Iowa's 2021 5A District 4 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. Bettendorf [player_tooltip player_id="23954" first="Tynan" last="Numkena"], WR, C/O 2022, 6’2, 200, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Eh2eT">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/8_tynan">Twitter</a> Numkena lines up across formations and, with his elite athleticism, needs to be accounted for at all times. He can make you miss with fluid, explosive cuts in the open field or battle for extra yards after contact. Numkena does an impressive job of knowing where daylight will break after a catch or handoff and elusively making big plays. Bradley Hill, LB, C/O 2022, 6’1, 205, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EXYqs">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/BradleyHill242">Twitter</a> Hill is a bruising, old school Linebacker who is outstanding at defeating blocks and meeting ball carriers in gaps. He brings loads of intensity and physicality to every play; he is going to find someone to put on the ground. Hill is first-rate when it comes to downhill play, but also does well flowing off-tackle and covering the hook/curl. [player_tooltip player_id="23995" first="Diego" last="Cortes"], DE, C/O 2022, 5’11, 215, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EbN4u">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Diego_Cortes41">Twitter</a> Cortes is so disciplined and consistent in his technique every down; he earns the plays he makes in the way he attacks his opponents and his gap. He does a great job of reading the direction and pressure of blocks and reacting accordingly. Cortes disengages violently, takes on pullers aggressively, and causes problems in the backfield. Terry Dunn, RB, C/O 2022, 5’8, 185, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EvzyF">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/TerryDunnIII1">Twitter</a> Dunn is a tough, physically imposing ball carrier whose burst and contact balance stands out. He has a noticeably powerful lower body that keeps him moving and he pinballs off of attempted tackles, especially on inside gaps when he can get square. Dunn can evade defenders, but looks to deliver the blow if there isn’t daylight. Davenport Central Corbin Simatovich, QB, C/O 2022, 6’4, 195, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2F6j5y">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/csimatovich6">Twitter</a> Simatovich showcases impressive pocket awareness and does a nice job of using his height to scan the field and work through his progressions. He can get the ball out fast on quick hitting plays and has the arm strength to push the ball deep. Simatovich makes his throws look routine with sound mechanics and well-placed balls. Dylan Graves, RB, C/O 2022, 6’0, 175, hudl, <a href="https://twitter.com/DylanGraves_2">Twitter</a> Graves is elusive with the ball in his hands; he has the vision and athleticism to escape sure tackles and keep the play alive. He possesses impressive body control and balance that give him the upper hand moving in and out of cuts and through changes of direction. Graves is a playmaker on the ground and through the air. Davenport North [player_tooltip player_id="23961" first="Dominic" last="Wiseman"], DT, C/O 2022, 6’2, 271, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EWd3Z">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/dominicwiseman1">Twitter</a> Wiseman is an absolute game wrecker on the inside gaps and pairs physical superiority with mature technique to dominate his opponents. He reacts to blocks instantaneously and disengages through his gap in just a few steps. Wiseman works very clean jab steps and arm-over moves to apply huge pressure on passing downs. [player_tooltip player_id="23956" first="Cade" last="Sheedy"], LB/RB, C/O 2022, 6’0, 205, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11528713/5f8285dc478ce60a10a48467">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SheedyCade">Twitter</a> Sheedy’s athleticism is off the charts on both sides of the ball. As an Outside Linebacker he brings a physically imposing presence to the edge; he squeezes, defeats blocks, and pursues to make plays on a regular basis. On offense Sheedy is explosive, beating tacklers with elusive moves or brute force and can erupt for a big play. [player_tooltip player_id="118812" first="Gaige" last="Avants"], LB, C/O 2022, 5’9, 190, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EV8LM">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/gaige_avants">Twitter</a> Avants is a very twitchy, highly athletic Linebacker who processes quickly and defeats blocks with nice bend and quick hands. He is equally effective at tracking and getting to the ball in the box and off-tackle. Avants is easily one of the best tacklers in the state; he has outstanding feet and leverage that stop ball carriers in their tracks. [player_tooltip player_id="104805" first="Nolan" last="Mosier"], QB, C/O 2023, 6’4, 225, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EUT6F">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/njmosier12">Twitter</a> Mosier checks all the boxes as far as physical traits go and demonstrates a lot of maturity as a decision maker. He is a big-armed gunslinger who has the confidence to throw hard routes to each level of the field. Mosier’s throwing mechanics are very well-developed and he makes tough passes in challenging situations look routine. Iowa City High Ben Kueter, LB, C/O 2023, 6’3, 220, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2F8WB7">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Benkueter1">Twitter</a> Kueter has a nose for the ball; there is an abundance of athletic ability and technique in the toolbox that gets him