Esping helps South squad win Minnesota Showcase

Minneota senior tackle was selected to play in the Minnesota Showcase High School All-Star Football Game this past Saturday at U.S. Bank Stadium.
"I had a fun time playing with guys that will be playing college ball, and some of them Division I," he said. "It was a little strange playing with guys I wasn't use to, but it was a good time and I felt I belonged."
Esping, a 5-10, 260 pound senior, played about half the game at nose tackle for the South squad coached by Ray Betton of Shakopee. The South team won, 12-7.
"We played a three-man front and then rotated every three plays," said Esping.
Esping had two quarterback pressures and both led to the quarterback being intercepted, including one that went for a "pick-six".
Esping plays with tenacity in a game, but also respects opponents and was often seen assisting an opponent to his feet during the season.
"We can try hard during a play, but when the play is over, we can also show a little sportsmanship, too," he explained.
Against Russell-Tyler-Ruthton this season, Esping helped Brady Gifford to the sidelines after he injured his knee.
"Brady went to school in Minneota until eighth or ninth grade and we've remained friends since he moved to RTR," Esping noted.
Esping has had little time off playing sports so far this year. After Minneota played in the Class A state championship game against Mayer Lutheran at U.S. Bank Stadium, Esping only had three days off before heading back to the Twin Cities to practice on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday in preparation for Saturday's All-Star game.
Now he begins wrestling practice this week. Esping was a state qualifier last year at 220 pounds and finished fifth individually.