One of our top athletes in the state of Minnesota’s 2027 class Tristian Karl of St. Thomas Academy, was one of the best 2027s I saw in attendance at the 612Q Skills Camp in St. Paul. The 6’1 187 pounder has transformed a ton since I saw him a couple years ago at one of 612Qs QB Camps, as he showed off the flexibility that college coaches already seem to like out of Tristan. In the reps I got to watch, he showed off that he can use his athleticism to create more length with his lower body and that showed off as a route-runner that showed off some sound hnads from what I saw on Saturday. Going to be intrigued on where this young man ends up positionally at D1 camps this summer.

One of the teams that Spring Lake Park beat en route to their run to the 5A championship was St. Thomas Academy, with Tristan Karl Tristan Karl 6'1" | 185 lbs | ATH/QB St Thomas | 2027 State MN leading the way for one of the most dangerous offenses in the conference. Karl finished with 922 passing yards, 15 TDs, and 4 INTs while rushing for 514 yards (6.3 YPC) and 4 TDs. Karl’s athleticism is quite impressive to note, with a 4.64 40 yard time and a whopping 38″ vertical jump. and that athleticism showed as he was quite dangerous in the open field. Karl excels in the RPO-game, proving dangerous pump-faking the ball before sprinting for a big gain, and he shows some nice arc and placement on his deep throws. Karl’s stock should surge greatly as he enters his senior season, and there could be a good chance that he faces Spring Lake Park again in the postseason for a rematch if he wants to push for a state title to wrap up his high school career.

A transfer from Rosemount High School, St. Thomas Academy QB1 Tristan Karl is has seen his stock grow in value exponentially since the 2025 season began in late August. Breakout star, in-season Stock Riser, QB1 of a 5A state championship contender, call Karl whatever you want, but you can’t deny the fact that he’s 4-0 and coming off the biggest win of his football career in last week’s takedown of then-#2 Chanhassen 28-13 in Mendota Heights. Karl isn’t stuffing the stat sheet, but he’s completed 68% of his passes on 37 attempts for 231 yards and 5 TDs to 0 INTs + 18 rushes for 125 yards and 1 TD, and has been instrumental in the Cadets 4-0 start and climb into the 5A state title conversation after the midseason point.

Karl throws a good ball on the move and off-platform and is safe with the football, as he shows some ball-placement ability and puts the rock where only his wideouts can get it. Additionally, the 185 lber. is very mobile, with great pocket awareness and scrambling ability that can buy time, extend plays, and really stretch the fringes of a defense and their individual assignments rep to rep. He’s a tough, sleek runner with some lateral agility and toughness at the contact point, and I’m hearing some chatter behind the scenes about his stock, production, skillset, and 2025 season performance finding some big-time regional eyes as of late. Keep an eye on Karl and the rest of the Cadets this season! Fun things happening in Mendota Heights.

A recent transfer from a 6A school, Rosemount, Karl looks to take over the signal-calling role for the Cadets this fall. He’s yet to see significant varsity time, so this junior campaign looks to be a breakout of sorts for him. In his previous film, it’s clear Karl possesses the talent to evolve into a high-tier starter. He’s able to do everything that is asked of him in a pro-style offense. When he needs to uncork and let his arm loose, Karl showcases that his arm talent is right up there with other top QBs in his class. His ball placement at times is exceedingly high-level, and I hope he’s able to put it together and have a big junior year.

Already possessing solid size at 6’1, 180 as a sophomore in the 6A ranks at Rosemount High, Tristan Karl Tristan Karl 6'1" | 185 lbs | ATH/QB St Thomas | 2027 State MN is also a standout baseball player whose arm talent really came alive during crunch time competition yesterday in Savage. Karl, whose ability to navigate the pocket and throw off platform were in the spotlight during the end-of-night 1v1 sudden death knock-out throw-off, and prior to that he flashed some big throws and a live arm during group work. Name to know in the still-developing 2027 QB class!