to the play. He does an excellent job of using his reach to keep defenders off his body in the box and is equally good at running ball carriers down when action flows off-tackle. Kueter has instincts that can’t be taught. Gable Mitchell, WR, C/O 2022, 5’9, 185, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11348166/Gable-Mitchell/highlights">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/GableMitchell13">Twitter</a> Mitchell brings plenty of dynamic playmaking ability to his offensive role; he is definitely a weapon. He runs impressive routes that attack coverage and he adjusts well to the ball when it is in the air to make highly athletic catches. Mitchell is dangerous with the ball and there is a lot of value in using him on Jet or out of the backfield. Jamari Newson, RB, C/O 2022, 6’3, 175, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11347968/Jamari-Newson/highlights">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/jamari_jellyfam">Twitter</a> Newson has ample amounts of patience, burst, and cuts that make him an excellent fit to run behind zone blocking. He has impressive vision as he is taking the handoff that helps him get beyond the line of scrimmage in close quarters. Newson possesses the skills to turn any play into a positive one and runs with determination. [player_tooltip player_id="99894" first="Avery" last="Goodrich"], T, C/O 2022, 6’6, 275, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Ecn1J">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/goodrich_avery">Twitter</a> Goodrich gets out of his stance with terrific leverage, especially for his size, that he uses to attack opponents and keep them out of gaps. He moves exceptionally well within his massive frame and punishes defenders at the point of attack. Goodrich maintains solid mechanics every down and showcases textbook fundamentals. [player_tooltip player_id="99895" first="Ostyn" last="Friday"], G, C/O 2022, 6’2, 265, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EVKW3">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/OstynFriday">Twitter</a> Friday moves very well from the Guard position and matches athleticism with second level defenders; he can combo or pull to Backers and Safeties with ease. He has a noticeably good stance that gets him moving explosively right at the snap to catch Defensive Linemen off guard. Friday stays active and finds work, especially in pass sets. Iowa City West Mason Applegate, DE, C/O 2022, 6’0, 200, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/5400925/Mason-Applegate/highlights">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/mason_applegate">Twitter</a> Applegate reacts immediately to the snap, has a very fast first step, and absolutely launches through his opponents shoulder. The violence and body control he attacks plays with is startling for Offensive Linemen. Applegate can wreck blocking schemes from inside gaps or the edge and his shock and shed technique is second to none. Pleasant Valley [player_tooltip player_id="105139" first="Andrew" last="DePaepe"], DE, C/O 2023, 6’5, 235, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EwP93">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewDepaepe2">Twitter</a> DePaepe does a remarkable job of using his length to separate and squeeze Offensive Linemen occupying a ton of space at the line. He has an advanced understanding of the position and its technique. DePaepe boasts an elite speed rush and gets by Tackles with great bend; he transitions from speed to power just as well. [player_tooltip player_id="98700" first="Barrett" last="Lindmark"], QB C/O 2022, 5’11, 185, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Egm9U">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/lindmarkbarrett">Twitter</a> Lindmark is a true dual-threat who has the skills to be very effective in a variety of formations. The versatility he brings to the table makes it impossible for a defense to know how to match up and attack. Lindmark can gash a defense on the ground, pick zones apart from the pocket, and show magic and creativity to extend plays. [player_tooltip player_id="99933" first="Luke" last="Vonderhaar"], T, C/O 2022, 6’4, 245, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EuJFu">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/LukeVonderhaar">Twitter</a> Vonderhaar gets out of his stance with velocity and is locked onto his targets in the blink of an eye. His lateral quickness is impressive and the way he pounds his insteps enables him to get a lot of power into his hands. Vonderhaar maintains technique throughout reps, hammers opponents with violent hands, and finishes blocks. [player_tooltip player_id="105152" first="Rusty" last="VanWetzinga IV"], LB, C/O 2023, 6’1, 210, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Edc1B">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/rusty_j_van">Twitter</a> VanWetzinga is beyond proficient against the run and pass complimenting his impressive physical abilities with high football IQ. He is active in zones, can man up backs and slots, and fills a gap like a wrecking ball. VanWetzinga finishes tackles with textbook form and brings a lot of pressure to the backfield when blitzing. Caden McDermott, RB, C/O 2023, 5’9, 180, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13228810/Caden-Mcdermott/highlights">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/cadenMcdermott8">Twitter</a> McDermott has an impressive skill set that makes him ultra effective in different roles as both a Wing and Tailback. He arc, insert, and lead blocks really well, which opens up the offensive playbook. As a ball carrier, regardless of how he gets the rock in his hands, McDermott is nimble and agile; he can turn any play into a big one.