Prep Redzone Iowa May Rankings Update: 2022 Newcomers

There were dozens upon dozens of new additions to the 2022 Iowa rankings in the most recent update. The athletes found below are a perfect representation of the abundance of talent that can be found in Iowa. Take a look at where they fit into the rankings. TE5 [player_tooltip player_id="148085" first="Ty" last="Van Essen"], Western Christian, 6’5, 180, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Ed3mm">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/tyvanessen">Twitter</a> Van Essen simply outmatches his opponents; he is too fast and nimble for Linebackers to stick with him and too big and physical for Defensive Backs to contest passes thrown Van Essen’s way. He has excellent footwork through his routes and looks just as capable maneuvering after the catch. Van Essen is a big time threat near the end zone, makes plenty of highlight catches, and is a fierce, persistent downfield blocker. RB6 [player_tooltip player_id="147959" first="Jonathan" last="Dunn"], Carlisle, 5’11, 190, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11164839/6077b11b02b18908982a841c">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Jonathan_Dunn44">Twitter</a> Dunn has an enormous skill set and it is exceedingly difficult for an opposing defense to figure out how to match up with him. He is tough as nails on contact and lightning quick in space. If a team wants to load the box to stop Dunn he can just run off-tackle and make you pay. Dunn is so shifty and agile in traffic; if he runs out of real estate he will barrel right through opponents. He can break away from a crowd as well as anyone. DB6 [player_tooltip player_id="148885" first="Keith" last="Moko"], Newton, 6’2, 170, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EQLkn">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/MokoKeith">Twitter</a> Moko has the size and speed to be very dynamic in coverage and he is just that. He is effective in both man and zones, though it is impressive to see him step up to the line and stick with an opponent through a route. Moko plays very well in reverse and doesn’t get out of position often. He does an exceptional job of breaking on and playing the ball. Moko has one of the higher ceilings in the state as he continues to develop. OL8 Ryan Saddler Jr., Pleasant Valley, 6’0, 260, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2F4vvE">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/RyanCMsaddlerJR">Twitter</a> Saddler is one of the most technically and mechanically impressive Offensive Linemen in the state and one could make a case that he is the top interior Offensive Lineman in his class. Saddler knows how to engage and activate the whole body as he gets into his stance, which helps him keep his snaps clean and fire out to targets. Saddler’s footwork through his insteps is spot on and his short set fundamentals are top notch. WR9 [player_tooltip player_id="148739" first="Carson" last="Brown"], Dowling Catholic, 6’2, 170, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Ehz8m">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/carsonbrown824">Twitter</a> Brown is a very talented athlete who has become a favorite target to one of the state’s top Quarterbacks and most potent offenses. He is a sure-handed, reliable Wide Receiver who can do a lot with the ball after the catch. Brown runs a wide array of very crisp and technical routes that help him shake coverage underneath. His spatial awareness is noticeably impressive and he consistently maximizes gains. WR10 [player_tooltip player_id="148735" first="Lonny" last="Melvin Jr"], Cedar Rapids Jefferson, 6’0, 175, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11322848/5f9495df4210070a30601178">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/lonny_melvin">Twitter</a> Melvin’s athletic ability is like a wish list of home run hitting Wide Receiver attributes. He can jump out of a stadium, stop or cut on a dime, fly in and out of breaks, and burst to top speed in straight lines. Melvin can definitely take the top right off of a defense and get behind coverage; it would be very hard to overthrow him. He also seems to have great knowledge of coverage and knows how to adjust underneath routes to get open. DL11 [player_tooltip player_id="148783" first="Trevor" last="Lause"], Saydel, 6’5, 210, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/12153025/60249c81967628086836a813">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/LauseTrevor">Twitter</a> Lause has an enormous frame and can fill out to be absolutely massive; the sky’s the limit when it comes to his natural gifts and abilities. He already uses his length as his best friend as an edge defender to take up space, separate, and keep opponents at bay. Lause is a well-developed pass rusher who has an explosive get off and big first step. He wins often with speed, hips, and hands through his rush lane. TE13 [player_tooltip player_id="148070" first="Layne" last="Mcdonald"], Waverly Shell-Rock, 6’3, 215, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2F1P4r">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/LayneMcD40">Twitter</a> Mcdonald joins the talent loaded Tight End ranks as a well-rounded, physical athlete who excels both as a blocker and receiver. He is violent to his targets when blocking whether inserting, veering, down blocking, etc. Mcdonald attacks opponents with high-end ability. He is also very dangerous over the middle of the field. Mcdonald flies off the line of scrimmage and once he has the ball in his hands he is hard to take down. LB13 [player_tooltip player_id="148824" first="Bradley" last="Hill"], Bettendorf, 6’1, 205, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EXYqs">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/BradleyHill242">Twitter</a> Hill jumps into the Linebacker column as a bruising, violent throwback player who is dominant in the box when moving downhill. He jars Offensive Linemen that try to block him and halts ball carriers in their tracks when he meets them in gaps. Hill plays with visibly impressive depth and leverage that keep him in position to make a lot of plays. Hill can flow off-tackle really well, too, and shows sideline to sideline ability. DB14 [player_tooltip player_id="148879" first="Tyree" last="Gardner"], Waterloo West, 6’2, 190, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11796940/5fadef1c04284b0b943faeab">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/TyreeGardner5">Twitter</a> Gardner is another Defensive Back who is new to the rankings that has a high ceiling and a lot of raw potential. He is already very impressive in the position he plays; his size and skill set, though, can be further molded to make him one of the best Iowa has to