Top Minnesota Prospects

Minnesota
QB •••+ John Pride 6-1, 185, 4.5 Fridley Totino-Grace
He is one of the more athletic players in the state of Minnesota.
On Film–#3 shows a live arm, makes good decisions, and has really grown in the QB position over the past year. He played his freshman and sophomore years at Cretin-Derham and transferred to Totino-Grace last season and did not skip a beat. I've seen J.D. at combines and I was impressed with his footwork and quick release. He also shows pretty good touch on his deep balls, strides into his throws, and does a good job of finding the open receiver. Good things are expected of him this season and if he improves the way he did last year, look out.
Grades–His GPA is over 3.0. Benches 280.
Favorite Schools–He is the cousin of Dallas Cowboys' Marion Barber. His favorite schools are MN, MI, SC, and PURDUE.

QB ••• Mark Alt 6-4, 190, 4.7 St. Paul Cretin-Durham
He put together some great numbers in '08.
On Film–Mark proves to be a tall and athletic young man who is still growing with a rifle arm and good footwork. He stands strong in the pocket and is not fast but quick. He can step up in the pocket to avoid the rush and can get outside the pocket when pressured. Makes good accurate throws on the run and is a solid all-around QB with big-time skills.
Stats–He completed 63% of his passes on his way to earning All-State honors throwing for 2,353 yds and 27 TDs. He is also a top-notch wing in hockey. His father, John Alt, played ball at Iowa and with the Kansas City Chiefs.

QB ••• Greg Hynes 6-2, 180, 4.5 Minneapolis St. Louis Park
He has decent height and a very good work ethic.
On Film–Greg impresses and surprises all with his foot quickness, arm strength, and most of all, production. He can get the job done with both his arm and his feet, is a good game manager, and decision maker. He puts the ball on the money most of the time and just throws a quick and compact delivery. He is certainly someone to keep an eye on as he improves with every game.
Stats–He threw for 1,238 yds and 11 TDs and ran for 1,128 yds and 13 TDs in '08.
Grades–His GPA is 3.2

RB •••• Lamonte' Edwards 6-2, 205, 4.49 Woodbury, MN
It's always been my opinion that the state of Minnesota is an underrated state when it comes to talent and this year is no exception. At the RB position you got a big guy who can run with excellent vision.
On Film–Monte' impresses you with his size, strength, and vision. He is a very aggressive back who gains significant yardage after contact and seems to get stronger and more punishing with every carry. He shows big-time footwork and attitude. Also a standout LB on defense that can close like no one's business and break down in space and make plays.
Stats–Earned some All-League honors for his play at LB.
Grades–His GPA is 2.9. Benches 285 and has a 30" VJ.
Favorite Schools–Committed to MINNESOTA.

RB •••+ Evan Williams 5-11, 185, 4.5 Minneapolis De LaSalle, MN
The '08 season was somewhat of a coming out party for Evan since he missed the entire '07 season due to injuries.
On Film–And what a coming out party it was. This guy is a good mixture of speed, size, and deceptive strength. A workhorse-type back who can excel between the tackles and has the burst and movement skills to cause damage on the perimeter. Not super big but he runs with good strength and purpose, and does a great job of finishing off his runs and is not an easy tackle. I watched the New London Spicer game in which Evan took charge in the second quarter and never looked back totaling 241 yds and single handedly carried De LaSalle to victory.
Stats–Overall, he carried the ball 211 times for 2,092 yds and 33 TDs averaging close to 10 yds per carry. He also caught 3 passes for 100 yds and totaled 14 tackles and 3 picks seeing part-time duty at CB. He is an excellent all-around athlete.
Other Sports–Evan told me that he once ran a wind-aided 10.4 100 meters and has been timed in a 22.3 200 meters and long jumped 22' in track.
Grades–His GPA is over 2.0.
Favorite Schools–IA STATE, NORTHERN IL, WY, WI, MI STATE, MN, and IN.

RB ••• Joel Baumann 6-1, 190, 4.6 Kerkhoven Murdock-SNBRG
I have to be honest with you, I did not go up to this high school and have never heard of it before but I did get film on Joel and he has Division I skills.
On Film–The coach listed him taller than what he was but he is a legit 6-1, 190 pounder with deceptive speed, good running instincts, vision, and balance. He also looked very good playing FS and has proven to be a very physically gifted two-way player. Competition may be suspect but not his talent.
Stats–He rushed for 2,941 yds and 30 TDs on his way to earning All-State honors.
Favorite Schools–MN, WI, NORTHWESTERN, IA, and CO.

