Class 5A All-State LBs: Kueter Leads The Pack

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In the state of Iowa, [player_tooltip player_id='152884' first='Ben' last='Kueter'] is a man among boys. Heck, in terms of the United States, Kueter is a man among boys.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The future University of Iowa dual football-wrestler was as dominating as ever this past season for Iowa City High. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kueter led a talented group of linebackers in Class 5A with his performance. Here is a look at the all-state nominees for the group along with the rest of the standouts:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>First Team - [player_tooltip player_id='152884' first='Ben' last='Kueter'] - Iowa City High - Senior</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A special talent, [player_tooltip player_id='152884' first='Ben' last='Kueter'] was in on 93.5 tackles with seven sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss this past fall. The Iowa City High senior had 58 solo stops and recovered a fumble. He also showed his athleticism on a 63-yard kickoff return for a score, caught 18 passes for 250 yards and three TDs, ran for 510 yards and eight touchdowns and threw a 12-yard TD pass. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Oh, and Kueter is also a super-talented wrestler who won a world title and will be seeking a third state wrestling crown soon.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Second Team - [player_tooltip player_id='105176' first='Cole' last='Garwood'] - Urbandale - Senior</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class 5A leader in tackles, [player_tooltip player_id='105176' first='Cole' last='Garwood'] was all over the field on nearly every snap for Urbandale this past season. Garwood finished the year with 109 tackles, with 88 being solo stops. He has received a number of offers, but has yet to commit to a school. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Garwood also ended his prep career by scoring a rushing touchdown and catching a pair of passes on offense. He also had an interception and averaged 37 yards on 10 punt attempts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Third Team - [player_tooltip player_id='320651' first='Rusty' last='VanWetzinga'] - Pleasant Valley - Senior</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After committing to Southern Illinois, Pleasant Valley's [player_tooltip player_id='320651' first='Rusty' last='VanWetzinga'] opted instead to remain within the borders, accepting a walk-on role to Iowa. And you can see why after watching the film. Not only did VanWetzinga run for 262 yards and eight TDs out of the fullback position - which Iowa uses, remember - he also had 58 tackles with seven for loss and a sack as a linebacker. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Honorable Mention</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='247990' first='Draven' last='Woods'] of Southeast Polk is a name to keep an eye on, as the junior returns following a great season. So will Drew Gerdes of Cedar Falls and [player_tooltip player_id='248017' first='Chase' last='Lamb'] from Waukee Northwest. Seniors [player_tooltip player_id='320643' first='Cooper' last='Derby'] of Ottumwa, [player_tooltip player_id='24025' first='Brady' last='Wavrunek'] of Sioux City East and [player_tooltip player_id='242691' first='Ryker' last='Stelling'] of Cedar Rapids Kennedy were other great players.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->