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The four pillars

Standing head and shoulders above his classmates, teammates and opponents, it's the top question Carter Bykowski gets: "How tall are you?" For the record, the Eden Prairie tight end is 6-foot-7, and he smiles when asked if he'd like to grow any more. We asked Bykowski and three other star members of the defending Class 5A state champion Eagles about their favorite memories and their football futures.

Last update: August 28, 2007 - 4:34 PM

WILLIE MOBLEY, DEFENSIVE END

6-foot-2, 263 pounds

College: Undecided. He has more than 25 scholarship offers from top Division-I programs nationwide.

Earliest football memory: I grew up in Apple Valley, and you can't play until fourth grade there. I remember crying to my mom that I wanted to play early. They finally let me. I was the youngest, but I was still one of the biggest.

What drew you to football? My mom was a big college football fan. I always thought basketball would be my sport, but then when I put the pads on, I knew I was good at this.

Biggest football influence: My family. I really like that I'll have my school paid for and that they will be able to watch me and be proud of me. Every time I get on the field, I think of my family.

Best part of high school football: There's no worries. You go out there just because it's fun. People say college is the best, but it's high school.

Career highlight: The state championship. When it was over, it was like "What just happened?"

CARTER BYKOWSKI, TIGHT END

6-foot-7, 245 pounds

College: Verbally committed to Iowa State

Earliest football memory: Both my older brothers played, so I wanted to play, too. My first year I could play, third grade, I was on the Red team.

What drew you to football? I was always a big kid, and I wanted to go out and hit other kids.

Biggest football influence: My older brothers, especially my oldest brother.

Best part of high school football: Being a part of the Eden Prairie tradition. It's the best time of your life.

Career highlight: The state championship.

HOW YOU CAME TO YOUR COLLEGE DECISION: THE BIGGEST PART WAS THEY WANTED ME. AND IT'S PRETTY CLOSE TO HOME. AND IT'S A GREAT SCHOOL.

Ryan Grant, quarterback

6-foot-1, 215 pounds

College: Verbally committed to Minnesota

Earliest football memory: Purple team, 4th grade.

What drew you to football? It's a part of my family [he's the son of Eden Prairie coach Mike Grant and grandson of former Vikings coach Bud Grant]. I wasn't expected to play, but I knew I was going to play.

Biggest football influence: My dad. He wasn't my coach or anything when I was growing up, but he'd give me tips. He affected my football career the most.

Best part of high school football: Game nights. Walking to the field, especially when it's a cold day.

Career highlight: Last year's championship.

How you came to your college decision: I was told to go someplace where you want to live after. And I want to stay here. Plus, if the U could be something special in the next few years, it would be awesome to be a part of that.

JEFF BOWLSBY, LINEBACKER

6-foot, 215 pounds

College: Undecided. Stanford, Iowa and Illinois have shown interest.

Earliest football memory: Third grade. The Maroon team won the championship.

What drew you to football? Eden Prairie has always had a rich tradition. It's a well-run youth program and my entire family played.

Biggest football influence: The love for the game. I love coming to practice and working with the team.

Best part of high school football: That sense of having a team. It's really cool how everybody comes together and has a lot of fun.

Career highlight: The state championship.

What will factor in your college decision? Academics. They say it's a lifetime decision, not just a four-year decision. And, of course, someplace that has a great football atmosphere.

BRIAN STENSAAS

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