nevis High School and their playmaking 2025 RB and speedster Ayomide Ogundeji. One of the fastest verified football players in the state regardless of competition level, Ogundeji clocked a 10.97 100M and 22.04 200M last outdoor track season and added a 19’10” long jump for good measure. Those are some legit track times, and to top it off, Ogundeji owns some electric highlights from their state championship season that left a memorable impression in my prep football-focused psyche.

Totaling 132 carries for 1,277 yards and 17 TDs (9.7 YPC) and 39 tackles on defense in the 2023 season, the 5’10, 170 lber. opens his junior highlights with a dazzling TD run involving a hurdle, some sudden and nifty cuts to the field side of the defense, and more than enough top-end speed to finish the run with just one defender within 30 yards of him. The combination of pure speed and elusiveness, combined with the natural space given to ball carriers in the 9-man game, created a lethal ball carrier primed to create a highlight-reel run on every rep he got the ball. Ogundeji is shifty, quick, and powerful when he needs to be, not to mention fast, and keeps the legs pumping, and fights to stay upright and onwards, which helped him surprise defenses with his ability to stay up through attempted dogpiles and multiple tackle attempts. It’s game over if the junior gets the edge, and there are multiple TD runs without a pursuer in the frame of the tape. I also like his balance, and to make sure you know he doesn’t mind the physical aspect of the sport, Ogundeji threw a couple of successful truck sticks out for physical effect. The 9-man class is LOADED going into the fall, you’ll be hearing more about its best and brightest soon.