Petzel is a full-circle moment for me. I watched him start as a freshman when he was shorter, lankier, and far less refined. Now, he’s evolved into not only one of the best offensive linemen in the state but one of the best prospects in general. Petzel is a wall and is a prospect with an insanely high ceiling. He’s gotten far more mobile and is capable of generating a tremendous amount of power. It’s hard for him to play low, but at his size, the second he locks into a defender’s pads, they’re cooked. You cannot bull rush him, and it’s quite literally a tall task to beat him around the edge. You are hard pressed to find a better blindside tackle in Minnesota.

Football #20/Basketball #32

Petzel is a big, agile offensive tackle. He makes solid contact off the snap. Then, uses his power to get his guy off balance, and often puts the defender on the ground. The junior also has the footwork to stay with quicker rushers. He had good hips and keeps his center of gravity low despite his 6’9 frame. This allows him to bury smaller defensive linemen and stay with them in the open field. Petzel’s pass set is solid without any wasted movement. On the basketball court, he is a physical rebounder and rim protector. His solid all-around play is a big reason East is 27-1 and heading to the state tournament.

Petzel has evolved into one of the top offensive linemen in the state, but he’s also seen a handful of success on the hardwood as well! Throughout his junior year, the big man has averaged 6.2 ppg, 5.2 RPG, as well as just under an assist and block per game. On his tape, Petzel is an anchor on the offensive line. Only a handful of prospects across the nation can match his size, and every year, his technique has improved greatly. He’s gotten quicker feet and has started playing with more bend in his knees, as well as playing with more physicality. His ceiling is extremely high, and I can’t wait to see where he commits to soon!

One of the tallest offensive line prospects in the state, Petzel produced nearly a minute of quality tape from Mankato East’s Week 3 battle. His improvements have been drastic and easily notable. His pad level has shrunk significantly and he’s far more mobile. He relies less on his giant frame to keep defenders in front of him but still possesses incredible length in his arms that he can use to strike defensive linemen first.