Prep Redzone Iowa June Rankings Update: 2023 Newcomers

Over 100 new athletes found themselves in the mix after Prep Redzone Iowa’s recent rankings update. Take a look below to see what qualities, abilities, and attributes these 2023’s possess that got them on our radar. The newcomers featured below are impressive and the outlook for what they can achieve in the next two years is certainly high. QB3 [player_tooltip player_id="152536" first="Alex" last="Mota"], Marion, 6’2, 175, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EQE55">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/_AlexMota23">Twitter</a> Mota could very well be the most dynamic and electric player to be found on Friday nights come August. He is a monster of a Safety, and that may be a natural fit for him at the next level, but what he can do with the ball in his hands at Quarterback is jaw dropping. Mota can make all the throws and baffles the opposition with his legs. The threat of designed runs or Mota escaping the pocket leaves defenses scrambling for answers. OL4 [player_tooltip player_id="152817" first="Beau" last="Knobloch"], Winterset, 6’4, 260, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EXCU7">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/BeauKnobloch">Twitter</a> Knobloch has Division 1 size and in-game fundamentals that are mature and seasoned. He plays, from his stance to the point of attack, with a clear understanding of leverage and angles. Knobloch can bring loads of pressure in the trenches and wash opponents right out of their gaps. He certainly knows how to overtake and drive a defender. Knobloch also has one heck of a patient set that really frustrates pass rushers. RB4 [player_tooltip player_id="152685" first="Devionne" last="West Jr"], Bishop Heelan, 5’8, 200, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EWwHM">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/DevionneJr">Twitter</a> West is without a doubt one of the more explosive ball carriers in the state. He can burst right when he gets the ball or show patience in allowing blocks to develop depending on scheme; either way he is going to gash a defense and is very hard to tackle. His body control, contact balance, and ability to play within his frame is second to none. He just absorbs hits and keeps moving. West is a highly skilled every down back. RB5 [player_tooltip player_id="152708" first="CJ" last="Carter"], Glenwood, 6’0, 200, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2ENRUx">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/CJCarter_32">Twitter</a> Carter is a powerhouse of a ball carrier who can pound it on the inside gaps or off-tackle. He has a canny ability to limit contact or make defenders miss altogether. The way Carter feels and senses pressure near the line of scrimmage creates opportunities for him to get beyond it. Once he gets a little bit of space he is nimble and maneuvers exceptionally well. Carter accelerates rapidly once there is daylight to be had. LB7 [player_tooltip player_id="149568" first="Jaxson" last="Hildebrand"], Denison-Schleswig, 6’0, 200, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2ENRUx">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/J_Hilly7">Twitter</a> Hildebrand is unquestionably one of the better two-way players in the class of 2023. His speed and fearless style of play help him thrive as a ball carrier. He really shines, though, as a Linebacker and has the ability to take over the box. Hildebrand is so violent and efficient downhill. There is distinct toughness in the way he defeats blocks and gets to the ball. He absolutely brings the lumber when filling gaps. DL7 [player_tooltip player_id="152870" first="Tyrell" last="Lafferty"], Sioux City West, 6’3, 200, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2ERGbV">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/LaffertyTyrell">Twitter</a> Lafferty has a lot of length and reach and he uses it exceptionally well as an end against the run and pass. He gets hands on quickly to set a short edge when pressure comes to him or squeezes down when pressure is away. Either way Lafferty is able to separate, take up a lot of space, and disengage with ease. Lafferty has the athletic skill set to grow into a dominant pass rusher; the speed, bend, and body control is there. DB8 [player_tooltip player_id="152914" first="Ben" last="Sandvig"], Ankeny, 5’10, 175, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/12764761/Ben-Sandvig/highlights">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/bensandvig">Twitter</a> Sandvig is so physical in coverage; from the line of scrimmage to carrying a vertical route he is going to make opponents work extremely hard for anything they get. He plays in reverse really well and doesn’t let Wide Receivers manipulate him out