Another impressive Minnesota DL was KJ Staples KJ Staples 6'0" | 255 lbs | DL Elk River | 2029 State MN of Elk River. KJ came in at 5’10” 255 lbs with a 6’4.25″ wingspan, and over 10″ hands. That hand size and length are great indicators that KJ could be on his way towards growing into an elite frame. The freshman put on a great display of testing too. He ran a 5.5 40, jumped a 33″ vertical, hit 4.94 on the shuttle, and broad jumped 8’6″. These athletic tools paired with his length and future growth could have the impressive 2029 on a path towards being a Need to Know prospect.

Staying in Elk River, KJ Staples KJ Staples 6'0" | 255 lbs | DL Elk River | 2029 State MN marks as another freshman stud for the Elks emerging as a force on the defensive-line. A stout defender who often lined up at Nose Guard, Staples flashed his prowess as a run stuffer, gaining leverage into the interior gaps and plugging up the inside run. Staples shows an explosive first step forward off the snap, flashing great hand placement and flexibility maneuvering to the blocker’s outside shoulder to get in the path of the RB. Much like with Marsh, Staples could benefit with some bulk to add to his frame and increase his role as a tough asset on the trenches for the Elks heading into 2026.

Last but not least on our list is Minnesota’s KJ Staples KJ Staples 6'0" | 255 lbs | DL Elk River | 2029 State MN . Staples is a Tight End, Defensive End hybrid that showcases great skills at both spots. Being a pass rusher as well means that Staples has intimate knowledge about blocking schemes, which will make him a rock solid run blocker as a tight end. Staples also has incredible strength as a tool in his tool box, either able to push a tackle backwards as a D-lineman, or move your best linebacker out of the way as a tight end. Its not all blocking schemes though for the Minnesota native, as Staples also showcases true 4.7 speed and great hands, truly a quarterback’s best friend.