WR ••• Zach Vraa 6-3, 190, 4.6 Rosemount
An under-the-radar WR.
On Film–He shows outstanding hands and surprising speed. Zach runs precise routes, knows how to find the open seam, and catches everything within reach. A long-strider who catches the ball with his hands, he's also a strong runner and a tough tackle.
Stats–He caught 51 passes for 945 yds and 13 TDs on his way to earning All-Metro honors averaging 18½ yds per catch.
Other Sports–He is a standout FW in basketball.

WR ••• Jerrett Williams 6-2, 180, 4.6 Minneapolis Blake, MN
Another top-notch athlete.
On Film–Jerrett impresses you at both the WR and FS positions. He is another good athlete who is not a blazer but shows good football instincts. On offense he runs precise routes, can catch the ball at its highest point, and is not afraid to go after the ball in traffic. On defense, he shows very good range and quickness to the ball.
Stats–He is a three-time All-Conference selection at WR. Last season he caught 30 passes for over 500 yds and 6 TDs and picked off 4 passes at DB.

TE •••+ Brad Losee 6-4, 230, 4.8 Apple Valley Eastview
Has gone from being a 6-4, 215 pounder to a muscular 6-4, 230 pounder this year.
On Film–Brad shows Division I skills at both the TE and DE positions. He is athletic, tough, and productive, with a terrific motor. An exceptional run stuffer on defense with solid technique and a strong-handed receiver who is an accomplished blocker on offense. His coach says he has the intangibles, a great frame, and I concur. He has a chance to be a real standout.
Grades–His GPA is 3.99 and he scored a 26 on the ACT. Benches 265.
Favorite Schools–MN, WI, COLUMBIA, STANFORD, NORTHWESTERN, and PENN.

TE •••+ Aaron Pavek 6-6, 220, 4.8 Brainerd
By the end of the year he could rank among the top TE prospects in the country.
On Film–Aaron was slowed by injuries during the '07 season but really came into his own last year showing excellent size, strong hands, and a toughness rarely seen in TE's. He has a huge upside and the frame to weigh 250 pounds in college. He runs disciplined routes and catches the ball with his hands. Exceptionally productive in the red zone, he is a tough blocker and can dominate as a run blocker.
Stats–He earned All-Conference honors at TE.
Grades–His GPA is over 3.0.
Favorite Schools–MN, WI, IA, NORTHWESTERN, MI STATE, VANDY, and NE.

TE ••• Taylor Grant 6-5, 235, 4.85 Eden Prairie
He is coached by his father and his grandfather is famous former Viking Head Coach Bud Grant.
On Film–He shows great fundamentals and an excellent frame. Not real quick but more than makes up for it by anticipating plays. He is also a sure-handed receiver that catches the ball away from his body and rarely drops anything within reach.
Stats–He earned some All-State mention after averaging close to 15 yds per catch and totaling 8 TDs as a junior.
Grades–His GPA is 3.2.

TE ••• Taylor Hanson 6-5, 225, 4.8 Minneapolis Minnehaha Academy
He is big enough to become an accomplished TE in college and quick enough to play WR as a junior.
On Film–Taylor has made a name for himself as a receiving TE and a pass rushing DE. Very aggressive, he has great lower body strength. He needs to work on his upper body strength but impresses you with his hand-eye coordination and his ability to run with the ball after the catch.
Stats–He earned All-Conference honors at both TE and DE in '08.

TE ••• Joe Hurlbut 6-5, 220, 4.8 Alexandria
A little known but very talented TE.
On Film–He has proven to be an accomplished receiver and a rising star among blocking TE's. He is big and well built and shows quicker footwork than you would expect. Once off the line he accelerates to full speed very quickly. He is certainly somebody to keep an eye on.

TE ••• Adam Schueller 6-4, 265, 5.0 Fergus Falls
Here's a TE who could wind up becoming an outstanding OG in college.
On Film–He plays on a run-oriented offense and shows explosive moves as a run blocker. He can get off the line fairly quickly and shows a pretty good pairs of hands, but it is his run blocking that will keep college scouts interested. Has the frame to weigh 300 pounds in college.

