The 4A Club: End of Season Awards

At the end of each season, I like to give notice to players who were the best players out of their position group and give them “awards” of sorts. I use the player rankings I’ve been using the whole season and take the top player from that position group at the end of the season and name them the best at their position. While those positional awards are awarded by my rankings, my offensive and defensive player of the year awards aren’t just judged by my formulas, but by fan vote too. I pick out 16 offensive and 16 defensive players based on their stats and their reputation for how good they are, like how many offers they got, and organize polls over on Twitter for people to vote on who’s the best player on offense and defense. These “awards” are named after some of the greatest players to ever play high school football in the Hawkeye state. So with that said, here are my end-of-season awards for the 2020 season. &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;">Kurt Warner Award (Best QB): [player_tooltip player_id="23828" first="Jase" last="Bauer"], Ankeny, SR</span> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/8901906/5fb1edb91761f50a78ba09dd" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Bauer was head and shoulders above the rest of the quarterbacks in Class 4A, as he ranked at the top in all three of my rankings. Passing wise, he threw for 2041 yards for 28 touchdowns while completing 62.2% of his passes. He was deadly on the ground too, as he rushed for a team-high 852 yards and 10 touchdowns. Although he has one of the greatest arsenals of skill players the state has seen in recent memory, Bauer emerged as the guy to watch out for. He’s got a quick release and a strong arm for those deep passes, and if he has room to avoid the pressure, you better get ready to bring him down because he’s very shifty and quick. Looking at what offers he’s got, he’s got a fair amount of options at the FCS-level. Five MVFC schools have given him scholarship offers, but recently Iowa has come into the picture with a PWO offer so he might lean in that direction to follow his teammates Bruce and Brecht into Iowa City. Honorable Mentions: [player_tooltip player_id="23839" first="Max" last="White"], Cedar Rapids Kennedy, SR [player_tooltip player_id="23947" first="Jaxon" last="Dailey"], Southeast Polk, JR [player_tooltip player_id="23854" first="Aidan" last="Dunne"], Dubuque Hempstead, SR [player_tooltip player_id="23831" first="Marcus" last="Morgan"], Iowa City West, SR &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;">Tim Dwight Award (Best RB): [player_tooltip player_id="35343" first="Arland" last="Bruce IV"], Ankeny, SR</span> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/6481147/5fc037e7ab9d350b80b87c7b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Just getting onto the field was a problem that [player_tooltip player_id="35343" first="Arland" last="Bruce IV"] has to get through, as moving into the Hawkeye state from Kansas because of the pandemic initially moving KS high school football to the spring caused some eligibility issues over his address. But after missing the first five weeks of the season, Bruce came back with a vengeance. On the ground, he rushed for 660 yards in 8 touchdowns, while off of 30 catches he made 451 yards and 5 TDs in the receiving game. While those stats are already pretty solid, what really makes this stat line extraordinary is that he only needed 7 games to do it. The son of a former 3-time CFL All-Star, Bruce has the speed, the moves, and the vision to avoid defenders, as he put those abilities on display in the state title game. On April 28th, Arland announced his commitment to the University of Iowa over schools like Tulsa and Western Illinois. Honorable Mentions: [player_tooltip player_id="23841" first="Ryan" last="Ostrich"], Cedar Falls, SR [player_tooltip player_id="23967" first="Colin" last="Kadolph"], Ankeny, JR [player_tooltip player_id="23862" first="Nick" last="Pearson"], Prairie, SR <strong>Titus Christansen</strong>, Southeast Polk, SR &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;">Dallas Clark Award (Best Receiver): [player_tooltip player_id="23810" first="Brody" last="Brecht"], Ankeny, SR</span> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9497710/5fbd784e2aa68e011c5faa77" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Probably the best receiver throughout the state, it should come as no surprise that Brecht