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It's time for the top players in Class 11A and they are:

 1. Carter Slykhuis, Sr. RB/DB Tea Area

Carter Slykhuis broke out in a big way as a junior last year. He’s a very versatile player who can cover, tackle, run, catch and return kicks. He was a top five finisher in the 40-yard sprint at the Riggs Power Combine last spring and placed second among the near 200 standout athletes in the pro-agility test. This summer he suffered a big scare when he got compartment syndrome in his leg. (If you don’t know what that is google some pictures of it, pretty scary stuff). It was so serious that there were worries that he may have to have his leg removed. But with expert treatment and rehab, Carter has now been cleared to practice and play at 100% and is ready to take the class by storm.

 2. Ryder Kirsch, Jr. QB St. Thomas More

The 6’6” QB stepped in as a sophomore and led the Cavs to some big wins including a road playoff win in Dell Rapids. That game put him on the map statewide, as he made big plays to keep his team in the game including three touchdowns passes. Ryder has a big arm and is comfortable in the pocket and is poised for a big junior season.

 3. Kaleb Joffer, Sr. DL/OL Tea Area

The fourth-year starter for Tea is imposing to say the least. He steps on the field at 6’3” 252 pounds and sets the tone for the Titans up front. Joffer was in on 51 tackles last year and made 11 tackles for loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles and a pass break up.

 4. Nate Rice, Sr. QB/S Dakota Valley

The senior running back turned quarterback is in position to make a big effect on the rest of the class. We know he can run the ball, he had a 200+ rushing game with three touchdowns last year. We also know he can play defense…he’s been starting at safety since he was a sophomore. This year we’ll find out if he can throw it, too.

 5. Doyle Brown, Sr. OLB Madison

On a team full of stars, Doyle Brown didn’t always get noticed for the job he did on defense. Last season, he helped the three-time champion Madison Bulldogs with 7.5 sacks and 20 tackles for loss and he led the team with 88 total tackles. Doyle is an impressive athlete who has a chance to be the most dominant linebacker in the class this year.

 6. Jevin Kratz, Sr. TE/DE Dakota Valley

The All-State honorable mention end made some big plays last year and is set for an even bigger senior season now. Kratz is a devastating blocker and gets up field quickly for his size at defensive end.

 7. Mark Rogers, Sr. RB Todd County

Mark missed a few games last year and Todd County missed him dearly. Rogers averaged an amazing 10.9 yards per carry and rushed for 16 touchdowns in just eight games as a junior. I know you may think that Rogers had an easier schedule than some of the other players on this list, but he showed up with a 93 yard rushing performance against Dakota Valley, which was one of the best defenses in the state last year. Rogers is looking to keep that momentum going this year.

 8. Broc Haldeman, Sr. QB/CB West Central

There haven’t been many three-year starting quarterbacks in West Central’s history. They most often go with senior QBs, but Haldeman has held down that spot since he was a sophomore.

 9. Jacob Unterbrunner, Jr. WR Madison

Jacob flew under the radar as a sophomore receiver in the Madison offensive machine last year. He caught 17 passes for 368 yards and four touchdowns. This year, he’ll take center stage as one of the main weapons in the class. Unterbrunner is a gifted athlete who continues to improve.

 10. Eddie Price, LB Dell Rapids

Eddie is a terrific athlete for Dell Rapids. He was one of the few players at the Riggs Power Combine who cleared 30” in the vertical jump. He is the leading returning tackler for the Quarriers, and will be a leader on the team again.

 11. Casey Voichahoske, Sr. OL/DL Dakota Valley

This center holds together a stout Dakota Valley offensive line. He’s also one of the top long snappers in the state. He earned All-State honorable mention last season and has gotten even stronger this year.