The Minnesota Football Coaches Association on Sunday named Rosemount senior strong safety/linebacker/tight end Jake Ratzlaff Mr. Football for 2020 at a Mr. Football banquet that was held virtually.
The hard-hitting Ratzlaff had 70 tackles, 5½ tackles for loss, three sacks, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries in leading Irish to a 6-0 record in an abbreviated season. He added 10 catches, three for touchdowns, for 209 yards receiving, and blocked three punts on special teams.
For his career, Ratzlaff finished with 261½ tackles, 28½ for loss, and 10½ sacks, five fumble recoveries, three interceptions, and 33 receptions for 714 yards and eight touchdowns.
Ratzlaff, who was also named the 2020 Star Tribune Metro Player of the Year and Associated Press Player of the Year, had committed following his sophomore year to play hockey for the University of Minnesota. But his exceptional football talents caught the eyes of school recruiters and he began to edge far away from his hockey commitment, saying football was his greatest passion.
“I just love everything about football,†he told the Star Tribune in November. “There are only two things I really like more: God and my family.â€
He committed to Wisconsin last fall, ending a recruiting battle between the Badgers and therefore the Gophers for his services.
“I haven’t seen one player impact a game in numerous alternative ways,†Rosemount coach Jeff Erdmann said during a news release from the MFCA. “He could start for us at any position offensively or defensively. He could are our starting QB, offensive tackle, or maybe nose guard due to his athleticism, aggressiveness, and elegance of play.â€
Ratzlaff is that the 17th winner of the Mr. Football award, which was established in 2004. Jalen Suggs of SMB Wolfpack (Minnehaha Academy) was the 2019 winner.
