More Iowa 2027s Poised for Bright Futures
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Playing varsity football as a freshman is challenging. The guys that do it and find success usually end up being pretty darn good down the road. I recently wrote about seven freshmen that stood out on their highlight film. I…
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Continue ReadingPlaying varsity football as a freshman is challenging. The guys that do it and find success usually end up being pretty darn good down the road.
I recently wrote about seven freshmen that stood out on their highlight film. I then watched more video from student-athletes in the class and compiled another report, which can viewed below.
Check back on Prep RedZone Iowa for more film review throughout the offseason.
The Woodbury Central wideout proved to be one of the most productive freshman in the state last fall. He caught 32 passes for 481 yards and seven touchdowns. He also contributed 23 solo tackles and a pair of interceptions as a defensive back. I could see him developing into a prospect on either side of the ball. As a receiver, he looks well-rounded, showing a knack for running by defenders for a deep ball or advancing a screen pass through traffic with an excellent burst. He runs advanced routes for his age and displays excellent straight-line speed during his Hudl highlights. He boasts good football instincts and awareness as a pass catcher and DB. Loyd also brings a strong leg as a place kicker and in handling kickoffs.
The bigger the school, the more difficult it can be to see playing time as a ninth-grader. William met that challenge in ’23. The lanky, two-way performer, caught 31 passes for 376 yards and four touchdowns as a receiver. He contributed 12 solo tackles, forced two fumbles and produced 3.5 stops for loss on defense. He’s a handful in the open field as a receiver, which you can see in his Hudl highlights. The Storm Lake coaches do a nice job moving him around with William rewarding them with his versatility. He makes people miss even when defenders know he’s likely running the ball out of the wildcat formation. That speaks to his elusiveness.
Braylon Bingham Braylon Bingham 6'2" | 165 lbs | QB Pleasantville | 2027 IA
Braylon Bingham Braylon Bingham 6'2" | 165 lbs | QB Pleasantville | 2027 IA
Bingham led all freshmen in the state with 1,080 passing yards last fall. He tossed nine touchdown against just two interceptions and ran for four more scores. An excellent all-around athlete that also stands out on the basketball court and baseball diamond, Bingham recorded 37.0 tackles (20 solo, 1.5 for loss) and three interceptions as a safety. His Hudl highlights reveal a young man that plays with great tempo and sees the field well on both sides of the ball. As a quarterback, one of his best traits is an ability to throw accurately on the run, a very important skill in modern football. He possesses a strong arm, too. He diagnoses plays fast as a defender, quickly breaking on the ball and thumping upon arrival. I’m excited to watch his development during the next few seasons.
Huxley Lingenfelter Huxley Lingenfelter 6'3" | 185 lbs | ATH Clarion-Goldfield-Dows | 2027 IA
Huxley Lingenfelter Huxley Lingenfelter 6'3" | 185 lbs | ATH Clarion-Goldfield-Dows | 2027 IA
Lingenfelter was entertaining to watch on film. In the simplest terms, the kid makes plays as evidenced by his Hudl highlights from his freshman season. He’s a menace as an explosive middle linebacker with a great motor. His physicality is very advanced for his age, potentially foreshadowing what could be a dominant defender as his body develops. As a tight end, he shows a willingness and an ability to block. He runs precise routes, features soft hands and thrives with the ball in his hands. I see Lingenfelter’s ceiling being pretty significant and look forward to watching him advance.
Dyson Thompson Dyson Thompson 5'11" | 160 lbs | ATH Mount Ayr | 2027 IA
Dyson Thompson Dyson Thompson 5'11" | 160 lbs | ATH Mount Ayr | 2027 IA
It won’t take long after popping on Thompson’s freshman highlights on Hudl to see an athlete with some serious speed. Further viewing shows him being a playmaker with the ball in his hands. He cuts well and shows good vision in traffic. He breaks tackles and can be physical when needed. He rushed for 491 yards (8.6 YPC) and seven touchdowns, adding 11 receptions for 103 yards and a score. Defensive highlights aren’t included on his film, but the athleticism he shows on offense would play well in the defensive backfield. He contributed 14.0 tackles (9 solo) in ’23.
Trenton Robinson Trenton Robinson 5'11" | 190 lbs | DL Eagle Grove | 2027 IA
Trenton Robinson Trenton Robinson 5'11" | 190 lbs | DL Eagle Grove | 2027 IA
Thompson displays a nice get-off coming from the edge during his ninth-grade highlights on Hudl. Even with that explosiveness, he plays under control and understands the need for setting the edge. He brings technical soundness in tackling and strong hands to aid in taking down ball carriers. Those traits also help in him escaping blocks and pressuring the opposition. He’s effective with his hand in the dirt or when standing up. He racked up 8.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks as a freshman.
Tokheim’s freshman highlights open with him returning an interception 100 yards to the house. That play is followed by him bringing a kickoff back 50 yards. Yes, this kid is electric with the ball in his hands, regularly making opponents miss in the open field as a kick returner. As a safety, he diagnosis plays well, explodes to the ball and hits with purpose. His skills also shine through when he’s on offense. He eludes would-be tacklers with quick cuts, spin moves and patience in letting his blockers do their jobs. As his role grows during the next few seasons, so will the hype for this talented performer.
If you know of any players in the state you’d like to see scouted and written about, please send me a link to their highlights at RobHoweHN@gmail.com.