ATTN: College Coaches - '24s with Next-Level Game - Part I

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Iowa is becoming more fertile ground for college prospects with each passing year. It's growing at a rate I didn't see coming when I started covering preps in the state during the 1997 season.   Still, schools hesitate offering scholarships to some recruits. It could be that they're flying under the radar, coaches may want to see them at junior days or camps, they speculate that a bigger program might swoop in for the player or a variety of other reasons.   The Class of 2024 guys listed below I saw in person this season or watched highlights and asked around. They should be getting more attention, and it could be coming soon:   [player_tooltip player_id='247950' first='Ty' last='Cozad'], RB/LB, Muscatine   Cozad (5-10, 205) is a high-end athlete who stands out whenever he steps onto the field. I get that scouts may question where he fits positionally on the next level, but they shouldn't. Get him on the bus and find a seat later. He reports running the 40 in 4.46, and qualified for the state track meet in the 100 and 200 as a sophomore. As a running back, he rolled up 2,079 yards (8.6 YPC) and 20 touchdowns rushing. He also played linebacker and showed the potential as a safety or hybrid on the next level. He's visited Iowa State, North Dakota State and South Dakota State during the season. Once one of them jumps in with a scholarship offer, expect more to follow.    [player_tooltip player_id='248038' first='Curtis' last='Witte'], WR/S, Council Bluffs Lewis Central   Witte impressed the heck out of me in the state semifinals and championship. He stood out on both sides of the ball, showing a consistent knack for the big play. He has room to fill out his 6-foot-1, 175-pound frame without losing his impressive athleticism. He looks fluid and natural on both sides of the ball. I can't decide whether I like him better as a receiver, where he caught 51 passes for 998 yards and 13 touchdowns, this season or at safety, where he picked off eight passes. Again, get him on the bus and find a seat. He was invited to visit North Dakota State this season.    [player_tooltip player_id='247958' first='Jacob' last='Simpson'], TE, Johnston   OK, I'm cheating here a bit with Simpson. He already reports scholarship offers from Louisville, Missouri, Texas Tech and Vanderbilt. You know what? He should have more opportunities at this point. Maybe they will come when he gets out to junior days. Iowa and Iowa State, both of whom utilize the tight end, would be wise to jump in. At 6-foot-5, 220 pounds already, Simpson could play early on the next level with his skill set. He caught 40 passes for 559 yards and six touchdowns as a junior. He's just scratching the surface of what he can be.    Jake Peters, OL, Cedar Falls   Here's a case of someone flying under the radar. There's really no other explanation for the lack of attention Peters is receiving on the recruiting trail. He boasts the size at 6-3, 265. He's athletic, physical and technically sound with room to grow. He took some reps at defensive tackle as this season, so there's a possibility on both sides of the ball. He visited Iowa in late October. I see his stock rising this offseason.     [player_tooltip player_id='247990' first='Draven' last='Woods'], LB/Edge, Southeast Polk   Often overshadowed on a loaded Rams' roster, Woods played a key role in Southeast Polk repeating as Class 5A state champions. At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds with excellent athleticism, he could end up at edge or outside linebacker in college. He runs well enough to play on the second level but could be a force at defensive end if he adds size and strength. He racked up 12.0 tackles for loss as a junior. Iowa State is showing interest and smaller schools in the region should already be in here.    [player_tooltip player_id='156632' first='Jaxon' last='Cherry'], RB/LB, Webster City   In simple terms, Cherry (6-2, 210) is really good at football. He runs well, plays physically and shows the type of athleticism that could translate to either side of the ball and multiple positions in college. Production was not a problem in 2022. He rushed for 1,804 yards (8.4 YPC) and 31 touchdowns. He racked up 61.0 tackles (52 solo, 8.5 loss) with 4.5 sacks. Cherry is an impressive prospect who's stock should rise when his film circulates more. He's already visited Iowa.    Caden Hotz, OL, Waverly-Shell Rock   Hotz (6-2, 265) stands out for being an impressive package of physicality with technical soundness. He plays with excellent leverage and pad level, and comes off the ball with burst. All of that would play well at guard with the potential to play center as well. Defensive tackle could also be a possibility. He moves really well and finishes plays. He visited Iowa this fall.

IOWA CITY, Iowa - Iowa is becoming more fertile ground for college prospects with each passing year. It's growing at a rate I didn't see coming when I started covering preps in the state during the 1997 season.