Minnesota Duluth commit Ben Knaup Ben Knaup 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL East Ridge | 2026 State MN was a two-way force for East Ridge this year, and that level of success is very likely to continue into the playoffs. He finished the regular season with 23 total tackles, 4 TFLs, 3.0 sacks, and a forced fumble. On offense, he tallied 196 rushing yards on 44 carries and 2 TDs, as well as an 11-yard reception against White Bear Lake. Knaup is a DL that can challenge even the best linemen in 6A, and should be a problem for teams in the playoffs.

East Ridge’s 6’2, 240 lber. Ben Knaup Ben Knaup 6'2" | 240 lbs | DL East Ridge | 2026 State MN was a big-time stock riser in the latest PRzMN 2026 Rankings Update, climbing 17 spots since the last update despite the addition of nearly 200 new names and prospects to the Big Board and watchlist. Knaup was a player I heard a lot of good things about from opposing coaches during the year, and the juice that was described to me by the competition is more than visible on tape from the 2024 season. Knaup posted 51 tackles, 7 TFLs, and one sack against some of the best OL and competition that MN’s 6A class has to offer, and although I’d like to see those numbers increase a little, especially in the sack department, the splash play athleticism and mobility are more than present.

Knaup, a 6’2, 240 lber. who was an All-District pick this past fall, is a monster in the weight room, posting a 335 lb. bench, 530 lb. squat, and 500 lb. deadlift, numbers that make sense when you see the tape. The East Ridge Raptors standout’s get-off, lateral twitch and quickness, bend, and pad level are legit, consistent, and able to produce splash plays and big losses for his defense. He’s positionally versatile and can find work as a 3T or 5T, also can play LT and even fullback, and his flexible lower body and twitchy lateral agility really shine in an explosive TFL on Knaup’s first play of his junior tape. The 240 lber. has exciting bend at the top of the arc and can do damage as a pass rusher and embarrass 6A OTs in their pass set. His powerful get-off makes him look like he was snapped out of a slingshot and has him fly by lagging OL with impressive and eye-catching play speed, and he has a good rep of him getting upfield before identifying and retracing his steps to blow up a screen against Forest Lake before it could develop. Knaup’s strong hands and good base can shock and shed would-be blockers in traffic at the LOS, as well as keep lineman at bay when he locks out and extends his arms, and he displays a great dip and rip that’s quick off the snap, can drop his hips low to the turf, and cut off blockers for easy wins 1v1. He’s also a strong run blocker who can move mass as an offensive lineman and shows a good base and solid balance in pass pro, as well as good hand usage and the awareness and nastiness to finish opponents when he gets them off-balance or out of position. Overall, Knaup is a strong, tough, physical kid who loves mixing it up and creating – and winning – collisions in the trenches of MN Big School football and is able to constantly excel in the trenches and high-contact situations. One of my favorite prospects and junior tape in the 2026 class!

Knaup is a terrifying defensive lineman who had an insane junior season with the Raptors. He earned all-conference honors after recording 51 total tackles, 7 TFLs, 1 sack, and 1 fumble recovery. Knaup quite literally has a jaw-dropping get-off. He fires off of the LOS like a receiver sprinting downfield and frequently showcases explosiveness you would never expect from a prospect of his size. Knaup can line up anywhere on the defensive line, and his speed is a problem at every position. When he rushes off the edge a simple speed rush and a rip move is enough to cook a slower tackle on the outside. When he’s deeper in the trenches, he fires off the ball faster than the offensive linemen and can knife his way into the backfield. NSIC and FCS teams should start to pay serious attention to Knaup.