OL ••••• Seantrel Henderson 6-8, 330, 4.89 St. Paul Cretin-Derham
He is the most celebrated player in the country. A year ago last March I named his as the top prospect for the Class of 2010 in a story in Sports Illustrated and I have not wavered from that opinion.
On Film–When properly motivated, he is dynamic as an LT and a man among boys and the most dominating player in the country at any position. I watched Seantrel's entire '08 season and I got the impression he may have been coasting the first couple of games and by mid-season he was back to rare form and dominated almost every single play. He is a rare combination of size, speed, and strength, having sometimes outrun the backs to the end zone. In person, and I saw him three times this year, he carries his 330 pounds very well and will prove to be the best OL prospect to come out of the Midwest since Joe Thomas and Orlando Pace. He can bend his knees and stays low like a 200 pounder , shows great recovery speed, and quickly sets up in pass protection with a wide base. Speed rushers have no chance against this long-armed, exceptionally quick-footed LT. If he stays healthy, he will be an instant impact player in college. In fact, there was no tackle in this year's draft that had the athletic ability as Mr. Henderson. Dominates the point of attack and, when out in space, shows the natural athletic ability and change of direction skills to dominate linebackers. When I finished watching his last couple of games there was no doubt in my mind that he is the #1 player in the country and subsequently will be offered by every major school in the country.
Favorite Schools–The last time I met with Seantrel it was June 21 and at the time he told me MN, OH, MN, OH STATE, OK, USC, FL, FSU, and LSU were his top seven. However, it has been rumored he had been dropped down to a top 10 and he says that is not true and there is no clear-cut favorite. My guess would be that the Minnesota Gophers, with a new stadium and one of the top up and coming coaches in the country, will be difficult to beat.

OL ••••• James Gjere 6-7, 295, 5.4 New Brighton Irondale
His coach calls him a monster with the best hands on the team.
On Film–This super prospect dominates his RT position the way Seantrel Henderson dominates the LT position. He is an assuming prep superstar who gets a quick jump off the ball and demonstrates a devastating punch that will shock would-be pass rushers. Can get his quick hands on defenders before they know it and can normally turn them any which way but loose. He has lightening-quick feet for a 295 pounder and can do a good job of adjusting and blocking effectively out in space. Has the athleticism to slide out and mirror would-be pass rushers. He seems to do everything with an ease rarely seen in prep OL's. Ranks among the top five OL prospects in the Midwest and on film, believe me when I say this, there are few better.
Stats–He only allowed 3 sacks during his entire prep career and last season earned All-League and All-Area honors at RT. He has the frame to weigh well over 300 pounds in college.
Other Sports–He is a standout in hockey and is a closer in baseball with an upper 80s fastball.
Grades–His GPA is 3.5 and he scored a 20 on the ACT.
Favorite Schools–Committed to MINNESOTA.

OL ••• Conor McFadden 6-3, 260, 5.0 Mendota Heights St. Thomas Academy
A very well rounded athlete, he was even All Conference in tennis.
On Film–He shows great feet, technique, is competitor, and an excellent learner. This guy rarely makes the same mistake twice. Better suited to play OG in college, he consistently fires off the ball and delivers a hard hit. He can also get out of his stance and into pass set ups quickly. Shows surprising agility for a 260 pounder and has the frame to weigh close to 300 pounds in college.
Stats–Earned All-Conference honors for his play at both OG and OC and also was a very competitive end on defense.
Grades–His GPA is over 3.0.

OL ••• Matt Ober 6-5, 240, 4.9 Glencoe Silver Lake
He obviously needs to add some weight and strength.
On Film–This guy can play the OT position and shows the tools to be very productive at the next level. He has the quickness to get out of his stance and dominate the outside against edge rushers. Very aggressive, he can run block and moves well latterly. Not super strong but can usually get the jump on less quicker defenders.
Stats–He earned All-League honors for his play at tackle.

Future All-American
Tom Olson 6-4, 285, 5.0 Mahtomedi
Tommy was in our magazine last year as a Future All American and he has gained 10 pounds of muscle since then and has dropped his 40 time from 5.1 to 5.0.
On Film–This Future All American is explosive, athletic, tough, nasty is a better word, and he does a great job of finishing his blocks. He really came into his own during his sophomore year and I can't wait to see him as an accomplished senior.
Stats–He totaled 107 decleaters on his way to earning All-State mention at RG.
Other Sports–Averages 10 pts and 10 rebounds a game as a center in basketball and batted .365 as a first baseman in baseball.
Grades–His GPA is 3.3. Benches 300.
Favorite Schools–Like his father and his brother before him, I'm sure Tom will wind up as a Gopher.

