Brown is an underrated outstate gem who could make waves in the NSIC. On his tape, Brown showcases a quick first step off the LOS, and when he takes a 45-degree angle toward a defender, they’re likely to end up in the dirt. He churns his feet constantly, which allows him to move large defensive linemen clear out of the play. Brown plays in a run-dominant two-fullback style of offense, so he doesn’t have a lot of pass-reps on his tape, but he does manage to consistently clear a giant hole for his ball carriers. It might be time for me to take a trip up to Cass County this fall to watch the big man play.

Earl is yet another 2026 sleeper out of Pillager that surely needs more attention. This young man intrigues me mightly with his great pad-level and is a drive-blocker that shows off well versed balance any time he finishes his blocks, which amounts to a ton on tape. The 6’4 270 pounder, shows it off in the defensive trenches too and shows off the similar pressing hands with great pad-level and commonly finishes thru double teams and when he makes contact with the ball carrier, man does he bring heat from a physicality perspective. Yet another 2026 Outstater that could do some damage on the camp trail this summer.