Class 5A, District 5: Top Offensive, Defensive Standouts

This past fall, Southeast Polk ruled Class 5A, a run that started by rolling through District 5. The Rams featured some of the best players in the state. And the majority of them have already committed to continue their careers at the next level. But the district had some standouts outside of [player_tooltip player_id="23947" first="Jaxon" last="Dailey"], [player_tooltip player_id="23942" first="Xavier" last="Nwankpa"] and the likes from Southeast Polk. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="246740" first="Abu" last="Sama"] - Southeast Polk - RB/DB - 5-11 - 185</strong> One of those is a current Ram, but part of the next wave of senior standouts. As a junior [player_tooltip player_id="246740" first="Abu" last="Sama"] ran for 12 touchdowns and 931 yards, numbers that led the team. Sama averaged over six yards per carry and also flashed his hands with six receptions for 45 yards out of the backfield. The offense loses [player_tooltip player_id="23983" first="Titus" last="Christiansen"], [player_tooltip player_id="23942" first="Xavier" last="Nwankpa"] and others, leaving Sama to have a big-time senior season. On defense, Sama plays much bigger than his size. He made 20 tackles and is as sure of stopper as there is. Once he zones in on the ball, the player isn’t going anywhere. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="247990" first="Draven" last="Woods"] - Southeast Polk - DL - 6-3 - 205</strong> On a defense with a number of senior all-staters, sophomore [player_tooltip player_id="247990" first="Draven" last="Woods"] made quite the impact. He recorded 59.5 tackles, with 51 solo stops, nine sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss. That is quite a statement from a youngster and rising prospect. He also had a fumble recovery and picked off a pass. Woods will be the focal point to the defense these next two years, leaving the unit in great hands. Quick off the line, in one-on-one matchups, opposing lineman do not have much of a chance. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="246739" first="Carter" last="Henderson"] - Linn-Mar - RB/LB - 6-0 - 190</strong> Linn-Mar had a winning season this past fall, going 7-3 and advancing to the playoffs. A huge part of the offensive attack was junior running back [player_tooltip player_id="246739" first="Carter" last="Henderson"]. Henderson racked up 1,180 yards and scored 16 touchdowns, averaging 7.6 yards per carry. He also had 11 receptions for 64 more yards, showing off his dual-threat skills. Out of the backfield, Henderson has excellent control of his body, using a quick first step to get into the open field. Once there, his speed takes over and allows him to out-run most of the defenders. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="246738" first="Makelle" last="Taylor"] - Cedar Rapids Prairie - RB/LB - 6-0 - 175</strong> The focal point to the Cedar Rapids Prairie offense in 2022 will be running back [player_tooltip player_id="246738" first="Makelle" last="Taylor"]. Quarterback Brandon Vicko graduates, leaving things to run - literally - through Taylor. And he is more than capable. As a junior, Taylor ran for 1,480 yards with 15 touchdowns, hauling in 18 passes for 330 yards and a score. That means he averaged 6.6 yards per rush and over 18 yards per catch. Taylor is as dangerous an offensive skill player as the state has to offer. Give him a crease, and he’s gone. Vision, quickness, long-range speed; Taylor has it all.