Defensive line
Phil Scott, Minneapolis North, DT, 6-4, 260: Raw strength, with unparalleled quickness off the ball. Hand and footwork need refining, but makes opposing linemen look slow.
Jermaine Johnson, Eden Prairie, DE, 6-6, 215: Long and lean, with a forward body lean that makes him difficult to redirect. Good speed off the edge. Holds the point of attack.
James Jackson, Cretin-Derham Hall, DE, 6-2, 225: Raw, but his physical tools and desire make him jump out on film. Explodes off the snap, fast enough to chase down ball carriers from behind.
Tanner Sundt, Farmington, 6-4, 240, DE: Excels at penetrating and making plays behind the line of scrimmage. Teams run away from his side of the field. Committed to North Dakota State.
Linebackers
Jamire Jackson, Minneapolis North, 6-2, 230: Looks the part of a college linebacker, with the size, speed and ability to deliver a blow. No LB in the state closes to the ball faster.
Steph Olson Jr., Burnsville, 5-11, 195: Undersized but has terrific football instincts and leadership skills and the athleticism to recover and make a tackle; 139 career tackles, 26 for loss.
Max Bautch, Blaine, 6-2, 215: A heart-and-soul type of player who plays downhill. Nonstop motor with a nose for the ball. Rarely misses a tackle.
Defensive backs
Mitchell Kartes, St. Michael-Albertville, FS, 6-0, 185, jr.: A natural. Fast (11.05 100 meters) who played the most snaps for the Class 5A champs last year; 83 tackles, four interceptions. Also rushed for 1,168 yards.
