Hawkeye State ’27s That Popped on Film
In this article:
Sometimes we forget how much student-athletes improved during their prep careers. The transformations can be remarkable. Perhaps no bigger jump is made than between a player’s freshman and sophomore seasons. Armed with high school experience for the first time, these…
Access all of Prep Redzone
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingSometimes we forget how much student-athletes improved during their prep careers. The transformations can be remarkable.
Perhaps no bigger jump is made than between a player’s freshman and sophomore seasons. Armed with high school experience for the first time, these guys can catapult themselves from off the radar to being firmly on it.
I’ll be watching as much film as I can between now and August, highlighting as many prospects as possible through all classes and ages. Keep an eye out for write-ups. If you know of someone worthy of recognition, drop me a note. It’s impossible to find all of the outstanding performers in our state on our own.
Let’s start with a group from the aforementioned freshman class of ’23:
From a statistical standpoint, Kriegel shined as bright as any freshman in the state last fall. He accounted for 36 total touchdowns, leading all ninth-graders in scoring runs (20) and passes (13) along with topping the group with 1,558 all-purpose yards. His highlights reveal a dynamic athlete capable of delivering with his arm or legs. As a runner, he shows good vision and cutting ability with another gear once in the open field. He’s patient and reads his blocks well. Kriegel throws a good ball with plenty of arm strength. He lists tight end along with quarterback as positions on his Hudl, and he has the frame and athleticism to move off quarterback. Kriegel is one to watch, for sure.
Jaxx Dejean
Jaxx Dejean
The younger brother of electric Iowa Hawkeye and likely ’24 NFL first-round draft pick Cooper DeJean, Jaxx boasts athleticism like his older sibling. It comes in a different package, however, with Jaxx already standing 6-4 as a ninth-grader. He earned second-team all-state honors from the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association as a defensive back. Jaxx stood out as a receiver as well. With plenty of time to develop physically, it’s hard to say what might end up being his best position. However, one thing is for sure, he can play. Watching his highlights, you see an advanced route runner that thrives at winning 50-50 balls, consistently rising above defenders. He has good hands and can make people miss in the open field. Jaxx displays good instincts playing cornerback with fluid hip movement and ability to run with receivers. His skills on that side of the ball also could play at safety or linebacker, depending on how he develops physically.
Iowa City West’s Jack Wallace Jack Wallace 6’3″ | 205 lbs | QB Iowa City West | 2025 State IA is one of the top quarterbacks in the state. His younger brother might end up being one of its best all-around athletes during the next several years. Tate Wallace Tate Wallace 6’1″ | 190 lbs | LB State IA his playing a large role in helping the Regina basketball team’s resurgence this winter after standing out on the gridiron in the fall. At 6-2, 200, he can hang with the upperclassmen in any sport. He’s advanced for his age whether lining up at receiver or as a defensive back. He shows promise on both sides of the ball. It will be interesting watching his development to see where he ends up at the next level. He lists linebacker and tight end as positions on his Hudl highlights, and those spots certainly could be options in the future.
Highlights
Raif Jensen Raif Jensen 6'1" | ATH Ridge View | 2027 IA
Raif Jensen Raif Jensen 6'1" | ATH Ridge View | 2027 IA
Like the others in this article, you wouldn’t guess Jensen is a freshman when viewing his 2023 highlights. He plays fast but under control. On defense, Jensen recognizes formations and plays, and reacts quickly. He’s a fundamentally sound tackler upon arrival. At quarterback, he moves well and throws accurately on the run with a strong arm. He’s a dangerous runner capable of making defenders miss in the open field. His athleticism and instincts for the game stand out on both sides of the ball making him one to watch moving forward.
Kason Clayborne Kason Clayborne 6’3″ | 200 lbs | DB Sioux City East | 2027 State IA is the younger brother of Kobe Clayborne, who thrived at Heelan before heading to Northwest Missouri State. Kobe was an all-state defensive tackle while Kason lined up at quarterback and strong safety as a ninth-grader. Kason also shines on the baseball diamond. The younger Clayborne excels at flowing to the ball and delivering pain when he gets to it. He diagnosis plays quickly and holds up well in coverage. I could see him ending up as a linebacker or box safety in college. His film also features him blocking a few kicks. It doesn’t include highlights on offense, but his athleticism could play on that side of the ball, too.
Blum is a tremendous athlete like the others listed here. He’s one of the better freshman basketball players in the state and flashes high upside on the football field. His freshman highlights on the gridiron are entertaining as he provides present production with plenty of room for growth. That’s exciting. As a receiver, he proves to be a handful for defenders. He runs crisp routes and goes after the ball with strong hands. He could end up on the outside with a frame like Central Lyon’s Reece Vander Zee Reece Vander Zee 6’5″ | 190 lbs | WR Central Lyon Rock Rapids | 2024 State IA or Blum could develop into a tight end depending on how he matures physically. We don’t see defensive highlights on his film but there’s little doubt he could thrive on that side of the ball with his gifts.