has backed the hype up on the field by coming away with the Clark Award. In 12 games, Brecht made 42 catches for 599 yards and 12 touchdowns for the Hawks this season. He’s got really good speed and route-running skills to put defenders covering him on ice, and he’s got the hands, agility, and reach to make some excellent plays for the Hawks, this guy has everything you need to be excellent at the next level. While his statistical production took a dip once Bruce came into the picture, Brody was still well above the top receivers statistically. He committed to Iowa on May 1st of this year on not only a football scholarship but a baseball scholarship as well. Honorable Mentions: [player_tooltip player_id="23872" first="Grahm" last="Goering"], Iowa City West, SR <strong>Isaiah Emanuel</strong>, Southeast Polk, SR [player_tooltip player_id="23842" first="Louis" last="Brooks"], Dowling, SR [player_tooltip player_id="23819" first="Tyler" last="Moore"], Johnston, SR &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;">Casey Wiegmann Award (Best O-Lineman): [player_tooltip player_id="24023" first="Kadyn" last="Proctor"], Southeast Polk, LT, SO</span> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10953120/5fbbe8a7386dd7107cd40885" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Although he missed out on the Iowa Newspaper Writers Association’s All-State teams as a sophomore, [player_tooltip player_id="24023" first="Kadyn" last="Proctor"] is rated among the top linemen for the nation in the class of 2023 and he certainly made his presence felt in his first varsity season. The 6’7 285 lb Left Tackle helped the Rams gain an average of 405.727 total offensive yards per game, with 60 total touchdowns through the air and on the ground. While there isn’t any documentation online over o-line stats like pancakes and sacks allowed, but you got to look at everything else. For one thing, he’s massive for a high school level and he’s only gonna get bigger. The overall offensive production also plays a role too, as SEP was one of the most productive in Class 4A, rating 3rd in total yards per game. Even where he sits on the line plays a factor in my rankings too. He primarily plays at left tackle, although his QB is a lefty so he isn’t playing the blind side, being the other tackle is pretty much the next most important place on the line either way. On game film, he proves how good he is by bulldozing opposing defenders into the turf on a consistent basis. Proctor currently has 10 offers from Power-5 schools as a sophomore, so expect that list to grow until he announces his commitment. Honorable Mentions: [player_tooltip player_id="23865" first="Drew" last="Hoth"], Cedar Falls, LT, SR [player_tooltip player_id="23808" first="Connor" last="Colby"], Cedar Rapids Kennedy, RT, SR [player_tooltip player_id="23816" first="Jim" last="Bonifas"], Dubuque Senior, LT, SR <strong>Reese Steele</strong>, Southeast Polk, RG, SR &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;">Jared DeVries Award (Best D-Lineman): Dominic Caggiano, Southeast Polk, DE, SR</span> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/7450412/5fb98db9f31e3811c8465971" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Coming into the season, you might’ve considered Dominic Caggiano to be a dark horse candidate for this award given how many other great d-linemen are in 4A. But as the season went on, it was clear that Dominic was far and away statistically the best d-lineman in Class 4A. Through 11 games, he made 70 tackles, 30 tackles for loss, and an impressive 16 sacks. As the statistics show, Dominic is excellent at getting into the backfield, as one perfectly-timed rip or swim move could see an incoming rusher get cut off before he has the chance to break away. In the middle of this breakout season, he committed to D-2’s Central Missouri on September 27th, and should certainly be a key player on the Mules roster for the next few years. Honorable Mentions: [player_tooltip player_id="23829" first="Nasir" last="Washington"], Valley, DE, SR [player_tooltip player_id="23809" first="Max" last="Llewellyn"], Urbandale, 3-4 DE, SR [player_tooltip player_id="23892" first="Togeh" last="Deseh"], Muscatine, NT, SR [player_tooltip player_id="23815" first="Griffin" last="Liddle"], Bettendorf, DT, SR &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;">Pat Angerer Award (Best LB): [player_tooltip player_id="23844" first="Seth" last="Bullock"], Dubuque Senior, MLB, SR</span> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9630368/5fab0be60dbffb0cf4ae7fd9" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> While Seth might’ve not gotten a ton of recognition throughout the state for playing on an eastern Iowa school that got eliminated in the round of 32, the stats for Seth’s 2020 season speak for themself. 