offer. Gardner has a lot of range and plays a deep half very well. He breaks on routes with exceptional closing speed for picks, hits, and pass breakups. DL16 [player_tooltip player_id="148777" first="Aiden" last="Morgan"], Davenport Assumption, 6’3, 225, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EeEzF">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/aiden_morgo">Twitter</a> Morgan has impressive Junior film that is no doubt worthy of rankings, but the amount of work he has put in this offseason prepping for a big Senior year is what lands him in the top twenty. Morgan certainly has all the tangibles: a big frame, natural bend, and noticeable mobility. Morgan is refining that all into the description of his job as an edge defender and pass rusher. Don’t be surprised to see Morgan climb the ranks. WR16 [player_tooltip player_id="148748" first="Keaton" last="Jackson"], Dallas, Center-Grimes, 5’9, 165, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EXVFP">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/KeatonJackson22">Twitter</a> Jackson’s film and what he has put on display screams modern day Slot Receiver. He is so agile and precise with his footwork as he gets into routes; his efficiency off the line is top notch. Jackson expertly shakes defenders on underneath patterns and finds space between zones to get wide open. Unwitting defenders don’t stand a chance. Jackson isn’t afraid to make catches in traffic and is so tough and elusive after the catch. RB17 Tanner Spyksma, Waukee Northwest, 6’2, 190, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/10956665/Tanner-Spyksma/highlights">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/SpyksmaTanner">Twitter</a> Spyksma is a versatile, big-bodied, every down back who has the skill set to plug into many different schemes. He demonstrates both patience and explosiveness when taking handoffs. Spyksma can adjust his running style to the play call; he is a physical, angry runner between the tackles and is nimble and elusive outside. Spyksma sees the field well and seems to be steps ahead of defenders in how he attacks and makes moves. QB18 [player_tooltip player_id="147462" first="Tade" last="Parsons"], Wapello, 6’2, 180, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/11519923/5f9490a002b1f706f00727ef">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/TadeParsons">Twitter</a> Parsons does a very nice job of both finding open targets and throwing teammates open. He has the height to see over the line and looks poised as he keeps his eyes down field. Parsons has the mechanics and throwing motions to get the ball out quick and on target. He is also capable of stepping into his throws and firing it into tight windows. Parsons can drop back all night and air it out from the spread. OL19 [player_tooltip player_id="148699" first="Blake" last="De Leon"], Bettendorf, 6’3, 280, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EcqDB">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/BlakeDe_Leon72">Twitter</a> De Leon stays so active throughout the course of a snap; he creates a ton of space, finishes his blocks, and keeps looking for work. He uses his size and strike mechanics really well to overwhelm defenders and prevent them from ever having a chance to recover. His tenacity and aggressive style of play land him in the top twenty of the Offensive Line ranks. De Leon is just as imposing in pass sets and adjusts angles really well. DL22 [player_tooltip player_id="148778" first="Jamin" last="Stuhr"], Webster City, 6’2, 210, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EgxZB">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/StuhrJamin">Twitter</a> Stuhr jumps into the Defensive Line rankings as a rangy Defensive End and first-rate speed rusher. Stuhr sees through his rush lane and reacts to those trying to block him. He really understands that pass rushing is about efficiency and beating an Offensive Lineman is not the goal. Stuhr is as good as they come at winning the edge, flipping the hips, and bending; he can really disorient an opponent and his hands are outstanding. QB23 [player_tooltip player_id="147456" first="Justin" last="Roling"], Cascade, 6’2, 170, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2FD5N2">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JustinRoling7">Twitter</a> Roling is so poised and patient in the face of pressure; he steps into his throws when the walls are coming down and extends plays with his feet to buy targets time to get open. He throws a wide array of routes with precision and has that noticeable “it” factor. Roling has a very high ceiling. His frame and natural throwing motions impress. Roling also excels on Reads and designed carries. Look for his stock to continue to rise. OL23 [player_tooltip player_id="148459" first="Evan" last="Williams"], Prairie, 6’7, 315, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/11684031/5f74ba458cd542115c4ab8e7">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/evanwil75">Twitter</a> Williams is a mountain of an Offensive Linemen and moves exceptionally well for his size. He clearly has great body control, knows how to play within his frame, and knows how to adjust angles and leverage to his opponents. He brings so much pressure to Defensive Linemen right out of his stance and pounds his insteps to clear them away from the ball. Williams has high-end potential and is certainly someone to keep an eye on. RB27 [player_tooltip player_id="147978" first="Darnell" last="Butler"], North Scott, 5’7, 165, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EfwR1">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/darnellb03">Twitter</a> Butler is lightning quick and his ability to get small and change direction in confined space makes it so hard to get to him before he is already at positive yardage. Butler’s contact balance keeps him north-south and upright through traffic. If there is any space to work with he can burst, make a move, and is off to the races. Though smaller in stature, Butler packs a lot of power, and is sure to rise in the ranks moving forward. DB31 [player_tooltip player_id="100890" first="Jaylen" last="Ziegler"], Urbandale, 5’10, 160, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EcU4r">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ZieglerJaylen">Twitter</a> Ziegler is a member of the stacked Urbandale Defensive Backs room and is so good from the flat to a deep half or third. He is very agile and moves so well in reverse. Ziegler is able to keep everything in front of him and identify route combinations as they unfold. He has the speed to carry a vertical threat and stick to anyone he needs to pick up in his zone. Ziegler is a fearless tackler who won’t hesitate to stick his nose in traffic.