You gotta love the big, mismatchy bodies and body types that Alexandria Area has been pumping out in droves as of late. In the trenches, amongst their skill positions, and even – and especially – at the QB position, the Cards have been a serious talent factory as of late. Continuing this long (both physically and categorically), intriguing trend into the 2027 class is WR/TE hybrid Grady Starzl Grady Starzl 6'5" | 210 lbs | WR/DB Alexandria Area | 2027 State MN , who also doubles as an accomplished hooper well covered by Ryan James and PrepHoops on the AAU and high school basketball circuit. Starzl tallied 18 catches for 189 yards and 1 TD in 2025, and although he doesn’t have a ton of tape, what he does have uploaded certainly pops.

Starzl, vs. SRR, looks like a long, fluid pass catching option around the middle of the field who can improvise and get open when his QB extends plays. He catches the ball away from his body while on the move, gets vertical, and then absolutely crumples an incoming DB with frightening dominance and frankly, surprise for a reported 200 lb. hooper. He also produced a smooth, eye-catching TD reception versus Elk River where he once again gets open on an extended play while around the middle of the field and the second level, gets vertical after the catch, and then easily sails by three streaking Elks defender who can’t get an angle on the 6’5, 200 lber., scoring a big TD for his offense. Starzl is sure handed, owns a big catch radius, makes the most of his opportunities, and is physical after the catch, running behind his pads with clear aggression and confident. Plus, you gotta love the multi-sport background and skillset, an always-present and favorable trait for Minnesota football/basketball hybrids. Hope to see this kid on the summer camp trail soon.