I was really happy to see Winona’s 5’10, 185 lber. Jaden Blanck bounced back in 2023. Not sure what happened in 2022, but Blanck’s sophomore highlights only consisted of kick returns and I had a hard time figuring out what to make of the WR/RB/ATHs development and how that reflected in the state’s 2025 big board. It came at an odd time too, as Blanck was coming off a great showing at an earlier PrepRedzoneMN showcase where he excelled, showed confidence and competitiveness, and overall balled out during 1v1s and when bragging rights were on the line. Well, Blanck sure put in work in 2023 and has me excited about his future, as the junior highlights show off one of the most lethal, quick, and impressive footwork, elusiveness, and potency in the open field and in space.

The Winhawk product totaled 74 rushes for 582 yards (7.9 YPC) and 6 TDs, as well as one kick return TD, and is consistent in setting up and embarrassing defenders and excels and is a natural at making defenders miss. Possessing great balance that helps step and slip through tackle attempts at his lower body and the ability to cut on a dime, Blanck is sudden when he sticks his cleat in the ground and cuts in space and uses subtle footwork and ability to flip his hips and get skinny through contact to slip by would-be tacklers. He doesn’t allow opponents to get a clean shot on him and is wiggly at the tackle point, I like how he fights for extra yardage and can consistently make that first-man miss. Plus, he sees the field well, shows good hands, possesses a big-time spin move, and is one of the best kick returners in the state. Blanck has received junior day invites from MSU-Mankato, Winona State, Bemidji State, UMD, Concordia-St. Paul, MSU-Moorhead, Augustana, and Sioux Falls.

Winona has quietly operated as one of the more consistent manufactures of high-end prep football talent in MN the last decade and currently possess some attractive underclassmen talent, led by the #3 ranked ATH in the state of MN Jaden Blanck. Originally catching our eye as a truckstick of a RB as a freshman, Blanck came into December’s PRzMN Stock-Up Showcase and competed well as a WR, and in addition his sophomore tape primarily consists of kick return highlights, so the 5’10, 180 lber. saw his position switch from RB to ATH in the latest rankings update. In his 2022 kick return film he was explosive, showing off good vision, the ability to cut at top speed, and noticeable contact balance for a player of his size. He averaged more than 25 yards a return in 2022 with one TD, and popped off game-breaking special team performances against Stewartville, Kasson-Mantorville, Rochester Century, and Albert Lea. I’m hoping to see more offensive highlights in 2023 and am looking forward to see how he improves over the offseason. The kid runs hard!