Bruggers brings a versatile and impactful skill set to a defense, making him a standout player with a range of strengths. One of those strengths lies in his exceptional hand usage, which he leverages effectively to disengage from opposing linemen. This allows him to navigate the offensive line, disrupt plays, and make an impact in the backfield. His ability to play on both sides of the line of scrimmage showcases his versatility, providing defensive coordinators the flexibility to deploy him strategically based on matchups and game situations. Bruggers’ resilience is evident in his capacity to fight through holds, demonstrating his determination to disrupt offensive plays. His ability to set the edge effectively is a valuable asset, as it allows him to contain outside runs and force ball carriers back inside where he or his teammates can make a play. A standout characteristic of Bruggers is his relentless pursuit of ball carriers. Always looking for someone to hit, he brings an aggressive and physical style of play that can disrupt the rhythm of blocking schemes and runs to either side of the field. His ability to disengage from blockers and make tackles in open space showcases his technical expertise, football IQ, and awareness. Perhaps one of Bruggers’ most impressive attributes is his tremendous motor. His relentless work ethic allows him to fly around the field in pursuit of ball carriers, making him a constant presence in both run defense and pass rush situations.

Bruggers attacks the line of scrimmage from the defensive end position. He is quick off the ball and often beats the offensive linemen at the point of attack. With eight sacks as a sophomore, he has that natural instinct to dip his shoulder when trying to get around the corner when rushing the passer. The soon-to-be junior is rarely out of the play because he is fast enough to track down plays from the backside or downfield. While speed is his strength, his strength should not be overlooked. He has a solid punch off the snap and uses great arm extension to keep separation from offensive linemen.

Rose his stock from the watchlist to #13 overall!

Champlin Park have themselves a good one at a premium position in 2025 DE Michael Bruggers. I heard a ton of good things about this dude during the season from opposing coaches and he backed up the sentiments with the film, production, and in-person evaluation from the recent PRzMN Stock-Up Showcase. Playing against big school, 6A competition, Bruggers posted 9 TFLs and 8 sacks in 2022, and measures in at a verified 6’2, 225+, with a 5.18 40, 4.54 short-shuttle, 8’8″ broad jump, and 7.09 L-drill. On tape, Bruggers can beat blocks with his first step, bend, power, lateral agility and/or hand usage, with a ton of closing speed and aggressiveness at the contact point. You can see opposing OTs second guessing and already on their heels as they anticipate what Bruggers may do on this particular pass rush. He’s a heckuva athlete at the 5T position and is going to be one of the state’s most dangerous pass rushers the next two seasons. If he can keep growing, adding mass and muscle in the weight room, and elevating/refining his pass rush repertoire he will have a boatload of college suitors come knocking soon.

What were your overall impressions of the day?

“I had a lot of fun being able to get back on the field and showing what I can do. It was a great competitive atmosphere.”

What were you looking to get out of the day?

“I was hoping to learn some new things to improve my game as well as show what I can do to schools and other scouts.”

Why do you think you were selected MVP by the coaches?

“I think I won MVP because of the one-on-ones. I had a few really good moves that I also used during the season – as well as being able to play interior defensive line during the run game period.”