Iowa's 2021 3A District 2 Preview: Player Spotlight Capsules

The 3A class is sure to bring plenty of action and excitement this fall. Between the traditional rivalries and exciting new matchups there are sure to be a lot of big moments. Learn about some of the top returning prospects in the player capsules below as Prep Redzone highlights each district leading up to the season. Regardless of classification Iowa has some of the best talent you will find taking the field on Friday nights and 3A is looking loaded. Algona [player_tooltip player_id="23975" first="Tyler" last="Manske"], QB, C/O 2022, 6’2, 190, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EVHzq">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/tyler_manske">Twitter</a> Manske is an ultra poised Quarterback who does a consistently good job of looking off coverage as he works through his progressions. His throwing motions are concise; there isn’t any wasted time when he finds an open target or on timing routes. Manske has a big, filled out frame that makes him hard to get to the ground in the backfield or on carries. Trevon Smith, WR, C/O 2022, 6’1, 195, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EZNb1">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/tredinero11">Twitter</a> Smith is an exceedingly tough and physical Wing/Slot who fearlessly does the bulk of his damage over the middle of the field. His ability to catch through contact is top notch and he is as focused as can be. Smith’s skills as a ball carrier also impress; he knows how to get north-south and find daylight when his number is called. Miles Goche, LB, C/O 2022, 5’8, 180, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11281874/Miles-Goche/highlights">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/mgoche12">Twitter</a> Goche is an asset inside as someone who can flow over the top and finish through great angles or fly downhill into gaps and halt a ball carrier. He is skilled when it comes to attacking the correct shoulder while taking on blocks to maintain gap integrity. Goche is also outstanding on offense in pass protection and as a lead blocker. [player_tooltip player_id="148458" first="Jaxon" last="Woodyard"], OL, C/O 2022, 6’5, 250, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EX3S0">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/jaxonwoodyard">Twitter</a> Woodyard is nasty in the trenches; he finds work, finishes plays, and provides a lot of versatility. He has lined up at both Guard and Tackle and has a broad athletic skill set that makes him effective in both close quarters and space. Woodyard packs a violent strike that jars opponents when pulling, setting, or through any other number of blocks. Ballard [player_tooltip player_id="23953" first="Kale" last="Krogh"], OL, C/O 2022, 6’6, 265, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2ESgaV">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/KaleKrogh">Twitter</a> Krogh, Iowa Hawkeye commit, is a mauler and technician up front who is without a doubt one of the top players in the state. His position specific, in game mechanics are mature and refined. Krogh brings technique to the field that the vast majority of Linemen his age are years away from achieving and is simply elite in executing his job description. [player_tooltip player_id="148872" first="Colby" last="Calvert"], DB, C/O 2022, 5’8, 150, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2Ey5w9">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/colbycalvert10">Twitter</a> Calvert thrives at Corner in man coverage and that is not a common ability among high school Defensive Backs. The way he can stick to and run with routes while playing in reverse really impresses. Calvert possesses top notch spatial awareness and body control; he makes plays on balls that not many can get to and makes it look routine. Gilbert Bo Gidel, LB, C/O 2022, 5’11, 190, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2F1N7t">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/BoGidel">Twitter</a> Gidel is a high motor, high intensity Linebacker who can play in the box or on the edge as a Sam in a multi-front defense. His instincts are keen as is evidenced in how he consistently takes the right path to the ball. Gidel is one of the better tacklers you will find in the state; he drops his hips, sinks his hooks, and runs his feet through great posture. Humboldt [player_tooltip player_id="24018" first="Ben" last="Kuehnast"], OL, C/O 2022, 6’7, 265, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EUYp5">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Kuehnast_Ball">Twitter</a> Kuehnast is an enormous young man whose athleticism and coordination quickly caught up with his size. He demonstrates mechanics and technique that are proof of impressive body control and power. Kuehnast has top notch initial drive and strike mechanics; it is scary to imagine how dominant he can be as he grows into his frame. [player_tooltip player_id="148361" first="Caden" last="Matson"], QB/S, C/O 2022, 6’0, 185, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/11403057/5fa2101819b03803d0bd5449">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/CadenMatson">Twitter</a> Matson is without a doubt one of the top two way players in Iowa; he is a dynamic playmaker at Quarterback and a ballhawk at Safety. He is a true dual threat who thrives on the ground and is becoming increasingly impressive through the air. Matson showcases true dominance on the other side of the ball with tons of range and physicality. Jacob Heier, WR, C/O 2022, 6’4, 175, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/11581787/5fa431e5a6809509d824f797">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/jacobheier16">Twitter</a> Heier is a put together X Receiver who creates a lot of mismatches on the outside with his frame, speed, and footwork. He can be trusted to come down with contested catches when his team needs a big play. Heier is explosive in and out of breaks, makes highly athletic plays look easy, and adjusts well to the ball to make his Quarterback right. Tanner McKimmey, LB, C/O 2022, 5’7, 190, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11576191/Tanner-Lloyd-McKimmey/highlights">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/tmanner23">Twitter</a> McKimmey is so skilled at evading and defeating blocks in between the tackles and neutralizing inside gaps. He is a prototypical downhill, inside out Middle Linebacker who can force an offense to have to stretch. McKimmey adjusts his angle upon filling very well and shows a high propensity for finding and tracking ball carriers. Nevada [player_tooltip player_id="23972" first="Caeden" last="Da Silva"], WR, C/O 2022, 6’3, 190, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/11540762/caeden-dasilva/highlights">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/caeden_da">Twitter</a> Da Silva is a burner at Receiver who maintains really terrific sprint mechanics and footwork through his routes. He is also a lengthy player with a big catch radius, which is a perfect recipe for a vertical threat and that’s exactly what he is. Da Silva frequently gets behind coverage stretching the field for big plays leaving defenders in his dust. [player_tooltip player_id="105146" first="Nate" last="Anderson"], OL/DL, C/O 2023, 5’9, 235, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EfM3J">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/NateAnderson_63">Twitter</a> Anderson is immovable in the trenches on inside gaps; he is violent to the point of attack and uses his hands to get uncovered and take up space. He is quick laterally and explosive into direct pressure, so opposing offenses cannot take advantage of him with scheme. Anderson is a vicious blocker on offense and is especially skilled at pulling. North Polk [player_tooltip player_id="148742" first="Sal" last="Capaldo"], WR, C/O 2022, 5’11, 165, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2EUC86">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/CapaldoSal">Twitter</a> Capaldo is a shifty, nimble Slot Receiver who operates at a high level in busy areas of the field. He shows no fear or hesitation making catches through contact or taking hits right after the catch. Capaldo shows loads of athletic ability doing things like adjusting to passes, leaping over defenders for receptions, and bursting to separate from defenders.