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Star Tribune preseason all-metro dream team

By Star Tribune, 08/26/14, 7:34PM CDT

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The top players to watch at each position for the start of 2014.


Totino-Grace's Ben Mezzenga reaches, but fails to intercept a pass meant for Osseo's Joshua Goldschmidt during the first half of a Class 6A state football quarterfinal game Friday night at the Metrodome. Osseo led 20-12 at the half. ] (SPECIAL TO THE STA

OFFENSE

Quarterback

Seth Green, East Ridge, jr., 6-3, 185: A national recruiting battle is brewing for the RGIII clone, including Oregon, Texas and even Minnesota.

 

Running Backs

Robbie Grimsley, Hutchinson, sr., 6-1, 185: Breakaway threat to go the distance on any play. Committed to NDSU.

Will Rains, Eden Prairie, sr., 5-10, 207: Powerful and explosive. Should put up big numbers behind EP’s always-stout offensive line.

 

Tight End

Blake Moreno, St. Francis, sr., 6-6, 250: Crushing blocker with soft hands and the ability to run after the catch.

 

Wide Receivers

Jesper Horsted, Roseville, sr., 6-4, 185: Athletic, with a lanky frame and exceptional body control in the air.

Ben Boone, Edina, sr., 6-3, 200: A matchup nightmare. Too strong for cornerbacks, too fast for linebackers.

 

Offensive Line

Bronson Dovich, Chaska, sr., 6-6, 290: Quick feet and a punishing hitter. Committed to Minnesota.

Ben Shoults, Maple Grove, sr., 6-4, 275: A combination of brute force and brains. Committed to Harvard.

Nick Connelly, Red Wing, sr., 6-7, 277: Athletic with a huge frame, the U commit is a prototype tackle prospect.

Boyd Draeger, Lakeville North, sr., 6-5, 285: Coach Brian Vossen refers to him simply as ‘‘a monster.”

Zack Johnson, Spring Lake Park, sr., 6-5, 270: Relentless run blocker who overpowers D-linemen. Committed to NDSU.

 

Athlete

Dimitri Williams, Rosemount, sr., 5-11, 185: Versatile and elusive. The 2013 South Suburban co-offensive player of the year.

 

DEFENSE

 

Linemen

Jashon Cornell, Cretin-Derham Hall, sr., DE, 6-4, 265: Devastating pass rusher off the edge. With many top Division I suitors, he committed to Ohio State.

Drayton Carlberg, DeLaSalle, sr., DT, 6-5, 280: Impossible to block one-on-one. Has 14 Division I offers.

Jack Darnell, Champlin Park, sr., DT, 6-3, 260: Possesses the speed of a linebacker in a tackle’s body. Has committed to North Dakota State.

Jojo Garcia, East Ridge, jr., DT, 6-3, 285: Considered the top junior defensive line prospect in Minnesota.

 

Linebackers

Alex Hart, Prior Lake, sr., 6-3, 220: Heart of the Lakers can shed blockers and deliver crunching hits.

Josh Corcoran, Lakeville South, sr., 6-3, 230: Old-school, run-stuffing linebacker with improved coverage skills. Headed to Northern Illinois

Carter Coughlin, Eden Prairie, jr., 6-4, 210: The son of former Gopher Bob Coughlin has generated big buzz with his play in summer camps.

 

Defensive backs

Adam Buirge, Park Center, sr., 6-1, 185: Serious quickness, committed to Northern Illinois. Will play wide receiver in college.

Ben Mezzenga, Totino-Grace, sr., 5-10, 175: Playmaker with a nose for the ball. Dangerous as a kick returner.

Datrice Mulsimo, Champlin Park, sr., 5-10, 185: Great closing speed and instinctive with the ball in the air.

Jordan Cardenas, Lakeville North, sr., 6-0, 190: Exceptional athlete who plays the run and pass equally well.

 

Kicker

Patrick LeCorre, Edina, sr., K: Entering his fourth year as a kicker. Strong, accurate leg and a calm demeanor.

JIM PAULSEN

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