Star Tribune all-metro football dream team defense

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.

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.

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.

Isaiah Cherrier, Mound Westonka, SS, 6-0, 205: A four-year starter on both sides of the ball whose presence keyed the White Hawks' success last year. Explosive as an RB; fast, instinctive, sure tackler as a strong safety.

Malik Lofton, Hopkins, 5-10, 175, CB: Best pure cover man in Minnesota. Faster than most receivers, reacts well to the ball in the air. Not afraid to step up and play the run.

Nico Bolden, Woodbury, FS, 6-4, 205: Terrific size as a safety who is adept at ­dropping into the box and stopping the run yet fast enough to close on receivers. Weighing 18 college offers.

Grant Ryerse, East Ridge, 6-4, 206: The top kicking prospect in Minnesota. Touchbacks are routine on kickoffs. Has over 50-yard range on field goals. Committed to Minnesota.

JIM PAULSEN