Andrew Larson, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior who is one of the top rushers in the state, helped lead the Eden Prairie to a Prep Bowl rematch with Wayzata Friday night.
Andrew Larson, a 5-foot-10, 185-pound senior who is one of the top rushers in the state, helped lead the Eden Prairie to a Prep Bowl rematch with Wayzata Friday night. Larson had four rushing touchdowns in their 49-7 semifinal win over Totino-Grace. GopherHole.com caught up with Larson to learn the latest on his recruitment and upcoming Prep Bowl matchup.
Eden Prairie will face 2010 Class 5A champion Wayzata Friday at the Metrodome for the Prep Bowl title. They lost to the Trojans 9-0 earlier this season on the road as Larson was slowed by injuries.
Larson, who was recently named to the Minneapolis Star Tribune and KARE-11 All-Metro teams, went over 4,000 career yards and 50 career rushing touchdowns in the semifinal game. He finished with 17 carries for 137 yards and four touchdowns. Larson was named as one of the ten Mr. Football finalists earlier this week.
Larson rushed 215 times for 1689 yards (7.9 yards per carry) with 21 touchdowns as he helped lead the Eagles to a 9-2 mark last season, losing to Brainerd 13-10 in the state quarterfinals. He was named Minneapolis Star Tribune and KARE 11 All-Metro first team and was first team Pioneer Press All-State and second team Associated Press All-State.
Larson helped lead the Eagles to a 12-1 record as a sophomore, losing to Cretin Derham Hall 16-5 in the Class AAAAA state championship game.
Larson, who is an excellent student with a 3.9 GPA, is a better athlete than some might expected. He ran a 4.64 electronic 40 at a combine this summer and has a 35.6 inch vertical and a 4.16 agility (shuttle time). Larson threw the power ball from his knees 35 feet.
GH: How does it feel beating Totino-Grace and advancing to the title game?
AL: It feels very good. I can’t complain about going to the state championship in my senior year. It is everyone’s dream and I am living the dream right now.
GH: You had some big individual milestones to go along with the big team win. You went over 4,000 yards and 50 touchdowns. Not many players can say they did that.
AL: I have to say that I have had the best offensive lines in the state. I have been so blessed with huge holes every year. Playing as a sophomore and getting some serious carries then, definitely helped me to get to that milestone.
GH: Does that show how good this offensive line is even with Nick Davidson out for the season with a injury that other players have stepped up their play?
AL: Absolutely, They stepped up huge. He is one of the best tackles in the country and is a phenomenal player. When he went down, everybody got scared, but they have definitely rallied together and they gave me some huge holes, which I can not complain about.
GH: What is the latest on the recruitment? Last time, we talked you had the four offers.
AL: I have the same offers (North Dakota, North Dakota State, South Dakota and South Dakota State) and I have an offer from Dartmouth, which is basically just an acceptance. The same schools are still interested and I am just waiting it out.
GH: Have you thought about what schools you are going to try to visit once the season is over?
AL: I have an official lined up with Dartmouth in January. I would like to take one with Harvard, Princeton, Georgetown and Air Force.
GH: Are the Gophers still in the mix?
AL: Yes, they definitely are. I went to a game maybe two weeks ago. I talked to a coach who said that they have some offers out that were under Brewster and they need to see if those kids decide on what to do and maybe after the state championship, they will contact me and maybe give an offer or maybe tell me that they are not interested. Either way, I have options.
GH: You have been dinged up with nagging injuries this season. What was that been like?
AL: I’ve been pretty banged up. Taking 200 carries in a season takes a toll on your body. I had a slight knee sprain, but that is completely healthy now. Nothing more than some dings and bruises, which is pretty normal being a running back.
GH: You were not named the Star Tribune All-Metro Player of the Year. Is there any extra motivation because of that?
AL: No. I have a lot of respect for the Lakeville quarterback (Trey Heid). He is a great player. I look at it as we are still playing games when unfortunately, their season is over, so I’d rather be going for the state championship than get some award.