(Editor’s note:  The Star Tribune’s All-Metro teams and Metro Player of the Year were chosen based on nominations from metro-area coaches, conversations with a panel of coaches and staff observations.)

Linemen

Carl Engwall, Lakeville North, 6-4, 230

South Suburban Conference defensive lineman of the year helped shut down opponents’ running game. Seven of his 34 tackles were made in the backfield.

Connor Hubbs, White Bear Lake, 6-3, 275

Constant double-teams and the Bears’ losing record did not prevent Hubbs from making an impression. Big and physical. Credited with more than 20 tackles for loss.

Jamahl Johnson, jr., Prior Lake, 6-2, 280

Tough to contain thanks to quickness and a thick, NFL-caliber body. Ten sacks among his 25 tackles for loss. “He’s good; oh, is he good,” an opposing coach said. Auburn among interested schools.

John Reibert, Simley, 6-2, 215

Chases down plays from the backside. Recorded 65 tackles, 16 for loss and scored a touchdown. Stout and difficult to move despite size.

Linebackers

Jesse Cardenas, Lakeville North, 6-2, 220

Linchpin of the state’s premier defense. Smart and skilled. Makes plays all over the field. Made 90 tackles, nine for loss and intercepted four passes.

Carter Coughlin, jr., Eden Prairie, 6-3, 205

Runs the 40-yard dash in about 4.5 seconds, speed that makes him a pass-rushing terror. Tallied 14 sacks and led the Eagles in tackles.

Alex Hart, Prior Lake, 6-3, 220

Dominant player impressed as a linebacker and fullback in the tough South Suburban Conference. Made 42 tackles, intercepted two passes and averaged 100 yards per game rushing.

Defensive backs

Adam Brant, Maple Grove, 6-2, 195

Led an active Crimson defense by stopping opposing ball-carriers 78 times, eight for loss. Also led offense with 24 catches for 362 yards.

Adam Buirge, Park Center, 6-0, 180

Great speed and football sense. Returned a fumble and two of his four interceptions for touchdowns. Added 43 catches for 620 yards and eight TDs plus two kick-return scores.

Blake Cashman, Eden Prairie, 6-1, 195

Athletic and fast enough to pick off six passes. Strong and a sure enough tackler to make plays at inside linebacker in the playoffs.

J.D. Spielman, jr., Eden Prairie, 5-7, 150

Delivers more punch than expected when making tackles. Intercepted two passes. Also an explosive returner on kickoffs (27.2-yard average) and punts (33.1).

Kicker/punter

Patrick LeCorre, Edina, 6-0, 200

Big, accurate leg was a weapon. Went 9-for-13 on field goals, 20-for-22 extra points. Tied the state career FG record with 27. Averaged 40.1 yards on 29 punts.

DAVID LA VAQUE