DEFENSE

David Alston, Woodbury, DE, 6-4, 225: Considered the state's top pass-rushing prospect. Comes hard off the edge, with a strong shoulder lean, but fast enough to chase down ball carriers.

Luke Kubesh, Totino-Grace, DT, 6-0, 280: The top interior line prospect for 2019. Wide base and low center of gravity make him difficult to move. Excels handling double-teams in one-technique.

Zach Whaley, Prior Lake, DT, 6-4, 285: Powerful at the point of attack with quick feet that allow him to penetrate. Agile for his size and can make plays up and down the line.

Antonio Montero, Eden Prairie, 6-0, 210: Hard-nosed and relentless and hits with authority. Sets the edge well and rarely misses a tackle. Great at sniffing out plays. Had 85 tackles and 13 TFLs in 2016.

Ty Barron, Minnetonka, 6-0, 220: Played inside and outside linebacker in 2016. Has a knack for blowing up plays in the backfield. Had 75 tackles, 13 TFL, 5.5 sacks in 2016.

Jack Anderson, Holy Angels, 6-2, 225: Lethal combination of size and speed, both at running back (1,058 yards, 15 TDs last year) and linebacker. Committed to Western Illinois.

Onte Burns, Cooper, 5-11, 185: Undersized, but has the speed to shoot gaps and blow up plays in the backfield. At his best dropping into coverage. Committed to Montana State.

Josh Aune, St. Paul Highland Park, 6-1, 201: All-around athlete with sound football instincts and a nose for the ball. Excels in run support. Committed to Minnesota.

Benny Sapp III, Eden Prairie, 6-0 ½, 185: Two knee injuries have kept him from game action since moving to Minnesota. Plays fast and not afraid of contact. Minnesota-bound.

Phoenix Sproles, Cooper, 6-0, 175: Terrific speed, which allows him to close on receivers. Also a receiver – the position he'll play at North Dakota State – with the requisite ball-skills.

Mekhi Besseck, Armstrong, 6-3, 203: Prototypical size for a safety. Always around the ball and a sure tackler, with 92 total (72 solo) last year. Picked off four passes.

Matthew Jaeger, Armstrong, P/K: Strongest placekicking leg in the state. Made four of five FGs, 25 of 26 PATs last season. Averaged 44.5 yards per punt.

JIM PAULSEN