Minnesota high school football: Meet the top freshman

These 12 standouts are among the best in the state

From defensive back to offensive line, freshman have made an impact across the field in Minnesota high school football this season.

Since the playoffs are here, we compiled 12 of the top standouts this season.

Read through the list below and vote for who you think is the top freshman this season in our poll to be posted on Thursday.

Vote: Who is the top sophomore in Minnesota high school football?

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Vote: Who is the top sophomore in Minnesota high school football?

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Vote: Who is the top freshman in Minnesota high school football?

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Vote: Who is the top freshman in Minnesota high school football?

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Top freshman in Minnesota high school football

Carsyn Kleffman, RB/FS, Elk River

Kleffman is the only freshman coach Steve Hamilton has ever started on varsity.

A “dynamic” player and “explosive” running back, Kleffman has made marks on both sides of the ball, but it's defense where he’s most validated Hamilton’s belief. He leads the team in tackles with 77 from the safety spot. 

Carson Lyons, WR/DB, Cleveland

Lyons has played in, and started, every game for the Clippers this season. The freshman is hovering around 30th in the state with 33 receptions and is top 30 in touchdown catches with six.

“On an offense that is always overmatched physically on the line and scores few points,” said coach Erik Hermanson, “Carson is an absolute standout.”

Lyons, a three-sport athlete, plays every play, also starting at corner and guarding the opposing team’s top option most nights. 

Aiden Moriarty, TE/DE/QB, Springfield

Moriarty has started every game of his freshman season at defensive end, which coach Adam Meyer called a rarity for the program.

“We feel he will play at the next level some day,” said Meyer, “not only because of his size and work ethic, but his understanding of the game and the type of teammate he is.”

Moriarty, a 6-foot-3, 220-pounder has logged six catches for 69 yards and three touchdowns at tight end, while providing crucial blocking in the run game. Defensively, he’s tallied 24 tackles, one for loss, and a forced fumble. 

Maize Carpenter, WR, Two Rivers

Carpenter has received opportunities as a pass-catcher on varsity, despite his youth. Carpenter is among the freshman leaders in receiving yards with 45 on the season.

He has hauled in three catches, one of which went for a touchdown. 

Carson Primus, RB/LB, Upsala/Swanville

Primus has made an immediate impact for Upsala/Swanville. The freshman has logged 148 rushing yards. In addition, a pair of his 21 total carries have gone for scores. 

Tristan Kowalski, QB, Apollo

Kowalski received a chance to play signal caller early in his career in St. Cloud. The 6-foot, 167-pound freshman has appeared in five games and thrown for 454 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. Additionally, he’s completing 61% of his passes. 

MaCay Fairbanks, WR/CB, Cook County

Fairbanks has exploded with 12 catches for 357 yards and four touchdowns in 2023.

“[He is] consistently able to get open and understand complex routes,” coach Steven Anderson said. “He has great hands and projects as a starting wide receiver for the rest of his high school career.”

Devan Rude, FB/LB, Cook County

Rude already has coach Anderson thinking he may one day break the school’s all-time tackles record. The freshman leads varsity with 83 tackles and 13 tackles for loss this season.

“[He] has a natural feel as a lead blocker out of the backfield and flows naturally to the point of attack as a linebacker,” Anderson said. 

Beckham Van Voorst, QB/FS, Minneapolis South

In eight games, Van Voorst threw for 536 yards, eight touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also ran for 235 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

At safety, he collected two tackles, a fumble and an interception. 

Brody Rush, ATH, Anoka

Rush has 29 rushing attempts for 162 yards and two touchdowns. He also has nine receptions for 40 yards and two tackles on defense. 

Jett Feeney, QB, Moorhead

Feeney threw for 2,385 yards in ten games on 189 completions. He threw for 29 touchdowns and 10 interceptions. 

DaJohn Yarborough, OL/DL, Benilde-St. Margaret's

At 6-foot-4, 350 pounds, Yarborough has potential for his size. He's recorded one tackle on the varsity level, according to MNfootballhub.com.

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