offensE

August 30, 2017 at 2:08AM
Byron Bynum Jr., Blaine football, sr., 2017
Byron Bynum Jr., Blaine football, sr., 2017 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)

Linemen

Bryce Benhart, Lakeville North, 6-8, 290, jr.: The size college scouts look for with the added bonus of a wrestling background. Overpowers opponents. Five FBS offers so far.

Jacob Smith, Rosemount, 6-6, 319: A mauler with tremendous size. Manhandles defensive linemen. Committed to BYU.

Quinn Carroll, Edina, 6-7, 290, jr.: Four-star recruit is the No. 8-ranked offensive tackle in the nation in the Class of 2019. Has offers from nearly all the top FBS programs.

Ronald Audette, Elk River, 6-3, 310: Remarkably nimble for his size. The physical anchor to the Elks' 2016 Class 5A championship team. Seven D-I offers so far.

Nathan Boe, Lakeville North, 6-4, 265: A future Gopher who earned his scholarship offer through physical play and a relentless attitude.

QUARTERBACK

Jackson Crawford, Cretin-Derham Hall, 6-3, 190: Expect marked improvement from the second-year starter, who has all the physical tools and moves well to buy time.

RUNNING BACKS

Solo Falaniko, Eden Prairie, 5-8, 205: Exceptionally quick feet with the ability to explode through the smallest of holes. Rushed for more than 1,400 yards last year.

Sage Booker, DeLaSalle, 6-0, 185: Naturally elusive with the ability to sidestep tacklers. Great broken-field runner rushed for 991 yards and 8 TDs in 2016.

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Receivers

Garett Maag, St. Croix Lutheran, 6-5, 200: Heady and intelligent, with sneaky athleticism, exceptional hands and the size to makes catches over defenders. Committed to North Dakota

Byron Bynum Jr., Blaine, 6-0, 180: Electric with the ball in his hands. A threat to score anytime he touches the ball. Finished with 928 yards receiving, 289 rushing and 12 TDs in 2016.

Treyton Welch, Buffalo, 6-3, 195, jr.: Instinctive and strong. Uses his body well to shield defenders and boasts hands that routinely make Odell Beckham Jr.-type catches. Should flourish in Buffalo's pass-happy offense.

Athlete

Mitch Kartes, St. Michael-Albertville, 6-0, 185: Four-year starter as free safety, three-years at running back. Physical and fast (school-record 10.97 in the 100-meter dash). Committed to North Dakota State.

JIM PAULSEN


Jackson Crawford, Cretin-Derham Hall football, sr., 2017
Jackson Crawford, Cretin-Derham Hall football, sr., 2017 (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
Mitch Kartes, St. Michael-Albertville vs. Elk River at Buffalo High School. Photo by Mark Hvidsten, SportsEngine
Mitch Kartes, St. Michael-Albertville vs. Elk River at Buffalo High School. Photo by Mark Hvidsten, SportsEngine (The Minnesota Star Tribune)
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