Two things set the 2024 preseason Dream Team apart from those of previous seasons.

First, in recognition of this organization’s well-publicized overhaul of, well, just about everything, I’m acknowledging our greater embrace of the entire state. We’re now the Minnesota Star Tribune, and I’m including the best football players from across the state in this preseason set of superstars and superstars-to-be. There’s still a strong metro influence, but the best players from greater Minnesota are also represented here.

This season’s list is exciting because it includes the strongest field of quarterbacks — always a high-profile position — in recent memory. Two of them are bona fide top-level college prospects — Stillwater’s Nick Kinsey and Edina’s Mason West — but a slew of others will light up scoreboards this fall.

Inevitably, lists like this invite scrutiny. I’m sure to hear about great players I underrated or overlooked. That’s what makes putting it together so enjoyable. Your comments are a comforting indicator that high school football, for which many were claiming to hear a death knell a half-dozen years ago, is going strong.

Height, weight: 6-3, 210

College: undecided

Has been attracting college interest since barging onto the national scene two years ago with a series of impressive performances at camps and combines. Has been honing his mechanics and fundamentals, but his greatest gift is his you-got-it-or-you-don’t gunslinger mentality. He flourishes with off-platform throws. Accumulated 2,268 yards, 24 TDs in 2023.

Mason West, Edina, junior

Height, weight: 6-6, 200

College: undecided

A QB prospect out of central casting. His height gives him good vision downfield, his strong arm can make any throw, and he moves well, buying time in the pocket. A bona fide Power Four college prospect if he decides to play football instead of hockey, where he also likely has a future.

Also: Chase Thompson, Alexandria, senior; Peyton Podany, Anoka, senior; Kaden Harney, Maple Grove, junior; Riley Grossman, Lakeville North, senior; Brady Kittelson, Blooming Prairie, senior; Jett Feeney, Moorhead, sophomore; Spencer Ackerman, Sauk Rapids-Rice, junior.

Height, weight: 5-9. 190

College: North Dakota

The best back in the state last year until he was waylaid by injury late in the season. Explosive and sudden, he rushed for 1,425 yards and 21 TDs in just seven games.

Height, weight: 6-1, 207

College: undecided

A downhill runner who has a slippery combination of power between the tackles, where he routinely shrugs off tacklers, and speed that allows him to run away if he gets loose.

Also: Isaiah Wright, Fertile-Beltrami, senior; Connor Cade, Lakeville South, senior; Ayo Ogundeji, Nevis, senior; Caleb Kamara, Burnsville, senior; Max Elliott, Rochester Century, sophomore; Kalvin Eull, Rogers, senior; Gavin Schmidt, Elk River, senior.

Height, weight: 6-0, 185

College: Minnesota

Silky smooth and polished, he has the quickness to leave defenders in his wake and the shake to create space off the line. Can turn any play into a big one.

Height, weight: 6-3, 185

College: undecided

Physically gifted receiver who runs past smaller DBs or outjumps them for catches and routinely wins battles for balls. Made 59 receptions for 957 yards and nine TDs in 2023.

Height, weight: 6-5, 220

College: Wyoming

Not the traditional tight end but rather a WR/TE cross. Fluid and fast but strong enough to outmuscle defenders. Carries a 3.98 grade-point average.

Also: Khalif Brown, wide receiver, Benilde-St. Margaret’s, senior; Jake Schultz, wide receiver, Delano, senior; Luke Guggenberger, wide receiver, Benilde-St. Margaret’s, senior; Brock Wyandt, wide receiver, Farmington, senior; Parker Wangen, wide receiver, Stewartville, senior; Owen Egge, wide receiver, Stillwater, senior; Nate Hromadka, tight end, Maple Grove, senior.

Height, weight: 6-4, 270

College: Northwestern

His requisite size is enhanced by his quickness off the line. Explodes into defenders, delivering a disorienting initial blow. Excellent lateral movement and gets to the second level.

Height, weight: 6-6, 255

College: North Dakota

Tackle with a large frame is a dominant road-grader who controls defensive players with sound technique, upper-body strength, a wide base and exceptional leg drive.

Height, weight: 6-5, 300

College: undecided

Massive with quick feet, an explosive first step and good lateral agility. Gets into the defender quickly. Size and speed overwhelm defenders on contact. Surprise is when a block does not result in a pancake.

