PRZIA ’25 Rankings Update | LB Prospect Profiles (Top 7)

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area.</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another rankings update is in the books, and man, was it a BIG ONE!! The Class of 2025 rankings saw a much-needed update as we jumped from 95 ranked players to over 300 prospects in this release. Rob and I searched far and wide across the great state of Iowa to find the top incoming seniors who we believe hold the talent to make a name at the collegiate level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we did with the PRZIA 2026 update, we are bringing back the “Prospect Profiles” series. These Prospect Profiles will introduce (or re-introduce) you to the top 7 prospects at each position, including a quick overview of the player that covers film breakdown, offers, and more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last but not least, we have the prospect profiles for the enforcers in the middle of the defense, the linebackers. Rising 3-star LB [player_tooltip player_id='252314' first='Will' last='Hawthorne'] continued to show why he is such a highly regarded prospect and claimed the LB1 spot. Ballard's <em>[player_tooltip player_id='1165288' first='Jackson' last='Wacha']</em>, Dowling Catholic's [player_tooltip player_id='1278782' first='Dylan' last='Manning'], Alta-Aurelia's [player_tooltip player_id='252340' first='Gavin' last='Sleezer'], Norwalk's [player_tooltip player_id='245555' first='Harrison' last='Tripp'], Marshalltown's [player_tooltip player_id='1183051' first='Davis' last='Ragland'], and Cedar Falls' [player_tooltip player_id='1080239' first='Jarrett' last='Kies'] filled out the top 7 2025 LBs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check out the full Class of 2025 Rankings&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2025-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='252314' first='Will' last='Hawthorne'] | Gilbert | LB: 1 | Overall: 13</em></strong><br><em>- Height: </em>6'3”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Weight: </em>220</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Offers: </em>Kansas, Columbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, Princeton, Northern Iowa, Iowa State, Fordham, Penn, Lehigh, Missouri State, Ohio, Colgate, South Dakota, Air Force, Army, Miami (OH), and Northern Illinois.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Testing Numbers: </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Notable PRs: </em>10.97 100m dash, 47'3” shot put</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Stats: </em>63 tackles, 10 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 131 carries, 774 rushing yards, 7 rushing touchdowns, 12 receptions, 320 receiving yards, and 4 receiving touchdowns.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Twitter: </em><a href="https://x.com/WillHawthorne10" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@WillHawthorne10</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15345191/Will-Hawthorne" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl Profile</a> </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Strengths:</em> Football IQ, instincts, physicality, athleticism, versatility, active hands, lateral quickness, rangy, aggressive at point of attack, closing speed, effective gap play, offensive blocking, and sure tackler.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15345191/6548668dc119a009b8a689bd' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665950a8e71eb"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1165288' first='Jackson' last='Wacha'] | Ballard | LB: 2 | Overall: 27</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Height: </em>6'3”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Weight: </em>205 lbs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Testing Numbers: </em>4.65 40-yard dash and 31.5” vertical jump.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Notable PRs: </em>315-lb bench press, 255-lb clean, and 410-lb squat.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Stats: </em>112 tackles, 13.5 TFLs, 6.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Twitter: </em><a href="https://twitter.com/jackwacha" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@JackWacha</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16659533/jackson-wacha" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl Profile</a> </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Strengths:</em> Physicality, pass rushing, EDGE rushing, forces turnovers, aggressive at point of attack, block shedding, active hands, pursuit, smart gap play, and hard-hitting.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16659533/654c75378cd4770438637dde' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665950a8e7242"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1278782' first='Dylan' last='Manning'] | Dowling Catholic | LB: 3 | Overall: 29</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Height: </em>6'2”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Weight: </em>205 lbs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Offers</em>: Lindenwood</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Testing Numbers: </em>4.6 40-yard dash, 4.27 pro agility, 9'9” broad jump, and a 35” vertical jump.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Notable PRs: </em>54.4 400m dash, 225-lb bench press, 300-lb clean, 345-lb squat, and 400-lb deadlift.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Stats: </em>64 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, and 3 sacks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Twitter: </em><a href="https://x.com/manning_306" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Manning_306</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16180128/Dylan-Manning" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl Profile</a> </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Strengths:</em> Versatility (ILB &amp; OLB), lateral quickness, pass rushing, instinctive, closing speed, physicality, pass coverage, smart gap play, and secure tackler.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16180128/654cfa4a578d9203d8c5216b' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6659f313386f9"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='252340' first='Gavin' last='Sleezer'] | Alta-Aurelia | LB: 4 | Overall: 32</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Height: </em>6'3”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Weight: </em>215 lbs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Offers: </em>Sioux Falls</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Testing Numbers: </em>4.7 40-yard dash and 4.3 shuttle drill. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Notable PRs: </em>54.64 400m dash</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Stats: </em>105 tackles, 8 TFLs,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Twitter: </em><a href="https://x.com/gavin_sleezer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Gavin_Sleezer</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16414355/Gavin-Sleezer" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl Profile</a> </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Strengths:</em> Versatility (LB/SS), run defending, smart gap play, closing speed, quick reactions, pass coverage, physicality, lateral quickness.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16414355/654933eab5362f0760324e62' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665a03f9014b1"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='245555' first='Harrison' last='Tripp'] | Norwalk | LB: 5 | Overall: 46</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Height: </em>6'2”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Weight: </em>225 lbs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Testing Numbers: </em>4.7 40-yard dash</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Notable PRs: </em>12.5 100m dash, 315-lb bench press, 370-lb squat, 48'3” shot put, 148'6” discus.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Stats: </em>60.5 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, an interception, and a forced fumble.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Twitter: </em><a href="https://x.com/HarrisonTripp4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@HarrisonTripp4</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/15108012/Harrison-Tripp" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl Profile</a> </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Strengths:</em> Football IQ, instinctive, smart gap play, backfield monster, block shedding, active hands, pursuit, rangy, secure tackler, explosive, and physicality.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/15108012/654c447c32e77e0718d4136d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665a03f9014db"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1183051' first='Davis' last='Ragland'] | Marshalltown | LB: 6 | Overall: 60</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Height: </em>6'0”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Weight: </em>215 lbs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Offers: </em>Grinnell College</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Stats: </em>43.5 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, .5 sacks, and a pick-six.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Twitter: </em><a href="https://twitter.com/davisragland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@DavisRagland</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16084299/davis-ragland" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl Profile</a> </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Strengths:</em> Physicality, strong, block-shedding, pursuit, instinctive, secure tackling, and EDGE pressure.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/16084299/65345abf0c53d705b45598dd' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665a03f9014f9"} /--> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1080239' first='Jarrett' last='Kies'] | Cedar Falls | LB: 7 | Overall: 72 </em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Height: </em>6'2”</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Weight: </em>210 lbs</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Testing Numbers: </em>4.6 40-yard dash and a 26” vertical jump.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Notable PRs: </em>11.8 100m dash, 54 400m dash, 265-lb bench press, 275-lb clean, 440-lb squat, and 495-lb deadlift.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Stats: </em>41.5 tackles, 5 TFLs, an interception, and a blocked punt.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Twitter: </em><a href="https://x.com/Jarrett_Kies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@Jarrett_Kies</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18010886/Jarrett-Kies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hudl Profile</a> </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>- Strengths:</em> Versatility (ILB/OLB), football IQ, block-shedding, smart gap play, physicality, pursuit, strong tackler, pass coverage, and special teams mercenary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/18010886/6547356eda523408d44980b9' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"edit","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-665aa91254e72"} /--> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Make sure to follow @P</em>RZ_OscarG for more coverage of Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting news.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->