Rising Iowa Sophomores to Watch for This Fall
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Year after year, the state of Iowa is filled with underrated talent. These corn-fed, Iowa-bred youngsters that are featured in this piece made contributions at the varsity level as just freshmen. A task that is much easier said than done.…
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Continue ReadingYear after year, the state of Iowa is filled with underrated talent. These corn-fed, Iowa-bred youngsters that are featured in this piece made contributions at the varsity level as just freshmen. A task that is much easier said than done. Most of these prospects are still growing and developing so keep an eye on them over the next three seasons. The best is yet to come from them.
As always, If you have someone you think I need to see, please DM them to me on Twitter at @hsfbscout!
ATH: Landon Blum Landon Blum 6'5" | 175 lbs | WR Woodbine | 2027 State IA , 6’5″ 175, Woodbine
Blum has elite size, springy leaping ability to go along with exceptional ball skills. Totaled 17 touchdowns as a freshman and was dominant against eight-man competition last fall.
ATH: Jaxx Dejean, 6’4″ 205, OABCIG
Jaxx has deceptive speed, he’s outstanding through contested catches and is quite a physical runner after the catch. I’m not sure what position he’ll play at the next level just yet, but the kid is a playmaker wherever you throw him.
DB: Raif Jensen Raif Jensen 6'1" | ATH Ridge View | 2027 IA , 6’1″ 180, Ridge View
An instinctual defensive back who can slip blocks on the perimeter and provide a physical presence in run support. This young man is a gamer and can make a big impact on either side of the football.
DT: Kyler McNeal Kyler McNeal 6'1" | 270 lbs | DL Lewis Central | 2027 State IA , 6’2″ 285, Lewis Central
Kyler has the quickness and strength to fight through slide protection. He’s extremely disruptive in both the run and pass game, using loose hips and violent hands. He plays with controlled aggression and has a surprisingly good motor for a man his size.
ATH: Tate Wallace Tate Wallace 6'1" | 190 lbs | LB State IA , 6’2″ 215, Regina
A terrific two-way player with twitch, balance, body control, and soft hands. Tate takes good angles to the tackle and has no issues making plays in space. Projects as a linebacker at the next level.
LB: Carlos Blount, 6’1″ 200, Centennial
Blount has the quickness/slip to evade second-level blocks, he plays with controlled confidence and is a physical enforcer between the tackles. He’s aggressive, tough and will speed his feet on initial contact.
ATH: Jaxson McIntire Jaxson McIntire 6'0" | 190 lbs | ATH Clear Lake | 2027 State IA , 6’1″ 200, Clear Lake
An overall athletic prospect with good vision as a runner, smooth change of direction, and has no difficulties coming downhill & running the alley from the third level. He plays just about everywhere right now, my guess is he projects as an inside linebacker at the next level.
TE: Luke Brewer Luke Brewer 6'4" | 220 lbs | TE Norwalk | 2027 State IA , 6’4″ 220, Norwalk
Luke is a natural hands catcher who is willing to venture into the middle of the field and is a tough runner after the catch, often seen barreling over defenders. This young man has a massive catch radius and can contort his body through awkward positions to make really tough catches.
LB: Kason Clayborne Kason Clayborne 6'3" | 200 lbs | DB Sioux City East | 2027 State IA , 6’3″ 200, Sioux City East
Kason played last fall as East’s single high safety and was quite dependable. He’s got long arms, showed reliable tackling ability in 1 on 1 scenarios, and has smooth transition skills. I think based on his size at this age, he’ll probably kick down to the second level and play outside linebacker in college.