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The four pillars

Eden Prairie seniors, from left, Willie Mobley, Carter Bykowski, Ryan Grant and Jeff Bowlsby are four of the Eagles’ top returning players. All four said last year’s championship was the highlight of their careers.

WILLIE MOBLEY, DEFENSIVE END
6-foot-2, 263 pounds

College: Undecided. He has more than 25 scholarship offers from top Division-I programs nationwide.

Earliest football memory: I grew up in Apple Valley, and you can't play until fourth grade there. I remember crying to my mom that I wanted to play early. They finally let me. I was the youngest, but I was still one of the biggest.

What drew you to football? My mom was a big college football fan. I always thought basketball would be my sport, but then when I put the pads on, I knew I was good at this.

Biggest football influence: My family. I really like that I'll have my school paid for and that they will be able to watch me and be proud of me. Every time I get on the field, I think of my family.

Best part of high school football: There's no worries. You go out there just because it's fun. People say college is the best, but it's high school.

Career highlight: The state championship. When it was over, it was like "What just happened?"