60.5 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and an interception that went back 89 yards to the endzone. Not too bad for just 8 games. Usually lining up as the WILL in the Ram’s 3-4 defense, Seth has proven to be pretty versatile over this season. If you need him to blitz and rush the passer, he’s got the speed to do it. If you need him to drop into zone coverage and take away a receiver’s reception by knocking the ball out of his hands before he has full control, he’s got the size and length to do that too. With 6 MVFC offers coming in, don’t be surprised to see Seth’s name come up when rated among the best linebackers out of that conference when it’s all said and done. Honorable Mentions: [player_tooltip player_id="23823" first="Tucker" last="Langenberg"], Urbandale, 3-4 OLB, SR <strong>Brecken Manus</strong>, Ankeny, 3-4 MLB, SR [player_tooltip player_id="23811" first="Jaden" last="Harrell"], Urbandale, 3-4 MLB, SR <strong>Ethan Breyfogle</strong>, Sioux City East, MLB, SR &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;">Tyler Sash Award (Best DB): [player_tooltip player_id="23834" first="Joe" last="Morrison"], Waukee, FS, SR</span> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9256643/5f7d32ebda5b8c00d824286f" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> A three-year starter for Waukee, [player_tooltip player_id="23834" first="Joe" last="Morrison"] wraps up a great prep career as my top-rated DB for the 2020 season. His 2020 stats go like this: 64 tackles, 2 tackles for loss, and 3 interceptions. Joe is very quick at getting to the ball carrier and he is a hard hitter too, so much so that I have a strong feeling whoever he commits to might convert him into an outside linebacker. He’s even made some plays on special teams as the Warriors’ primary punt return man. He’s got 10 D-2 offers given to him, mostly from the Northern Sun conference, and even an offer from the recently reclassified D-1 school St. Thomas. Honorable Mentions: [player_tooltip player_id="23942" first="Xavier" last="Nwankpa"], Southeast Polk, FS, JR [player_tooltip player_id="23824" first="Aaron" last="Smith"], Waukee, CB, SR [player_tooltip player_id="23885" first="Prince" last="Wei"], Muscatine, CB, SR [player_tooltip player_id="23931" first="Caleb" last="Rathjen"], Ankeny, FS, SR &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;">Nate Kaeding Award (Best Kicker): Lucas Bartachek, Waukee, SR</span> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11700490/5f6f590c0661400198b8078e" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> For the second-straight season, my top kicker award goes to a kicker out of Waukee. For PAT’s he made all but 1 of his 35 extra-point attempts, and for field goals, he went 8/11 with a season-long of 48 yards. Kickers are never really seen as a priority for colleges to scout on, and if you’re not rated at the national level then you’re not gonna hear much of any offers from colleges for your services. Because of that Lucas doesn’t have any offers yet, and maybe he’ll get some offers coming in after National Signing Day, but for right now it looks like he’s gonna wait for a little bit before colleges come knocking. Honorable Mentions: <strong>Owen Smith</strong>, Iowa City West, SR <strong>Jacob Konrardy</strong>, Dubuque Senior, SR <strong>Jacob Schroeder</strong>, Sioux City East, JR <strong>Rhys Ward</strong>, Pleasant Valley, JR &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;">Reggie Roby Award (Best Punter): [player_tooltip player_id="23831" first="Marcus" last="Morgan"], Iowa City West, SR</span> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9872174/5f850a234206fe17c42ba225" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> Although he’s known for being a really good QB, he’s got the boot to match his arm. As a punter, he made 14 punts for 619 yards, that’s an average of 44.2 yards-per-punt, excellent at the high school level. Punting isn’t his main foray, as he’s been the Trojans starting quarterback for 3 years, plus he also played a bunch of time at free safety during that time too. His only Power-5 offer for football comes