SBLive's Minnesota high school football 2023 All-State defense

See which top players are named to SBLive's first and second team 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.

SBLive's Minnesota high school football 2023 All-State offense

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

---