Nolen made a name for himself during the testing portion of the day. The underclassman measured in at 6’2″ 184 lbs, broad jumped 9’5″, ,ran a 4.68 40 yard dash, and had just over a 32″ vertical jump. After the camp I noticed how highly Nolen was ranked in MN, so I had to check out the tape. No question Volner looks like a high level LB. The long, lean OLB has great range for the position. He also has impressive lateral agility. Nolen has highlights where he is able to avoid blocks with just his agility. Volner also has a strong first step off the line when he is rushing the edge. In coverage, Nolen looks more like a safety with his ability to cover a vast area of the field, soft hands, and ability to run with receivers in the slot. Big things are ahead for Nolen. Make sure he is on your radars.

Coming in at LB5 and #33 overall in the updated PRzMN rankings update, North Branch’s Nolen Volner is a long 6’1, 180 lber. who found success as a RB and OLB in 2022. I also loved his reps as a safety, where he can cover a ton of ground in run support, and at either defensive spot, he was fantastic at pursuing, tackling, and defending the edge of the Viking’s defense. Volner is a strong tackler, plays with great angles and leverage, and is slippery when avoiding blocks. He also made plays as a blitzer and in pass coverage and is a smooth, strong, and impressive defensive presence at this stage in his budding prep career. A handful of college coaches across the FCS, DIII, NAIA, and JUCO levels already follow the young man and that number is sure to grow over the coming weeks and months.

Rose his stock from #38 to #33 overall!

North Branch High School has a heckuva LB playing for Bethel University right now in Thomas Wurdemann and had a heckuva 2023 prospect in UW-River Falls TE commit Adam Johnstone Adam Johnstone 6'4" | 220 lbs | TE North Branch | 2023 MN , but have an up-and-comer with even more potential in 2025 6’1, 180 lb. LB/RB Nolen Volner. The sophomore was fast and athletic enough to even get safety reps in 2022, which worked to highlight his sideline-to-sideline pursuit range from either position and comfortability at tackling in space. He’s got range in coverage as well, and I like his understanding of leverage and holding the edge of a defense. Also a strong tackler who can easily slip under and around blocking attempts. Volner laid some big hits in 2022 and is a valuable defensive asset with a ton of good football left in front of him. I’m interested to see how he continues to grow and develop his game.