Other Offensive Linemen to Watch:
Antonio Neiberg 6-4, 260, 5.0 West St. Paul Henry Sibley
Brahn Olson 6-3, 300, 5.3 Hutchinson
Ray Satnik 6-5, 280, 5.0 Hugo Hill Murray
Matt Schmiesing 6-4, 300, 5.0 Paynesville Area
David Powell 6-3, 260, 5.0 Minnetonka Hopkins
Billy Turner 6-5, 265, 5.3 Shoreview Mounds View
Michael Ward 6-5, 230, 5.2 Pequot Lakes
Mitch Weidman 6-4, 280, 5.0 Brainerd

DL •••• Beau Allen 6-3, 297, 5.1 Minnetonka
If you are looking for a dominating middle guy for your defense look no further than #91.
On Film–Beau is the most dominating defensive player in the state of Minnesota. He may not be a tremendous pass rusher but he doesn't have to be. This guy stuffs everything up the middle and shows very good initial quickness, instincts, and smarts. A four-year starter with explosive moves off the ball, exceptional straight-ahead speed, and he can run well laterally. He certainly shows the footwork, agility, and strength to dominate the DT position. Also shows the quick hands to defeat one-on-one blocks and does a pretty good job of pressuring the QB and is known for his hard-hitting style of play.
Stats–Recorded 57 stops, 3 sacks, 10 tackles for losses, 1 pick, and 5 caused fumbles in '08.
Grades–His GPA is 3.4. Benches 335.
Favorite Schools–His parents are Wisconsin grads. His favorite schools are MN, WI, IA, STANFORD, NOTRE DAME, NORTHWESTERN, and UCLA.

DL •••• Tobi Okuyemi 6-3, 240, 4.65 Plymouth Wayzata
He is quickly becoming one of the most heavily recruited players in the state of Minnesota.
On Film–#49 is explosive off the ball, excellent in pursuit, shows fast hands, is good at reading blocks, and can run through blockers. Can accelerate quickly down the line, he does a good job of getting his hands on blockers, tosses them off balance even quicker, and shows surprising speed when in pursuit. The first game on his film has him making 5 tackles for losses, 2½ sacks, 9 total tackles, and 4 QB pressures.
Stats–Totaled 57 tackles, 9 sacks, 17 tackles for losses, caused 6 fumbles, and picked off 1 pass.
Other Sports–He has been timed in a very impressive 11.1 100 and a 22.5 200 meters in track.
Grades–His GPA is 2.9 and he scored a 25 on the ACT. Benches 280 and has a 35" VJ, testimony to his outstanding all-around athletic ability.
Favorite Schools–MN, IA, WI, KY, VANDY, NE, MI STATE, NOTRE DAME, and TN.

DL •••+ Muhammed Kromah 6-3, 240, 4.8 Fridley Totino-Grace
A still-growing DE.
On Film–He shows the size, agility, and burst to become an effective DE in college. He really came on strong the second half of last season and impressed me with his solid pass-rushing skills. Not yet the difference maker he could become at the DE position but he does get off the ball with a burst and covers a lot of ground with his first step. A hard worker who always makes good effort, he makes plays with good hustle and instincts.
Stats–He recorded 31 tackles, 3 sacks, and 20 QB hurries in '08.

DL ••• Isaac Rinehart 6-4, 240, 4.9 St. Paul St. Thomas Academy
Here is a ball player for you really to keep your eye on. He performs very well at OT but has the size and quick feet to become an even better DE.
On Film–Very fast, quick, coachable, and energetic, Isaac runs through his blocker quickly using his hands to knock them off balance, and he's a good enough athlete to redirect and make plays while in pursuit. Not super big but plays strong and holds ground at the point of attack. He does a good job of reading the run and seems to get started to the ball very quickly.
Stats–He earned some All-League honors at both DE and OT.
Grades–His GPA is over 2.5.
Favorite Schools–MN, WI, IA, MI STATE, IA STATE.

DL ••• Will Westman 6-6, 245, 5.0 Mahtomedi
He is certainly a ball player to keep your eye on.
On Film–Not yet the dominating player he could become but shows great size, long arms, pretty quick feet, and good determination. Has the frame to weigh 280-300 pounds in college and the quickness to get Division I schools interested. He needs to put it all together during the '09 season but he certainly has those kinds of skills.

