These Iowa Seniors Should Be Getting More College Love

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Hey, guys get overlooked. It happens. There are a lot of good prep football players out there that can help on the next level.   That doesn't mean we can't talk about them, though. And that's what we're doing here. Check out some of the seniors I saw this season that college coaches would be wise to recognize:   Christian Janis, WR/S, Iowa City West   Janis (6-3, 185) fell off the scouting radar in '22 when he suffered a season-ending injury in the Trojans' opener. He was on his way to a breakout campaign, grabbing five balls for 25 yards and a score before leaving that game early.   His performance this fall should have alerted colleges, however. Despite defensive game plans designed to take him away, he caught 36 passes for 739 yards (20.5 yards per catch) and 12 touchdowns.   Janis' value stretches beyond the numbers. He's an excellent athlete with good hands, crisp route running and underrated speed. He's a big target with an ability to high-point the ball and win against defensive backs.   As a bonus, he helped West in the return game. He averaged 12.9 yards on 22 kick returns and 18.2 yards on five punt returns, one of which he took to the house.   If you don't see him as a receiver, and I really don't know why you wouldn't, Janis is a solid safety. No doubt he could help teams on defense. Heck, he has the frame to bulk up into a pass-catching tight end if that's your cup of tea.      Akili Mattox, WR/S, Iowa City High   Mattox (6-2, 200) brings a lot of the same traits to the table as does Janis. He's a big-bodied receiver that wins most of his matchups. He is technically sound and rarely drops opportunities directed his way. He also runs well.   As a senior, he caught 33 passes for 700 yards (21.2 YPC) and six touchdowns. He delivered a lot in the clutch.   Mattox could help on special teams, whether it be returning or covering punts and kicks. He also plays with the physicality and athleticism that would show up well on defense as a safety or hybrid. And, like Janis, tight end could be a possibility.    [player_tooltip player_id='247561' first='Ayden' last='Price'], Athlete, West Des Moines Valley   Like Janis and Mattox, Price produces. His exploits are a big reason the Tigers surprised people outside of their locker room with a run to the Class 5A State Championship Game.   Perhaps colleges question where to play Price. At 6-feet, 180 pounds, he's not the biggest guy in the world. He needs to be athletic as a receiver or a defensive back. He looks athletic to me.   Price reports running the 40-yard dash in an electronically timed 4.46 seconds. He posts his shuttle time at 4.1 seconds and his vertical leap at 38 inches. When you watch him, those numbers check out.   Price averaged 8.3 yards per carry with three touchdowns, caught 67 passes for 685 yards and five scores and returned eight kicks for 199 yards.    [player_tooltip player_id='247611' first='Christian' last='Barney'], TE/LB, Iowa City Liberty   Barney (6-2, 205) is an excellent athlete, who loves the game and it shows. He plays hard and physically from kickoff to the final horn. There's just a lot to like.   I think he could project on either side of the ball at the next level. As a tight end, he runs good routes, catches almost everything thrown his way, and is a willing and able blocker. On defense, he could play linebacker or safety.   Barney led the Lightning in total tackles (67.0) and tackles for loss (9.0) in '22. He caught 30 passes for 376 yards and six touchdowns.    [player_tooltip player_id='104716' first='Javion' last='Jondle'], WR, Fort Dodge   Like the rest of the guys listed in this rundown, I don't get the lack of attention paid to Jondle. At 6-feet-3, 200 pounds, size certainly is not an issue. Production isn't a problem.   He produced 66 catches for 811 yards and 11 touchdowns. He returned two kicks for 280 yards and two scores. He converted seven two-point conversions.   The athleticism is there as evidenced by him qualifying for the state track meet in the long jump. He averaged 11.4 points and 6.3 rebounds as a junior in basketball.   He plans on playing at Iowa Central Community College next season. Keep an eye out for him if he ends up there.    [player_tooltip player_id='104113' first='Jonathan' last='Humpal'], RB/DB, Council Bluffs Lewis Central   Pop on the tape of Humpal and you'll be quickly impressed. He boasts a skill set that translates well to the next level.   No, at 5-feet-10, 170 pounds, he's not the biggest guy in the world. I can understand questioning durability because of that. But that would be foolish considering there are guys his size succeeding all over college football.   The skills are there. He's got good vision, burst and acceleration. He's a big play waiting to happen in space.   He carried 170 times for 1,220 yards and 17 touchdowns, while adding 30 receptions for 335 yards and four scores as a senior. He returned 11 kicks for 461 yards and three TDs.    Jes Krcil, LB, Carlisle   Sometimes scouts will shy away from a kid because they think he lacks their measurables. He's not big enough or fast enough, you might hear. The most important measurable in my mind is whether or not the prospect is a good football player.   Jes Krcil (6-1, 205) is a really good football player. And he produces. There's a lot to like. He's physical and a good athlete.   As a running back this season, he rushed 212 times for 1,538 yards and 21 touchdowns. He racked up 110.0 tackles (92 solo, 15.5 for loss), 7.5 sacks and returned a fumble for a score playing linebacker.   I could see him ending up at a variety of positions in college. Get him on the bus and find a seat down the road.

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Hey, guys get overlooked. It happens. There are a lot of good prep football players out there that can help on the next level.