Four Iowa 2024’s You Need to Know
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We looked at four of Iowa’s top 2024 prospects as they enter their sophomore seasons. Each prospect featured in this article was a varsity contributor during their freshman season, a feat that is much easier said than done. Look for…
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Continue ReadingWe looked at four of Iowa’s top 2024 prospects as they enter their sophomore seasons. Each prospect featured in this article was a varsity contributor during their freshman season, a feat that is much easier said than done. Look for this group to take an even bigger step forward in 2021 and potentially see their recruiting stocks rise following this fall.
OL: Cody Fox Cody Fox 6'4" | 265 lbs | OL East Buchanan | 2024 State IA , 6’4, 265, East Buchanan
Committed to Iowa
A vicious offensive tackle prospect that is dominant at the point of attack. Fox shows heavy hands and can get his second step in the ground quickly. He shows some springy hips that help him create torque into his blocks. Despite being just a freshman, he’s making reach blocks look like second nature. His aggressive nature and ability to finish blocks make him an ideal fit for the Hawkeyes.
LB: Preston Ries Preston Ries 6'1" | 210 lbs | LB Monticello | 2024 State IA , 6’2, 195, Monticello
Ries is an athletic outside linebacker prospect, equipped with loose hips and solid top-end speed to run with slot receivers. He’s a rangy prospect that can cover a lot of ground and make plays in space. He even lined up at quarterback and dropped a 50-yard bomb over the defense. As a running back, he displayed a tough running style and the ability to muscle through arm tackles. To me, he’s a true sam linebacker prospect at the next level who would flourish in a 4-3 scheme.
TE: Brady McDonald Brady McDonald 6'3" | 210 lbs | TE Independence | 2024 State IA , 6’3, 210, Independence
A major threat after the catch who can slip tackles left and right. McDonald has a strong lower half that defenders will bounce off of. He’s a surehanded redzone weapon that can adjust and make tough catches out of awkward body positions. Mcdonald does his best work in the intermediate levels, showing no signs of hesitation with traffic around him. As a blocker, he’s got a firm jab that can create solid knockback from his initial contact. He’s going to have to add some more size over the next few seasons, but the ability is already there.
QB: Trenton Smith Trenton Smith 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Ankeny Centennial | 2024 State IA , 6’2, 190, Ames
A spread quarterback with twitchy operation time and plenty of poise against free rushers. Smith is fantastic outside the pocket, throwing on the move, and will square his shoulders once he finds his target. He does a good job identifying targets pre-snap and working through his progression post-snap. Although he’s not your stereotypical dual-threat quarterback, Smith does have some hidden features as a runner and can pick up yards when defensive linemen don’t respect their rush lanes.