DL ••• Andrew Muer 6-2, 285, 5.1 Perham
He appears to have all the makings of a dominating DT.
On Film–Andrew seems to do all the little things right. He is a hard-working DT who can quickly get his hands on blockers, has enough initial quickness to chase down RB's while in pursuit, and seems to consistently identify the play, which allows him to get started quickly. Rarely gets fooled by misdirection plays and he always seems to be planted at the right spot. Not super fast but quick enough.
Stats–He earned 1st Team All-Conference honors at DT.

Other Defensive Linemen to Watch:
Spencer Cummings 6-4, 225, 4.8 White Bear Lake
Joe Lewis 6-4, 225, 4.7 Plymouth Armstrong
Tim Newstrom 6-3, 275, 5.0 South St. Paul
Dan Reil 6-5, 285, 5.2 Buffalo

LB •••+ A.J. Tarpley 6-1, 220, 4.7 Plymouth Wayzata
He is not a real big or fast LB but exceptionally active and productive.
On Film–A.J. plays OLB and shows excellent quickness and plays hard from the snap until the whistle. He reads well, has quick hands and an explosive burst and also displays good range and makes plays all over the field against the run and the pass. He is the player who just makes plays.
Stats–Earned All-League honors at LB in '08.
Grades–His GPA is over 3.0. He has as 30" VJ.
Favorite Schools–Committed to STANFORD.

LB •••+ Gabe Mezzenga 6-4, 230, 4.7 Fridley Totino-Grace
Big, quick, athletic, and aggressive.
On Film–Those are the words that describe #47 and, believe it or not, he also played some FS in '08. He's a tackling machine who considers blockers to be just a minor nuisance and he uses his hands to keep blockers from locking on and sheds them quickly. He can make plays from sideline to sideline but also has the size and growth potential to possibly wind up playing DE at the next level. Consistently around the ball and he is smart and active.
Stats–He recorded 90 tackles, 3 sacks, 10 tackles for losses, 1 pick, and 1 caused fumble in '08.
Other Sports–Batted .315 with 3 homeruns in baseball.
Grades–His GPA is 3.9. Benches 300.
Favorite Schools–MN, WI, NOTRE DAME, PENN STATE, HARVARD, and IA.

LB •••+ Grant Olson 6-2, 210, 4.7 Plymouth Wayzata
He should form quite a tandem with Tarpley this fall.
On Film–Grant is tough and physical. He shows good athleticism in the open field and in coverage. Easily sheds blockers, plays the game on his feet, and can break down in space and make plays.
Stats–He earned some All-State mention for his play at LB in '08.
Other Sports–He is a standout in wrestling.
Favorite Schools–MN, WI, IA STATE, IA, NE, and MI STATE.

Other Linebackers to Watch:
Brad Muckenhirn 6-5, 205, 4.7 Hutchinson
Andy Jirik 6-4, 210, 4.8 Richfield Academy of Holy Angels
Alex Lashomb 6-3, 230, 4.8 Inver Grove Heights Simley
Taylor Waldorf 6-2, 230, 4.8 Winona Cotter
Jacob Brusehaver 6-5, 225, 4.5 Hutchinson

DB ••• Alex Hanks 6-2, 185, 4.5 St. Cloud Tech
One of the better all-around athletes in Minnesota.
On Film–Alex presents an interesting prospect at either FS or CB. He is an aggressive defender who attacks the line of scrimmage in run support and shows a good backpedal, instincts, and versatility. Accelerates quickly, he is exceptional when the ball is in the air.
Stats–Totaled 34 tackles, 3 picks, and broke up 9 passes as a junior.
Other Sports–He is a standout shooting guard in basketball.

DB ••• Luke Grossman 6-1, 180, 4.6 Albert Lea
He is a decent sized FS with decent speed.
On Film–He is anything but decent, this guy can make plays, shows good range, instincts, leaping ability, and timing. He is a determined young man who can redirect quickly, shows a smooth backpedal, and excellent speed to the ball.
Stats–Totaled 63 tackles and 3 picks on his way to earning All-State mention.
Other Sports–He is a standout shooting guard in basketball and an outfielder in baseball.

DB ••• Marcus Williams 5-11, 180, 4.5 Minnetonka Hopkins
A high school FS who could play CB or FS at the next level.
On Film–He shows good range, instincts, leaping ability, and confidence. Runs a legit 4.5 40 and is a standout when the ball is in the air.
Stats–He earned some All-League honors at FS.
Grades–His GPA is over 2.5. Benches 225 and has a 32" VJ.