Got curious about future college football stars right here in Minnesota. Heard some buzz at the coffee shop about local high school standouts and decided to dig in. Grabbed my laptop, opened five different browser tabs of sports sites. Man, some of these ranking pages looked like they were designed in 1998.
My Deep Dive Process
Started with the biggest Minnesota prep sports hub. Scrolled through team rankings first – Eden Prairie sitting pretty at #1 like always. But I don’t care about dynasties, I want the hidden gems. Switched to player rankings and boom! Quarterbacks got all the spotlight per usual.
Pulled up my notes app and made two lists:
- Big Names Everyone Knows: That Lakeville South running back with 20+ offers already. Video highlights show him breaking tackles like tissue paper.
- My Personal Watchlist: Found this linebacker from Rochester nobody’s talking about. Kid’s tape shows crazy closing speed. Marked him down in all-caps – gonna track his season.
Field Checks
Couldn’t just trust online hype. Drove to Edina’s scrimmage Thursday night. That four-star receiver? Yeah, his footwork was filthy. But more impressed by their undersized cornerback who stuck to receivers like duct tape. Snuck into the bleachers with other scouts – got the stink-eye from some dad filming his kid with an iPad.
Called up my buddy who coaches JV in Blaine. Asked him straight: “Who’s got that dog in him?” He laughed but gave up two names – offensive lineman with mean streak and QB who studies film after midnight. Wrote them down with three question marks – gotta verify.
Putting It Together
Cross-referenced everything Sunday morning. Crossed out four “top” players who vanished when I checked stats. Discovered this receiver in Mankato quietly putting up monster numbers – how’s he not ranked higher? Made my final list:
- 3 QBs that could start D1 tomorrow
- 2 linemen who play angry
- That Rochester linebacker (still obsessed)
- Mankato’s secret weapon
Finished my coffee cold at 2PM. Minnesota’s sleeping on some serious talent. That linebacker better get offers soon or I’m calling colleges myself.