2024s Whose Stock Could Rise This Fall

The state of Iowa is home to a boat load of sleeper prospects every year. We’re talking hard-working, gritty, blue-collar recruits that play with a chip on their shoulder. Today, I wanted to look at which 2024s in the Hawkeye state could see their stock rise. Right now, the group has yet to pick up any offers, but that could change with a big junior season. <hr /> <em><strong>LB: [player_tooltip player_id="248037" first="Derek" last="Weisskopf"], 6’3" 205, Williamsburg</strong></em> Derek played the 2021 season at free safety and showed extensive closing speed &amp; plenty of physicality. He’s competitive, speeds his feet on contact, and plays fluid within the box. Right now, he plays safety, but based on his size and athletic ability, I think he projects as a SAM linebacker at the next level. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15426397/619cff1bb01a6c03c0cbced9" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>TE: [player_tooltip player_id="156506" first="Brady" last="McDonald"], 6’3" 220, Independence </strong></em> A speedier tight end prospect with plenty of leaping ability &amp; sure-hands in traffic. McDonald has noticeable grip strength &amp; refuses to let his opponent leave his grasp when blocking on the perimeter. He plucks the football out of the air and can make tough catches out of awkward body positions. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11777993/61941bfff31c620918c723ad" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>DB: [player_tooltip player_id="248038" first="Curtis" last="Witte"], 6’1" 175, Lewis Central</strong></em> Witte has an effortless pedal to go with a quick trigger. On tape, he shows excellent ball skills and refined footwork. He sees the quarterback like a polished veteran and always seems to be around the football. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14746349/6199328f23475b0290af4db5" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>TE: [player_tooltip player_id="212833" first="Chase" last="Schutty"], 6’5" 205, Ankeny Centennial</strong></em> Schutty is a major threat at the intermediate level and will snatch the football away in 50/50 situations. As an inline blocker, he plays with good pad level and consistent hand placement. Look for his receiving stats to jump in year two on varsity and for him to become a serious weapon for Centennial. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/13499869/613fb555f55fc908e851e44b" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>WR: [player_tooltip player_id="245833" first="Abram" last="Edwards"], 6’5" 205, Winfield-Mt. Union</strong></em> A long-striding wideout with a huge catch radius. Edwards has soft hands, is shifty for a man his size, and can burst through arm tackles with no problems. He has great awareness on the field and has a frame he can easily put 30-40 pounds on. To me, he could project as a tight end at the next level. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11757548/6165e9afa6783f0784900e31" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>DE: [player_tooltip player_id="247990" first="Draven" last="Woods"], 6’3" 205, Southeast Polk</strong></em> A twitchy sack artist with well-trained hands. Woods is tough against the run, and despite being a lighter guy, he’s got a pretty strong lower half. He knows how to spot opposing linemen lunging and will use a compact swim move to make his way past them. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/12808742/61eb161e0c5da60dc04e7cac" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> &nbsp; <em><strong>LB: [player_tooltip player_id="248017" first="Chase" last="Lamb"], 6’3" 215, Waukee Northwest</strong></em> Lamb has good size for a linebacker prospect and has the lateral movement skills to go with it. He’s under control in zone coverage, reads the quarterback well, and can easily get out of his breaks once the ball is thrown. This kid never shies away from contact, easily fights through 2nd level blocks, and plays an extremely disruptive brand of football. <iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/14512619/61e5aa557bddc50fa8f45584" width="640" height="360" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe>