ATTN: College Coaches – ’24s with Next-Level Game – Part XII
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‘24s with Next-Level Game – Part I ’24s with Next-Level Game – Part II ’24s with Next-Level Game – Part III ’24s with Next-Level Game – Part IV ’24s with Next-Level Game – Part V ’24s with Next-Level Game –…
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Continue ReadingIOWA 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:
Lawson Langford, ATH, Ankeny Centennial – Langford (5-8, 160) shows quick feet with good burst and power for his size. The Jaguars move him around, including the backfield and slot. He displays good hands during the highlights. He’s quick in space and thrives in catching the ball across the middle of the field. He doesn’t mind contact. As a junior, he caught 12 passes for 98 yards and rushed 20 times for 59 yards for a 5-5 squad.
Dreu Kolbeck, OL, Sheldon – Kolbeck (6-5, 285) boasts the requisite size colleges seek. The first clip in his highlights made me laugh. He takes on a double-team, strings it down the line and makes the tackle. Also a standout in basketball, Kolbeck brings athleticism to the trenches. He pairs that with an edge and willingness to play through the whistle. The combination helps him block in space and overpower people whether blocking or tackling. His footwork, hand-placement and setup are solid.
Oliver Kniss, WR/DB, Iowa City High – Kniss (6-1, 170) roams around the Little Hawk secondary, lining up at multiple positions, including cornerback, in man and zone, and deep safety. He moves his hips fluidly and adjusts well to the ball in his highlights. I also like him as a receiver. His film shows crisp routes, good hands and nice quickness in limited space. He caught 10 passes for 119 yards and 8.0 tackles (5 solo, 1.5 for loss) with an interception as a junior in ’22.
Elijah Porter, RB/DB, Ankeny Centennial – A second Jaguar on today’s rundown, Porter (5-11, 180) delivers during his highlights. Offensively, he offers solid size at running back with burst, quick-cutting ability, elusiveness and power. He also stresses defenses as a receiver. Centennial lines him up in the slot as well. He finished ’22 with 766 yards rushing (6.6 YPC) and 10 touchdowns, adding 22 receptions for 227 yards and a score. Porter saw limited time on defense but you can see how his skills would play well on that side of the ball.
Winner Ndjibu, OL/DL, Iowa City West – Ndjibu (6-4, 280) is a big guy who moves well and appears athletic. He stands out already and has plenty of room to develop technically before reaching his ceiling. He possesses quick feet and uses his hands effectively. He does a nice job driving through his opposition. There aren’t defensive clips on these highlights, but it would be interesting to see him on that side of the ball.
Wyatt Powell Wyatt Powell 5'11" | 175 lbs | LB MFL-Mar-Mac | 2024 IA , LB, MLF MarMac – Powell (6-1, 210) stands out on both sides of the ball for the Bulldogs. He’s coming off a junior campaign that saw him rack up 1,405 total yards of offense with 17 touchdowns and accumulate 58.0 tackles (42 solo, 16.5 for loss) to go with 8.5 sacks. He’s a big play waiting to happen on offense during his highlights. In the couple of defensive clips, he has my attention as someone showing versatility at linebacker or safety.
Gavin Douglas Gavin Douglas 6'2" | 290 lbs | OL Southeast Polk | 2024 State IA , OL, Southeast Polk – Douglas (6-2, 260) lined up next to the right of five-star, Alabama-signee Kadyn Proctor Kadyn Proctor 6'8" | 325 lbs | OL Southeast Polk | 2023 State IA at left guard. He moves very well, the Rams pulling him for his excellent blocking in space. Douglas gets into position out there by choosing the right angles. He plays with good pad level, allowing him to drive with his legs. His stock could jump with strong summer camp performances.