from Iowa State, and in addition, he has offers from 3 MAC schools: Ball State, Central Michigan, and Toledo, plus offers to play at UNI, South Dakota State, and Ivy League Dartmouth as well. Baseball could be an option too, as he has offers to exclusively play baseball at Iowa and HBCU Grambling State as well. Maybe basketball could be an option at the next level too, as he’s been a starter for the last couple of years and he has the pedigree for the sport too. His mom and dad both played for Drake and Iowa respectively, and his older brother and two older sisters all either played and currently play for UNI. So whatever Marcus plans on doing for his college prep sports career, he’s gonna have a steady position in whichever sport he chooses to play. Honorable Mentions: <strong>Jesus Jaime</strong>, Ottumwa, SR <strong>Dawson Stine</strong>, Valley, SO <strong>Jacob Cross</strong>, Cedar Rapids Jefferson, SR <strong>Sam Braksiek</strong>, Prairie, SR &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;">Nile Kinnick Award (Offensive POY): [player_tooltip player_id="23819" first="Tyler" last="Moore"], Johnston, TE, SR (48% of 3979 votes)</span> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9490674/5f839fea7bdd950bc4adc55b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> In my fan poll for offensive player of the year, Cyclone Nation came out and gave their full support to probably their best in-state recruit, maybe their top recruit period in the 2021 class, Johnston TE [player_tooltip player_id="23819" first="Tyler" last="Moore"]. For his senior season, Tyler made 45 receptions for 571 yards and 6 touchdowns. Whether he’s on the line as a blocker or split out as a wide receiver, Tyler’s a mismatch nightmare for opposing defenders, as he could easily overpower smaller DE’s and OLB’s with his size and strength, or against opposing corners because of his height and reach. Coming off of a 20 reception season as a junior, he really broke out in the offseason, quickly becoming one of the state’s hottest class of 2021 recruits. The size was there, and while statistically, his junior season seemed about average, there was plenty of potential just waiting to break out. Amid a host of Group-of-5 and FCS schools, Iowa State gave him an offer on April 21st, and it just seemed like a dream come true for Tyler, as he would announce his commitment to play in Ames just 3 days later on the 24th. Honorable Mentions: [player_tooltip player_id="35343" first="Arland" last="Bruce IV"], Ankeny, RB, SR - 35% [player_tooltip player_id="23810" first="Brody" last="Brecht"], Ankeny, WR, SR - 11% [player_tooltip player_id="23839" first="Max" last="White"], Cedar Rapids Kennedy, QB, SR - 6% &nbsp; <span style="font-size: 18pt;">Aaron Kampman Award (Defensive POY): [player_tooltip player_id="23942" first="Xavier" last="Nwankpa"], Southeast Polk, FS, JR (53% of 2394 votes)</span> <iframe src="//www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/10061863/5fb93649f31e3811c8460cf1" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> While he was barely edged out by [player_tooltip player_id="23834" first="Joe" last="Morrison"] in my top DB award rankings, [player_tooltip player_id="23942" first="Xavier" last="Nwankpa"] left little doubt in the eyes of the people across the state over who should be the Defensive Player of the Year. His junior season defensive stats are as followed: 41 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 6 interceptions, and a touchdown coming off of one of them. Not to mention the 8 rushing touchdowns he had as the #2 option at RB, and another touchdown on a 92-yard kick return. He’s everything you’d want out of a free safety. He has great size at 6’3 185 lbs, he’s a straight-up ball hawk when in coverage, he always seems like he’s one step ahead of the opposing offense with how he reads their plays, he’s a really good tackler out of the secondary, and he can lay down the hit stick when he can. The list of schools offering Xavier scholarships reads like a list of college football blue bloods. When schools like Notre Dame, Ohio State, Oklahoma, Michigan, Texas, LSU, Penn State, Florida, and Clemson are all offering a player out of Iowa, you know this kid’s a special talent. Honorable Mentions: <strong>Trey Krause</strong>, Valley, FS, SR - 18% [player_tooltip player_id="23824" first="Aaron" last="Smith"], Waukee, CB, SR - 17% [player_tooltip player_id="23809" first="Max" last="Llewellyn"], Urbandale, DE, SR - 12%