Who Is Next? Looking Ahead To Class 2A QB Prospects

Fans - and unfortunately, opponents - will once again have to square off against a DeJean in Class 2A this year. OABCIG’s [player_tooltip player_id="246721" first="Beckett" last="DeJean"] is set to return for his senior season. DeJean replaced his brother, current University of Iowa Hawkeye Cooper DeJean, at the position last year and continued the successful run for the Falcons. Others in 2A that are part of a strong senior class of signal-callers includes Noah Hatlan of Waukon, [player_tooltip player_id="152619" first="Bryce" last="Rudiger"] from Dubuque Wahlert and Preston Gardner of Clarion-Goldfield/Dows. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="246721" first="Beckett" last="DeJean"] - OABCIG - QB/CB - 6-1 - 169</strong> The top passer in Class 2A last year, [player_tooltip player_id="246721" first="Beckett" last="DeJean"] threw for 2,955 yards with 30 touchdowns, completing 57 percent of his passes. All of that came in his first season as a starter after replacing brother Cooper DeJean at the position. Not a bad way to introduce yourself to the state of Iowa. DeJean is a complete athlete in all of the words. OABCIG once again reached the postseason, advancing to the quarterfinals before coming up short against eventual state champion Southeast Valley. DeJean led a 21-point fourth quarter to nearly erase a big deficit on the road. He also ran for over 400 yards and nine touchdowns while excelling in the secondary with 42.5 tackles and six interceptions. <strong>Noah Hatlan - Waukon - QB/S - 6-1 - 185</strong> Despite losing an all-stater at quarterback, Waukon hardly missed a beat. Behind Noah Hatlan, the Indians once again reached the UNI-Dome, advancing to the state semifinals. Hatlan racked up over 1,600 yards passing and 130 more on the ground. With a couple running backs graduating, we could see more out of Hatlan in the run-pass option game. He is a gifted athlete and scored four rushing touchdowns to go along with his 16 passing TDs. Expect a big, big season out of Hatlan as he looks to lead Waukon back to the Dome again. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="152619" first="Bryce" last="Rudiger"] - Dubuque Wahlert - QB/DB - 6-0 - 175</strong> Dubuque Wahlert went through some growing pains last year as a young team. Now, though, the Golden Eagles have gained valuable experience, including under center with [player_tooltip player_id="152619" first="Bryce" last="Rudiger"]. After seeing a little playing time as a sophomore, Rudiger flourished last year, completing 57 percent of his throws for almost 1,400 yards with 12 touchdowns. He also showed some nice RPO possibilities, carrying the ball nearly 50 times for positive yardage. Rudiger does an excellent job of quickly targeting the best option. Three players had at least 16 catches a year ago and two of them return. <strong>Preston Gardner - Clarion-Goldfield/Dows - QB/DB - 6-1 - 175</strong> After starting out as a wide receiver, Preston Gardner found himself running the offense for the Cowboys last fall. And he definitely showed off some incredible athleticism that is sure to explode this coming season. Gardner was as dangerous in the open field as he was in the pocket. While racking up over 1,000 yards and 14 TDs in the air, he had 730 yards and eight touchdowns on the ground. Forming a one-two punch with backfield mate Nevan Foss, the Clarion-Goldfield/Dows offense will be a difficult one to slow down this fall.