Height, weight: 6-6, 270

College: Minnesota

At Rocori, football is big business and Trout is the latest in the Spartans’ string of high-caliber players. He’s a prototypical mauler but adds the dimension of nimble feet

Height, weight: 6-4, 275

College: North Dakota State

A bruiser who relishes contact. Nimble and strong, he can take care of business on the line and easily get to the second level to escort ball carriers downfield.

Also: Owen Linder, Chanhassen, junior; Dalton DeBoer, Holy Angels, junior; Kaden Bonds, Lakeville South, senior; Ethan Beckman, Prior Lake, junior; Cooper Mansfield, Elk River, senior; Noah Hayes, Cretin-Derham Hall, senior; Jake Allex, Marshall, senior; Axel Lorenz, Mankato West, senior; Jack Bauer, Eastview, senior.

Height, weight: 6-4, 205

College: California

His skills as a receiver are elite, but Swinney is just as good with the ball in his hands on returns, making tacklers miss. And he’s not afraid to stick his nose in a defender’s chest as a blocker.

Also: Damian Devine, Holy Angels, senior; Dylan Vokal, Maple Grove, senior; Roman Voss, Jackson County Central, junior; Cam Hungerholt, LeRoy-Ostrander, senior; Jacari Swinea, Worthington, senior.

Height, weight: 6-4, 255

College: Minnesota

Brings relentless destruction on the defensive line. Already entering his third year as a starter. Country strong with excellent hands, helping him play off blocks. Impossible to block with one player and routinely defeats double-teams.

Height, weight: 6-3, 275

College: Minnesota

Freakishly athletic, fast enough to chase down ball carriers a half-field away. A stalwart at stopping the run and blessed with innate pass-rushing skills.

Height, weight: 6-7, 220

College: Minnesota

His length, body lean and straight-line speed give him the advantage of leverage off the edge. Can go sideline to sideline. Sheds blockers with agility and shows impressive closing speed.

Height, weight: 6-3, 245

College: Montana State

High-energy, high-motor player. Never gives up on a play, brushes off blockers with strong hands and relishes contact when he arrives at the ball carrier.

Also: Theo Thomas, Totino-Grace, senior; Gavin Wang, Annandale, senior; Gavin Walden, Eden Prairie, senior; Hans Pederson, Buffalo, junior; Josh Wedel, Chaska, senior; Ethan Cole, Chatfield, senior.

Height, weight: 6-3, 220

College: Minnesota

Fast-twitch muscle fibers in an explosive package. Operates well in small spaces but can also chase down ball carriers from the backside. A playmaker who creates havoc.

Height, weight: 6-3, 215

College: Minnesota

A dynamic athlete forced to play QB for the Warriors in 2023 as the team’s best athlete. Not afraid to stick his nose in a ball carrier’s chest and deliver a physical message.

Height, weight: 6-5, 235

College: North Dakota State

Playing for a Nine-Player program, Evink jumps off the screen with his size and relentless drive and aggression. Runs with ease and purpose and delivers a blow upon arrival.

Also: Chase Brixius, Benilde-St. Margaret’s, senior; Blake Schiltz, Pine Island, senior; Dylan Hudgens, Minnetonka, senior; Carter Carstens, Chanhassen, senior; Kane Thompson, International Falls, senior.

Height, weight: 6-3, 165

College: Northern Iowa

Basketball background shows in his agility and ability to turn and stay with receivers. Closes gaps swiftly, shows strong on-ball skills and supports the run well.

Height, weight: 6-2, 205

College: Wisconsin

Instinctive in the defensive secondary with top-notch ability to read plays and get a jump on passes. Fearless supporting the run and tackles with certainty. Versatile and dangerous with the ball in his hands.

Height, weight: 5-11, 170

College: South Dakota State

A four-year starter, he is always around the ball, whether in coverage or racing up to shut down the run. Has a top-end gear that helps him close on balls in the air.

Height, weight: 6-0, 165

College: South Dakota State

Fluid athlete with the speed and coverage skills of a shutdown corner. Excels at changing directions and reaches top speed quickly. Adept at playing the ball in the air.

Also: Randy Kweyete, Park Center, senior; Evan Kludt, Alexandria, senior; Malachi Boadi, Minnetonka, senior; Caisen Thome, Kasson-Mantorville, senior.

Height, weight: 5-10, 170

College: Minnesota

The state’s most polished kicker. Has a big, accurate leg. Was 44-for-46 on extra points, 11-for-15 on field goals in 2023, with a long of 52 yards. More than 80% of his kickoffs resulted in touchbacks.

Also: Luke Ryerse, East Ridge.