Prep Redzone Iowa's Newcomers and Stock Risers

Players emerge and make leaps on a weekly basis. Learn about some of Iowa’s new names and players whose stock is rising . Ten noteworthy week 6 performances are broken down that earned these athletes some well-deserved recognition. Get to know them now. [player_tooltip player_id="104089" first="Dallas" last="Sauser"], QB, Ames, <a href="https://twitter.com/sauser_dallas">Twitter</a> Sauser had another big day through the air in week 6 that helped him maintain his 5A leading passing statistics. He has thrown for 1,453 yards so far on the year, a pace that should see him crack the illustrious 2,000 yard milestone in the regular season, and 10 touchdowns. Sauser’s efforts have helped Ames win three straight contests to move to 4-2 this season. The lefty has outstanding feet in the pocket and looks very comfortable throwing on the run. Sauser shows patience on film; there’s an understanding of how routes develop and when to get the ball out. Jason Dickson, RB, Sergeant Bluff-Luton, <a href="https://twitter.com/JdDickson">Twitter</a> The Warriors’ leading tackler, Jason Dickson, had himself a day in week 6 recording 5.5 tackles on defense and carrying the ball 18 times for 115 yards and 2 touchdowns on offense. Dickson is tough as nails at Outside Linebacker. He knows how to set a hard edge and keep plays from getting outside. He also knows how to compress action away and make plays backside. Dickson appears to take the same approach to his offensive duties; he gets after it. He is a reliable presence, that has excelled as of late, and is someone that is definitely on the rise. Ayden Price <a href="https://twitter.com/aydenprice12">Twitter</a> & Cade Grevengoed <a href="https://twitter.com/Cade_Grevengoed">Twitter</a>, WR, Valley, Valley needed to find answers at Wide Receiver to replace last year’s production and compliment their star Quarterback and Tight End. It took some time for Ayden Price and Cade Grevengoed to find their place and develop that rapport with their Quarterback, but oh man did they figure it out at the right time. The Valley Tigers are looking dangerous with the emergence of their new receiving corp and their upset win over Ankeny is a direct result of the new added dimension they give their offense. Price, a 2023 speed demon, hauled in 6 receptions for 73 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win while Grevengoed, a skilled route runner, grabbed 2 for 100 yards and a score in week 6. One of Price’s touchdowns came off an RPO; he took a little slant out of the backfield right through the heart of the Ankeny defense breaking three tackles on his way to the end zone. Grevengoed torched cover 2 on a go route and couldn’t have been more wide open on his score. Both of these athletes had an enormous week 6 and their development within the Valley offense makes them as dynamic and legitimate of a contender as anyone. Braeden Carlson, WR, Norwalk, <a href="https://twitter.com/braedencarlson4">Twitter</a> Norwalk made a big week 6 statement with a win over Indianola and Braeden Carlson, who has been having a terrific season, seized an opportunity; he is someone you need to know. The 6’4 rangy, agile 2023 Wide Receiver caught 10 passes for 109 yards and 2 touchdowns in the win. Carlson knows how to attack and high point the ball to keep defenders away from it. He operates at the sticks and over the middle of the field fearlessly. One of his scores came on a post right between bracketed defenders. He could be an impressive Tight End at the next level. Kaleb Cline, OL, Spencer, <a href="https://twitter.com/KalebCline54">Twitter</a> Spencer has a giant on the right side of their line who gets off the ball and to his block as quickly and explosively as anyone. 6’5 Kaleb Cline, a 2023 with plenty of room to fill out and become an absolute monster, is dominating the line of scrimmage in the Tigers’ run-heavy offense. Spencer ran for 350 yards in their week 6 win over Fort dodge and it all started up front. Cline mauled defenders shaded over him, washed defenders when he had angles, and pummeled Linebackers before they knew what hit them. His technique, from the feet up, is on point. [player_tooltip player_id="148854" first="Landyn" last="Van Kekerix"], LB, Boyden-Hull/ Rock Valley, <a href="https://twitter.com/VanLandyn">Twitter</a> Van Kekerix jumped on the radar last year as a top performing Linebacker and his stock has only gone up through the first six weeks of the 2021 season. He is the Nighthawks’ leading tackler with 30.5 and second leading rusher with 252 yards and 8 touchdowns. Whether it is calling his number on a direct snap or a shovel pass, Van Kekerix is capable of making big plays and his athletic ability stands out on film. He has also been taking more snaps at Strong Safety this year, which makes sense, because that is where he can make the most impact every down. Caelum Jones, DE, Kennedy, <a href="https://twitter.com/caelum_jones">Twitter</a> 2023 End Caleum Jones, standing 6’4, has all the natural ability an edge defender could dream of and is showing signs on film that he is figuring it out. On one of his week 6 snaps against Cedar Falls he was lined up in a tight 5 technique to the strength of the formation. They ran right at him on Power, but the play stood no chance. Jones used quick hands and his length to beat his Tackle and get in the backfield. Inside gaps were plugged up and the ball bounced to him. Jones has limitless potential and should be a major contributor as the season goes on. Obald Niyonkuru, DT, Southeast Polk, <a href="https://twitter.com/Obaldn">Twitter</a> Niyonkuru plays the Nose, a 1/2i technique, in Southeast Polk’s Over front and has excelled. He had 3 tackles in the Rams’ week 6 win over Linn-Mar; he has 18 tackles, a sack, and 2 TFL on the year. That is impressive work for someone whose job it is to eat up blocks and take away inside gaps. Niyonkuru does an outstanding job of locking out and pressing his opponent back, a sign that he could two-gap and play effectively in multiple fronts. He also utilizes a great jab step to fool less athletic opponents and get into the backfield. Keep an eye on this 2023. [player_tooltip player_id="148774" first="Chet" last="Buss"], DL, North Butler, <a href="https://twitter.com/BussChet">Twitter</a> Buss, star Defensive Tackle and UNI wrestling commit, has been stellar this season leading the defense in every statistic. He has 46.5 tackles, 3 sacks, 14 TFL, and 2 interceptions. Yes, Buss has 2 picks; one was returned 90 yards to the house in North Butler’s week 6 win. The athleticism showcased here was off the charts for an athlete of his stature. Buss also blocks with the utmost physicality for an offense that averages almost 300 yards rushing per game. Buss wouldn’t be the first player to commit to wrestling and football for an in-state school this year, UNI should inquire.