Preseason metro dream team: Defense

Linemen

Jamahl Johnson, Prior Lake: 6-1, 319. A roadblock in the middle of the defensive line who commands double and triple teams. Creates havoc as a 1-technique with the agility to split gaps.

Tommy Doyle, Edina: 6-7, 265. Opened eyes as a junior with his size and speed off the edge. Keeps separation and doesn't allow opposing linemen to get into his pads. Plays sideline to sideline. Committed to Miami (Ohio).

Connor Novak-Goar, Eden Prairie: 6-2, 265. A beast in the middle with a nonstop motor and tremendous work ethic. Relishes contact, plays with a nasty streak. Punishes ballcarriers and blockers alike.

Lewis Kidd, Totino-Grace: 6-6, 255. A physical specimen who has worked hard to stay low and shed blockers. Overpowers tackles and can be fearsome coming off the edge. Pursues well and can collapse a line.

Linebackers

Carter Coughlin, Eden Prairie: 6-4, 215. Son of former Gopher (and 1985 Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year) Bob Coughlin. Tremendous athlete, flies to the ball. Has knack for big plays. Committed to Gophers in March.

Dan Monson, Rosemount: 6-2, 225. Downhill player with a nose for the ball. Made 98 tackles, 15 for losses, in 2014. Great closing speed allows him to be effective in run support and pass coverage.

Kieran McKeag, Apple Valley: 6-0, 230. Three-year all-conference pick. Made 107 tackles in 2014. Has a nose for the ball and shoots gaps well. A sure tackler who fends off blocks well.

Defensive backs

Amani Hooker, Park Center: 6-1, 195. Electric with the ball in his hands as a WR and KR, he's at his best at strong safety. Excellent cover skills, flies to the ball and will deliver a blow to opposing receivers. Headed to Iowa.

JD Spielman, Eden Prairie: 5-8, 174. A do-everything athlete who stands out at any position. A breakaway threat as a running back, he's got tremendous anticipation and ball skills as a cornerback, where he projects in college at Nebraska.

Punter

Mac Brown, St. Thomas Academy: 6-3, 185. He is a skilled WR, but his considerable leg is his biggest weapon. His kickoffs are rarely returned, his range on field goals is over 40 yards and his towering punts pin opponents deep.