Overview: Five to look for
Sports columnist Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald previews five athletes to watch as fall seasons begin, including University of St. Thomas wide receiver Quentin Cobb-Butler, St. Paul Johnson standout A.J. Howard, transfer guard Dwayne Givens, new North Central University coach Melvin Anderson, and rising Minnehaha Academy sophomore Adam Regino. The roundup highlights Twin Cities talent moving through high school, junior college and Division I programs.
This week’s column features five individuals to look for as the athletic seasons unfold at the high school and collegiate levels.
Credit: University of St. Thomas Athletics
Quentin Cobb-Butler
The former Woodbury High School standout who excelled as a wide receiver and special teams player during his prep career is entering his junior year this fall after two outstanding seasons with the Tommies.
Quentin Cobb-Butler developed into one of the top wide receivers in the Pioneer Football League (PFL), earning All-PFL Second Team and Phil Steele Second Team All-Conference.
Cobb-Butler started 11 of 12 games in 2025.
A.J. Howard
Howard, a senior cornerback and wide receiver for St. Paul Johnson High School, stands 6’1” and recently committed to continue his collegiate career at the University of St. Thomas.
Howard also played a key role as a guard for the Governors’ boys basketball team and was one of the top track and field sprinters in the St. Paul City Conference.
Dwayne Givens
Dwayne Givens, a former St. Paul Johnson football and basketball standout, has transferred from Graceland University to North Central University.
After an outstanding high school career, the 6’1” guard played collegiately at Central Lakes Community College and then Graceland before the opportunity to play for the Rams presented itself.
As a senior, Givens was selected as the St. Paul City Conference Player of the Year.
Melvin Anderson
Melvin Anderson, the former University of Minnesota wide receiver who played for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was recently named head coach of the cross country and track & field teams at North Central University.
For the past 31 years, Anderson has coached and trained youth, high school, collegiate, and professional athletes, providing them with the leadership skills that last a lifetime.
Adam Regino
Adam Regino is quietly becoming among the metro area’s top sophomore prospects as a player for the Minnehaha Academy Redhawks football team.
The 6’4” wide receiver/tight end is also expected to be a major contributor to the boys basketball team.
About the Author:
Dr. Mitchell Palmer McDonald welcomes reader responses at mcdeezy05@gmail.com.