Meet six exceptional Minnesota high school athletes who happen to be football players

One is a Division I-level point guard. One is a small-class sprint champion. All are easy to spot when their athletic ability shows on the football field.

The Minnesota Star Tribune
September 20, 2024 at 2:12PM
Clockwise from top left: Maple Grove's Dylan Vokal makes a tackle, Stewartville's Parker Wangen catches a pass, Roman Voss avoids a tackler. (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Jayden Moore, Hopkins

Wide receiver junior, 5-10, 170

Demands attention on the football field with his superior athletic ability. Has 16 catches for 344 yards and three touchdowns this season. Well-known as a sought-after point guard on the basketball court with five Division I college offers.

Tate Nelson, Two Harbors

Wide receiver/defensive back/kick returner, senior, 5-10, 160

His speed changes games. Was the Class 1A state champion in the 100 meters and long jump as a sophomore. Committed to Minnesota Duluth.

Meyer Swinney, Edina

Wide receiver, senior, 6-3, 210

Makes the difficult catch look easy. Shows amazing hands and routinely makes ordinary plays extraordinary. Has 18 catches for 303 yards and four touchdowns this season. Had 15 Division I college offers before committing to California, Berkeley.

Dylan Vokal, Maple Grove

Wide receiver/safety, senior, 6-2, 200

A do-it-all playmaker on both sides of the ball but a game-changer at receiver. Runs a 4.58-second 40-yard dash and has a 35-inch vertical jump. Committed to North Dakota State.

Roman Voss, Jackson County Central

Quarterback/safety, junior, 6-4, 216

Physical specimen who commands attention whenever he steps on the field. A versatile forward on the basketball court who averaged more than 20 points per game last season. Has nine Power 4 football offers.

Parker Wangen, Stewartville

Tight end/safety/kicker, senior, 6-4, 200

A gifted all-around athlete — 4.5-second 40-yard dash, 35-inch vertical jump — who has been a two-sport standout since youth sports. Plays for Stewartville’s basketball team, a state tournament participant the past two seasons. Committed to play football at Minnesota State, Mankato.

about the writer

Jim Paulsen

Reporter

Jim Paulsen is a high school sports reporter for the Star Tribune. 

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