SBLive's Minnesota high school football 2023 All-State defense
The 2023 Minnesota high school football season is over, and thousands of athletes competed on the gridiron.
SBLive Minnesota has named a first and second team all-state defense with the goal of highlighting the top performers this season. The teams are built regardless of class to encompass 11 standout players.
Many of the following athletes will be included in classification Player of the Year votes to be posted next week.
FIRST TEAM ALL-STATE
Defensive Line
Wyatt Gilmore – Rogers
One of the top prospects in the state, Gilmore looked the part in the 2023 season. Few players move at 6-foot-4, 255 pounds like Gilmore. He is committed to Oklahoma.
Antonio Menard – Lakeville North
Menard led a fierce Panther defensive line. He finished with 78 tackles and 13 tackles for loss this season. He is committed to the Air Force Academy.
Howie Johnson – Forest Lake
Only a sophomore, Johnson is already one of the premier defensive lineman in Minnesota. Johnson had 80 total tackles, seven sacks, one forced fumble and one blocked kick.
Jide Abasiri – Prior Lake
Abasiri is as big as any lineman at 6-foot-5, 290 pounds. He can disrupt any offense in seconds. He is committed to Minnesota.
Johnson (92) getting ready to line up. Photo by Jeff Lawler
Mason Carrier – Detroit Lakes
Carrier possesses great closing speed and he can cover every part of the field. He finished with over 80 tackles and 10 tackles for loss. He’s committed to Minnesota.
Francis O’Malley – Montevideo
O’Malley was a star on both sides of the ball, but he excelled in the middle of the Montevideo defense. He finished with 65 tackles, three interceptions and three forced fumbles. O’Malley is a MFCA Mr. Football candidate.
Sam Macy – Chanhassen
Macy was a critical piece in the Class 5A championship squad. He’s 6-foot-4, 220 pounds and committed to Minnesota.
Koi Perich – Esko
Perhaps the top player in the state, Perich helped Esko get to the state quarterfinals before getting injured in the game. He is the No 8 safety prospect in the country according to 247sports.com.
He finished with 57 tackles, two sacks, five interceptions, one forced fumble and five defensive touchdowns. He is committed to Minnesota. He‘s recently received offers from USC, Ohio State and Florida State.
Owen Kemper – Edina
Kemper was a playmaker for the Hornets on their way to the Class 6A Prep Bowl. He finished with 128 total tackles, six interceptions and one forced fumble.
Zashon Rich – Minneapolis North
Rich was a playmaker all season for the Polars. His playmaking earned an offer from Kansas State, which he committed to on December 1.
Jalen Smith – Mankato West
Smith is one of the smoothest athletes in the state, and he was a threat to make a play every time an offense threw in his direction. He is committed to Minnesota.
SPECIALISTS
Kicker
Daniel Jackson – Alexandria Area
Jackson went 11-for-15 on field goals in 2023. He went 1-for-2 beyond 50 yards and 2-for-3 between 40 and 49 yards.
Punter
Reese Lentch – Norwood Young-America
Lentch pinned the opponents inside the 20-yard line 11 times in 2023.
Returner
Solomon Martin – Providence Academy
Martin was a threat to return any kick for a touchdown, and his highlight reel shows it.
SECOND TEAM ALL-STATE
DL Mo Saine – Eden Prairie
DL Marcus Whiting – Centennial
DL Max Mogelson – Two Rivers
DL Anaise Dotson – Minneapolis North
LB Mark Rendl – Forest Lake
LB Ray James – DeLaSalle
LB Kaleb Weikel – Andover
DB Terae Dunn – Eden Prairie
DB Simon Seidl – Hill-Murray
DB Will Steil – Rocori
DB Khijonn Cummings-Coleman – Coon Rapids
