A big-time sleeper and Outstate hidden gem in the MN 2025 Rankings Update also happens to be one of the most impressive in the open field. I could have named Duluth Denfeld’s electric playmaker Taye Manns in the “Speed Demons” feature from a couple of days ago, as Manns came into a PRzMN Showcase last spring as a sophomore and posted some seriously athletic testing numbers at 5’10, 192 pounds. Highlighted by his 4.5 40, Manns added a 4.4 short-shuttle, 9’10” broad, and 7.25 L-drill that add some exciting context and evidence to Manns thrilling playmaking ability and effortlessness at making defenders miss.

The 218 standout tallied 1,834 all-purpose yards and 18 TDs last fall while showing off explosiveness as a receiver, running back, and returner, and possesses vision, quick feet, good balance, a mean stiff arm, and a running style and lateral agility that makes it hard to anticipate where he’s going to cut to and when. Manns is a patient ball carrier who can smoothly stretch the field and extend plays with his speed when working outside the tackle box, allowing his blocking to develop and seams to open in the defense and displays splash play speed that cruises by opponents effortlessly and before they know it. As a receiver, he will go up and attack the ball in the air and can win contested catches and I won’t forget to mention that the 200 lber. is one of the most dangerous kick returners in the state. Manns is on another level of athleticism than his competition, which shows up excitingly, and for his efforts and talent, he earned a prestigious Minnesota Gophers Junior Day invite, as well as an Iowa State Junior Day invite, opportunities that only have come across the tables of a limited number of MN juniors. South Dakota State has reached out too, as well as seemingly every NSIC program. Manns is going to be busy this spring!

Not since the days of CJ Ham has Duluth Denfeld had such a prolific offensive weapon as 2025 standout Taye Manns. Yes, there’s been some standouts in-between the two, but there hasn’t been anyone as explosive as the 5’11, 200 lber., who verified his athleticism at our PrepRedzoneMN Showcase last spring, where he posted a hand-timed 4.5 flat in the 40, a 4.4 short-shuttle, a 9’10” broad jump, and 7.25 L-drill for a very strong showing in the testing department. The athleticism is obvious on tape as well, where Manns demonstrates a dynamic skillset that provides a ton of offensive firepower as a RB, WR, and returner. He’ll even get you points as a DB! To start, his vision and twitch are excellent, as he sees the field very well and does a great job of setting up defenders and utilizing space to get the most out of each and every rep. He showed off highlight-reel plays in his sophomore highlights involving one-handed catches, explosive runs cutting back across the grain, dragging would-be tacklers and dogpiles downfield, and snatching ankles of opponents in 1-on-1 situations. There’s top-end speed, burst, and contact balance available in droves on his film, and I also enjoy Manns‘ ball skills, body control, fearlessness, and vertical ability as a WR. He’s a big play waiting to happen and will be one of the most dangerous offensive weapons in Northern MN and the entire state overall. He comes in at #33 overall and as the #4 ranked ATH in the 2025 rankings.