ATTN: College Coaches – ’24s with Next-Level Game – Part XIII
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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 – I started this project on Dec. 1 and have featured 84 players before adding seven more prospects you can read about below. I wasn’t sure we would approach 100 seniors-to-be but have found it’s been easy doing so.
It’s wonderful seeing some of these guys pick up scholarship offers and opportunities during the last several months. More will be on the way, that’s for sure.
Here’s a look at more Class of 2024 student-athletes with next-level game:
Anthony Kiatamba, OL, Johnston – Kiatamba (6-2, 280) played a large role, literally and figuratively, in helping the Dragons reach the state semifinals at the UNI-Dome last season. While his technique is a work on progress, he shows the foundation of a bright future. His upper-body strength stands out with defensive linemen struggling to get off his blocks. His back pedal looks smooth in pass-pro and he knows how to use his hands. He drives well in run blocking and can become even more proficient in that area as he learns to play with a lower pad level. He’s flying under the radar in a state that produces quite a few good linemen, but people should be taking more notice here.
Will Leifker, WR/TE, Dowling Catholic – Leifker (6-3, 220) played on the Dallas Center-Grimes varsity before transferring to the Maroons ahead of last season. He was limited to two games as a junior, when he managed three receptions for 10 yards. He looks more like a tight end than he does a receiver. His Dowling highlights feature his aptitude for blocking. When pairing that with his sophomore film from DCG, you see athleticism, good hands and solid routes with an ability to run through or around would-be tacklers. Leifker could raise his stock even more with a strong performance on the summer camp circuit followed by a breakout senior season.
Tavian Collins, DT, Southeast Polk – Collins (6-6, 265) oozes potential on his highlights. As a defensive tackle, he understands his assignments and most often carries them out. He doesn’t fill the stat sheet, but he keeps his backers clean by absorbing blocks and stringing out plays for them to make tackles. He’s disruptive inside against the run and in rushing the passer. Quarterbacks often look uncomfortable and are forced into throwing earlier than they like or moving out of the pocket. He plays with solid leverage and pursues well. He gets off blocks nicely. I’d be interested to see how he looks on the offensive line but am already impressed with him on defense.
Quinton Tran Quinton Tran 5'10" | 160 lbs | QB Iowa City High | 2024 IA , QB/ATH, Clear Creek Amana – Tran (5-10, 170) split time with fellow ’24 signal caller, Drew Larson Drew Larson 6'1" | 165 lbs | WR Iowa City High | 2024 State IA , when they were sophomores at Iowa City High. Larson received most of the reps when healthy in ’22, and Tran, who dealt with an injury as well last Fall, has found a new home in Tiffin. Tran completed 65 percent of his passes for 714 yards and 11 touchdowns with just one interception as a junior after completing 74 percent of his throws and averaging 8.5 yards per carry as a sophomore. Tran throws a nice ball with some zip via a quick release. He moves really well and delivers completions off of schedule. That athleticism opens up doors for him at other positions at the next level if quarterback doesn’t work out.
Chase Schutty Chase Schutty 6'5" | 210 lbs | TE Ankeny Centennial | 2024 State IA , TE/DE, Ankeny Centennial – You don’t have to watch his highlights long to witness Schutty’s excellent athleticism. The 6-foot-4, 195-pounder hauled in 28 passes for 416 yards and two touchdowns as a junior. He caught passes in traffic and adjusted well to them in the air, winning the ball against defenders in good position. He runs crisp routes and chews up yards after the catch. Centennial lined him up wide and in-line last season. There weren’t any blocking clips on his ’22 highlights, and college coaches will want to see that at camps this summer and moving forward as he probably projects more as a tight end than he does receiver.
Dayne Mauk Dayne Mauk 6'3" | 215 lbs | ATH Dallas Center Grimes | 2024 IA , LB, Dallas-Center Grimes – Mauk (6-2, 200) produced at a high level during his junior campaign, racking up 86.0 tackles (74 solo) with 14.0 stops for loss and 6.0 sacks. His highlights show an active linebacker that is strong in coverage, holds up well against the run and separates consistently from blocks. DCG coaches moved him around on the defense and he showed good versatility working on the second level or standing up in the front. He wrapped up well on arrival with physicality and balance.
Drew Kluender Drew Kluender 6'2" | 175 lbs | QB Woodbury Central | 2024 State IA , QB, Woodbury Central – Kluender (6-3, 185) turned heads in the Fall with a junior campaign that saw him throw for 3,419 yards and 37 touchdowns. He added three scores on the ground. He displayed a strong, accurate arm during his highlights. I liked his quick release with a throwing motion that reminded me of Dan Marino. And, no, I’m not saying he’s Dan Marino. He moves around well for a bigger kid, showing off an ability to throw on the run and keep plays alive. He has a good feel for the rush. He looks like a college quarterback to me.