of a position of strength. Sandvig can play man, but the way he picks up and breaks on routes from zones is impressive. He is a big hitting ball hawk and provides great run support. WR9 [player_tooltip player_id="152853" first="Kelynn" last="Jacobsen"], Sioux City East, 6’3, 180, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2FTyaz">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JacobsenKelynn">Twitter</a> Jacobsen’s huge frame and catch radius, paired with his high end start-stop and acceleration, makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing Corners. He runs terrific vertical routes and knows how to threaten downfield to operate underneath. His route running is advanced in the sense that he knows how to get open. Jacobsen uses his size very efficiently to make plays even when he can’t get a step on his opponent. DL9 [player_tooltip player_id="152868" first="Landon" last="Stolte"], Lisbon, 6’2, 225, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13345366/5f9ad82c5ef6b4176ceff70f">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/LandonStolte76">Twitter</a> Stolte is an excellent Offensive Linemen, the film doesn’t lie, but his future could be on the other side of the ball given his frame and athletic skill set. Stolte has plenty of length and moves explosively within his frame. His mobility and lateral quickness is top notch. Stolte checks all the boxes when it comes to the on-field tangibles you seek in an edge defender. He has a feet first speed rush that gets him home fast, too. QB10 [player_tooltip player_id="152538" first="Landon" last="Hochstein"], Norwalk, 6’3, 195, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EWtZj">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/landonhoch">Twitter</a> Hochstein already looks the part of a big-time Quarterback from a physical, mechanical, and decision-making standpoint. Many young gunslingers have the frame and strong arm, but not all have the poise and ability to execute different descriptions of the job like Hochstein. He is patient through progressions keeping his eyes downfield. When pressure closes in he doesn’t panic, he just reacts. Hochstein can make all the throws. DB10 [player_tooltip player_id="152919" first="Cameron" last="Figgs"], Bettendorf, 6’0, 165, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EeHTP">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/CameronFiggs2">Twitter</a> Figgs does a lot at a really high level and, at least for the time being, can do so lining up anywhere in the Defensive Backfield. He operates in close quarters defeating blocks and attacking routes just as well as he plays center field and makes open field tackles. It is really hard for Wide Receivers to shake him in routes and his ability to adjust to his opponent is impressive. Figgs is a name you definitely need to know. WR13 [player_tooltip player_id="152844" first="Paxten" last="Van Houten"], 5’9, 170, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EgxGY">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/PaxtenVanHouten">Twitter</a> Van Houten is so tough over underneath and over the middle of the field. His top notch footwork and precise route running ability gets him a step on the competition. Van Houten’s ability and creativity after the catch is outstanding. His talents and skill set are, to a T, that of the modern day Slot Receiver. He sees the field really well and gets the ball fed to him in a variety of ways. Van Houten is a flat out playmaker. TE13 [player_tooltip player_id="152764" first="Nicio" last="Adame"], Logan Magnolia, 5’11, 205, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Ec32i">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Nicio_Adame">Twitter</a> Adame lines up all over the offense as a Tight End, H-Back, and Slot. He blocks exceptionally well and is a threat to catch passes from any alignment. As a blocker, Adame attacks with top notch leverage and physicality; he can crack, insert, combo, and base block really well. He has power to move big bodied Linemen and athleticism to get to skill defenders in space. Adame is tough and makes catches in traffic through contact. LB14 [player_tooltip player_id="152888" first="Josiah" last="Chibambo"], West Fork, 5’11, 195, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EfUam">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ChibamboJosiah">Twitter</a> Chibambo is one heck of a ball carrier and a certified tackling machine; he is establishing himself as one of Iowa’s top two-way players. Chibambo flows so well as a Linebacker with sideline to sideline speed. It is difficult for any blocker to get hands on him in space. He has fast hands that keep him clean as he works to the ball. Chibambo is totally consistent when it comes to staying active while diagnosing and finishing.