Iowa's 2021 5A District 2 Preview: Player Spotlight Capsules

Districts are out and there is going to be some serious talent playing in each throughout the state of Iowa this fall. Learn about some of the top returning prospects in the player capsules below as Prep Redzone highlights each leading up to the season. From the trenches to the backfields, Iowa boasts some of the best talent around. Ames [player_tooltip player_id="23951" first="Corey" last="Phillips"], TE, C/O 2022, 6’5, 250, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10655905/5f9857bda6767202248a443a">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Cortaavius">Twitter</a> Phillips is a physical Tight End at the line of scrimmage and in routes. He overpowers his opponents when blocking and knows how to use his size and strength to keep defenders away from the ball when catching passes. Phillips is a first tier option in the passing game at the sticks, in the red zone, or the middle of the field. [player_tooltip player_id="24016" first="Evan" last="Grey"], WR, C/O 2022, 6’0, 185, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/10655908/5fb19289b3d3280428d262c8">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/EvanGrey34">Twitter</a> Grey is a reliable, sure-handed Wide Receiver who runs crisp and precise routes. He knows how to manipulate opponents to get open against man coverage and where soft spots will be against zones. Grey is tough; he makes contested catches while taking contact with great focus and fights hard for yards after the catch. [player_tooltip player_id="118822" first="Trenton" last="Smith"], QB, C/O 2024, 6’2, 205, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EWN09">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/trentonsmith_11">Twitter</a> Smith possesses all the physical tangibles you could look for in a Quarterback. He has a big frame, maneuvers really well in the pocket, throws an accurate ball to each level of the field, and can beat you with his legs. Smith can deliver an impressive ball from pretty much any physical position while maintaining sound mechanics. [player_tooltip player_id="100888" first="DeAndre" last="Isaac"], S, C/O 2022, 6’3, 172, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EUYUj">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/d_isaac7">Twitter</a> Isaac is versatile in alignment and gives his defense a lot of flexibility. He provides excellent run support and is a very physical and capable edge defender. Isaac impresses most in coverage; he is as rangy as they come playing over the top and seems like he can get to any ball once it is in the air for a pick, deflection, or big hit. [player_tooltip player_id="98643" first="Tamin" last="Lipsey"], ATH, C/O 2022, 6’2, 190, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EgdLr">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/TaminLipsey">Twitter</a> Lipsey is an explosive and superior athlete who can take it the distance any time he touches the ball. He is so dynamic in the open field and can make his moves without losing speed, which makes life exceedingly hard on tacklers. Lipsey has exceptional arm strength, especially on the run, and his overall ability is off the charts. Dowling Catholic [player_tooltip player_id="104098" first="Jaxon" last="Smolik"], QB, C/O 2023, 6’2, 185, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Ensa0">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JaxonSmolik">Twitter</a> Smolik has clean and well-trained throwing mechanics; it looks like he can get the ball to any part of the field with ease. He is poised in the pocket and keeps his eyes down field even when facing a lot of pressure from the rush. Smolik’s play is evidence of high football IQ and an advanced understanding of how to beat a defense. Carson Brown, WR, C/O 2022, 6’2, 170, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Ehz8m">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/carsonbrown824">Twitter</a> Brown has explosive speed and cutting ability that helps him run a big route tree with a lot of success. The way he breaks in and out of changes of direction are very difficult for defenders to stick with regardless of coverage. Brown is a reliable option in the passing game that his team can go to when they need to move the chains. [player_tooltip player_id="100043" first="Jaylen" last="Pettus-McMullen"], DT, C/O 2022, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11211875/Jaylen-PettusMcMullen/highlights">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/jaylen_pettus">Twitter</a> Pettus-McMullen is very effective when it comes to taking away inside gaps from an offense on the ground and through the air. He is a physical presence who uses sound fundamentals and technique to squeeze, separate, and get uncovered. He shines as an interior pass rusher with premier moves that open up lanes to the Quarterback. Khameron Middleton, RB, C/O 2022, 5’11, 215, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EcuDb">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/KhamMiddletonRB">Twitter</a> Middleton is an angry runner who punishes those who try to