Film Review C/O 2025 All-Purpose Yard Leaders: Class 5A
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With games won on the ground and through the air on offense, finding players who can do both is paramount to a team’s success. Looking at the stats from last season, five players put together strong seasons and gained a…
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Continue ReadingWith games won on the ground and through the air on offense, finding players who can do both is paramount to a team’s success. Looking at the stats from last season, five players put together strong seasons and gained a big chunk of yards throughout the year. Let’s dive into what makes these players game-changing athletes.
Grant Gammell
Grant Gammell
Ranking fourth in the 5A junior class, Gammell put up 1370 APY, proving to be a reliable pass catcher and runner out of the backfield, earning first-team All-Conference and was a team captain. He’s a phenomenal athlete who can make defenders miss in open space and is shifty between the tackles. Gammell has tremendous vision and patience, waiting for the right hole to open up, and he hits it with ridiculous explosiveness. He’s a relentless runner who can power through tackles and turn on the jets to hit the home run. Gammell is a big play waiting to happen, and with one more year left to watch him, you can bet that all eyes will be on him.
Braeden Jackson
Braeden Jackson
Ranking eighth in the class with 1112 APY, Jackson proved his reliability out of the backfield. He’s used in many different ways: running between the tackles, sweeps, and in the passing game on screens and wheel routes. Jackson has blazing speed, showing he can outrun defenders and win the track race. Not only is his speed displayed on offense, but he’s often used on kick returns, and once he gets the edge, he’s gone. Jackson is a phenomenal athlete, which is showcased in his ability to make defenders miss with his hard cuts and great agility. After the film he put on last season, his senior year will likely be filled with highlight after highlight.
Koller had a phenomenal season last year, ranking sixth in APY with 1146. As a running back, he’s a versatile player who can win in the passing game and dominate the running game. What’s great about his game is his contact balance and ability to take contact and run through it. Once Koller finds open space, he explodes upfield with a tremendous burst and gets to top speed with quick acceleration. He’s a reliable receiver at any area of the field, taking a screen for extra yards or running wheel routes up the sidelines. Koller has patience and vision in his game as he waits for his blocks to set up and then fires through the open lane.
Highlights
Manary put up massive yardage throughout the season, gaining 1136 APY to rank seventh in the 5A class. He’s very good at running between the tackles, setting up his blocks and exploding through the hole, and when he gets into space, he can turn the after-burners on and outrun defenders. Manary plays with great physicality, lowering his shoulder, running through defenders and breaking arm tackles. There’s some shiftiness to his running style, showcasing sharp cuts and the ability to avoid defenders in space. He’ll be one to watch closely as he enters his senior season.
Highlights
After a season of putting up 1038 APY, ranking ninth in the class, Poe looks the part of a versatile runner out of the backfield. While he’s not the biggest running back, he makes up for it with good speed and elusiveness, showing off his ability to make defenders miss. When plays break down, Poe understands when to wait and when to explode through the hole, using his vision and explosiveness. He’s also a tough runner who isn’t afraid of contact and will initiate contact with defenders. Poe can improvise when faced with tacklers coming free, staying poised as a runner and getting what he can from every play.
Honorable Mention:
Ra’Shawd Davis, RB, Dowling Catholic
RB Javon Sanders Javon Sanders 6'1" | 185 lbs | RB Des Moines Lincoln | 2025 IA , RB, Des Moines Lincoln
Caden Henkes, RB, Ankeny
Sam Zelenovich, WR, Southeast Polk
Jaylon Brooks, RB, Urbandale