Gophers on short list for Jackson County Central star Roman Voss

by Malik Mitchell

As of 2025, no ATH from Minnesota has ever been ranked as the No. 1 recruit overall in the state by major recruiting services like 247Sports or Rivals. “ATH” refers to players with versatility, often capable of playing multiple positions (e.g., quarterback, wide receiver, defensive back, running back, etc.).

There have been players like Jaxon Howard and Kaden Johnson who were the No. 1 in the state and were recruited for multiple positions, however, they were positioned for one thing on recruiting services like 247Sports.

However, a four-star dual-threat quarterback who sprouted from Jackson County Central has taken that title and hit the ground running. Roman Voss is the No. 1 ranked recruit in Minnesota and No. 13 nationally among other ATHs.

It’s not every day we see players playing three different positions on the field. Voss plays four positions. Jumping from quarterback, tight end, linebacker and safety at 6’4 and 215 pounds.

Tom Schuller, Jackson County Central head coach said, “It’s a talent that a lot of the time for a coach in 2A is once in a lifetime.”

It’s unclear whether Voss would play QB or tight end in college. Wherever he does play, coaches expect him to be a difference maker.

“He’s special. When you watch him in 2A football, It’s like somebody wanders into a game that doesn’t belong there and has the skill level of a college football player,” said Schuller. “He runs over people, past people, and around people. He’s a humble kid, but it’s a special talent that I’ve never had before.”

Gophers efforts to recruit in-state

For the past three classes, the University of Minnesota has been able to gain the No. 1 overall recruit in Minnesota. Emannuel Karmo and Four-stars Jaxon Haward and Koi Perich.

In 2024, Esko safety Koi Perich turned down Ohio State to become all-Big Ten as a true freshman last fall. Like Perich, Voss comes from a small town with a population of 3,272 people.

“It’s very cool and I’m blessed to get the recognition. Just Happy I’m from Jackson county,” Voss said. 

On January 6th, the entire Gophers offensive staff did an in-home visit with Voss. Minnesota was the first Division I school to offer Voss last May.

“It was very cool and I was a little nervous but it was a great meeting,” Voss said.

Looking Ahead

Voss is rumored to have narrowed down his choices to a few select schools with includes Minnesota.

Although his position at the next level is still to be determined, many programs are looking at him as either a tight end or linebacker, where his 4.6 40-yard dash speed would be a significant advantage.

“I’m glad I’m not listed as just one position. I think it’s important to be versatile in today’s game,” Voss added. “Very blessed. It’s really fun to be all over the field and not just have a label on me.”

Voss doens’t have a favorite position, he just likes to play ball. With the motivation of his family, Voss’s goals are to play college football and make it to the NFL.

“I’ve said for a couple of years. I think he’s an NFL-caliber tight end. I think he has a very realistic shot of playing in the NFL,” said Schuller. “I think he’s that good.”