tackle him. He is a very strong ball carrier with a powerful lower body that helps him plow right through defenders. Middleton also excels when it comes to other parts of the job description like picking up blitzers in pass protection and paving the way while lead blocking. [player_tooltip player_id="100887" first="Blake" last="Anderson"], S, C/O 2022, 5’10, 180, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EEx98">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/blake14anderson">Twitter</a> Anderson has a nose for the ball and can cover a lot of ground quickly when he gets a bead on the play whether it’s on the ground or through the air. He showcases excellent instincts in coverage and thrives when patrolling a deep portion of the field. Anderson is a big hitter who can fly into the box or alley to give run support. Council Bluffs Lincoln Quentin Bradley, LB, C/O 2022, 5’11, 215, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13313635/Quentin-Bradley/highlights">hudl</a> Bradley is a tackling machine from the Linebacker position; he reads keys and tracks the ball really well. He exhibits the physicality to shed tackles and play in the box and the speed to be a presence on the edge. Bradley plays with a high motor, takes efficient paths to the ball, and finishes plays with explosive, secure tackles. Johnston [player_tooltip player_id="23998" first="Jack" last="Rutz"], QB, C/O 2022, 6’2, 200, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2ERchs">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JackRutz7">Twitter</a> Rutz absolutely picks defenses apart and it is clear on film he knows when and where his targets will be open against different coverages. He throws an accurate ball with impressive mechanics and drops it in where only his Receivers can make a play. Rutz has impressive feet in the pocket, scrambling, and on designed carries. Blake Tubbs, RB, C/O 2023, 5’10, 175, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2FKdis">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/BlakeTubbs7">Twitter</a> Tubbs is a high-powered ball carrier who is nimble and can accelerate rapidly. He is patient as the play develops and bursts into gaps or cuts off of blocks as soon daylight presents itself. Tubbs has plenty of moves and explosive ability to get him beyond the first level of defense and the speed to be dangerous in the open field. [player_tooltip player_id="24021" first="Cade" last="Godwin"], OLB, C/O 2022, 6’3, 200, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2FBEuA">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/GodwinCade">Twitter</a> Godwin is a fierce alley and edge defender who shuts it down to his side of the ball with impressive instincts against the run and pass. He takes away the flat and has the athleticism to run with Backs and Receivers. Godwin is a major asset defending the run and uses his length and quick, violent hands to keep blockers at bay. Sioux City North [player_tooltip player_id="24025" first="Brady" last="Wavrunek"], RB, C/O 2023, 5’10, 180, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12472275/Brady-Wavrunek/highlights">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Brady_Wavrunek">Twitter</a> Wavrunek is an incredibly shifty, downhill runner who can hit gaps with a burst between the tackles or get the edge and get vertical off-tackle. He is difficult to square up and hit cleanly and, when a defender makes contact, he fights and refuses to go down. Wavrunek is a feature back who excels in the backfield every down. Desmond Grace, WR, C/O 2022, 6’0, 170, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10646672/Desmond-Grace-II/highlights">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/DesmondGraceOf1">Twitter</a> Grace is a burner of a Slot Receiver who can stretch the field vertically, separate on crossing routes, and get the edge on plays like Jet. He is also very active in the bubble and screen game; he is dynamic and needs the ball in his hands. Grace, with his speed, is someone a defense needs to account for at all times. Keller Newton, WR, C/O 2022, 6’3, 180, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/10646642/5fbffbb8f31c53105cc8c74b">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/kellernewton1">Twitter</a> Newton has a large frame and a big catch radius and knows how to use his size advantage to go up and make plays as an X Receiver. He has impressive contact balance and focus through contested catches. Newton is a big time vertical and red zone threat who creates matchup problems for many high school Defensive Backs. Waukee [player_tooltip player_id="104804" first="Cael" last="Winter"], C, C/O 2023, 6’4, 235, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EUvnF">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/CaelWinter">Twitter</a> Winter gets a lot of power from the ground up as he engages on blocks and locks on. He is quick and can get to his targets quickly with impressive technique that clears out the A gaps. Winter is a strong all-around blocker: he can reach opponents laterally, overpower on base blocks, and stonewall rushers on short sets.