PRZ Iowa | New to the Scene | Part 1

August 26th feels like it is forever away and then some. It may not seem like it, but the season will be here before you know it. There are plenty of household names that everyone has on their board and will be keeping a close eye on, but there is also plenty of lesser known or undiscovered talent that could make 2022 their year. These athletes have already done some very impressive things on the field, have shown flashes of serious ability, or dominated the underclassman scene that make them legitimate breakout candidates. Get to know these guys now before the season is here as they are sure to make plenty of noise and become known across the state. David Caulker, DL, Des Moines North, 6’4 230, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15515501/6197f8bb4ba92909c87da881">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/DavidCaulker23">Twitter</a> Caulker has the ideal measurables to play Defensive End at a very high level and that, paired with his immense raw talent, should certainly lead to his stock rising and recruitment skyrocket. With a 6’10 wingspan and enormous hands Caulker has the length and frame to be able to do things on the edge that most can’t. He notched 21.5 tackles, 12.5 tfl, and 4.5 sacks a season ago; all signs are pointing to that number going way up. There is a play on his highlights where he is lined up in a 4 technique and slants towards the outside shade of the Guard at the snap. As he launched out of his stance he recognized a pass set, hit a jab step to freeze the Guard, did a masterful job of flipping his hips, and dropped his shoulder, nearly to the ground, to bend inside and get home for a sack. Another play that showcased how dynamic he is was out of a 2 point stance in wide alignment. He got a little bit too far upfield, but recognized run, changed directions and worked back to get flat and drilled the ball carrier for a loss. Caulker is twitchy, explosive, relentless, and violent. [player_tooltip player_id="161261" first="Zack" last="Seckee"], WR/DB, Des Moines North, 6’1 165, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13035126/6173ce5923492703442085cc">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/ZSeckee">Twitter</a> Seckee, another Polar Bear that needs to be on your radar, appears to be one of the most dynamic athletes in the state. The soon to be household name is also sprinter and wrestler and it shows. Seckee is very disciplined on the outside; he takes a consistent read step at the snap that maintains distance allowing him to continue to drop or attack, which he is very good at. The way he patiently back pedals, forces Receivers to make their move before he opens up, and then runs with routes is terrific. He is someone you could trust, based on measurables, speed, and technique, to put on an island. Seckee is also very aggressive against the run and quick game. There is no fear or hesitation in the way he strikes. Seckee finished with 21.5 tackles and several pass break ups. He didn’t have any interceptions, but film suggests his coverage is so tight that teams aren’t even looking his way. On one of his highlights, an X screen, Seckee recognized quickly, blew up the block of a pinning Slot Receiver, and got to the ball right when the target was bringing it in. Jase Runde, TE, Dubuque Hempstead, 6’5 215, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14892544/61743181d21b2309a8f9af54">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/jase_runde">Twitter</a> Runde finished fourth in receiving for the Mustangs catching 10 passes for 113 yards as a Junior. The three targets in the Hempstead offense that finished ahead of him, a trio of excellent Wide Receivers, are graduating. As the only option in the passing game coming back to have taken meaningful snaps and have had a legitimate share of targets, you can expect his looks to go way up. Runde is likely one of the biggest breakout candidates heading into his Senior season and everything appears to be falling into place to make him one of the most productive Tight Ends in the state. Runde is an excellent downfield blocker and, in a different offensive scheme, would no doubt be a physical presence at the line of scrimmage. He sprung several big plays with his persistent, relentless blocking on the outside. What makes it certain that he can be just as effective as a pass catcher are his feet and body control. He has an enormous frame, but moves with the agility and nimbleness of a much smaller player. Runde is set for big things in 2022. [player_tooltip player_id="208615" first="Curtis" last="Horras"], WR, Colfax-Mingo, 6’1 160, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2G8iig">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/curtishorras2">Twitter</a> Horras is a small school Wide Receiver that should not be overlooked. He is coming off a Sophomore season where he caught 33 passes for 696 yards and 6 touchdowns. Horras has talent that would transcend classifications; his ability would thrive against any competition. A few things jump off the screen when watching his film that make this clear. It starts with his sprint mechanics. He gets off the ball and into routes impressively. When coverage is backed off he can burst out of his stance, reach top speed in a few steps, and leave a defender’s head spinning. When coverage is pressed his quick feet often freeze opponents, which allows him to get by and into routes with little to no interference. There is a play on Horras’ highlights where he is lined up wide and the Corner was seven yards off and leveraged outside. Horras was so fast that he was on his opponent before he could get in reverse, threw a fake inside to get the Corner’s hips turned the wrong way, and cut outside and up the sideline as smoothly as you can imagine for a 66 yard touchdown. Austin Ort, DB, Waukee Northwest, 5’11 175, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15683905/619d3b653dea810894f91a95">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/austinrort">Twitter</a> The Waukee Northwest defense was young last year and has even more talented youth coming up through their pipeline. One of those players that could make a big impact on one of the state’s best, and most underrated defenses, is Austin Ort. Ort has stirred up a lot of talk through his play and ability showcased with Level Up 7 on 7 and his Sophomore film supports that he possesses the athleticism and physicality to make the leap to Varsity and taking meaningful snaps in 2022. Ort is a hard hitter, someone who isn’t afraid to stick his nose into the thick of it. He is the kind of stopgap you want lining up at ten to twelve yards depth to prevent big plays and limit gains. Something young players struggle with is tackling in space. Ort is skilled when it comes to tracking plays, understanding angles, adjusting speed, and breaking down at the right time to shoot his shot. As far as coverage goes Ort looks like he has what it takes to excel in two-high looks as someone who can patrol over the top and play downhill once the ball is thrown.