Top Available Class of ’25 Prospects Part III

Prep Red Zone Iowa has watched a lot of film on the Class of 2025 recently while working on a rankings update that should be released in the near future. Plenty of talented prospects in the cycle remained available to colleges entering this first full week of May.   Here is the third installment of a series highlighting the top uncommitted prospects in the state's 2025 Class. The first one includes <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/top-available-class-of-25-prospects-part-i/">five student-athletes</a>. Five more guys are <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2024/05/top-available-class-of-25-prospects-part-ii/">featured on Part II</a>.   Here are five more:   [player_tooltip player_id='847892' first='Nick' last='Brooks'], OL, Cedar Rapids Kennedy   Brooks (6-7, 340) stands out as the state's top available senior-to-be if we're measuring by scholarship offers. He reports opportunities from Georgia, Alabama, Michigan, USC, Texas and just about every other major college program.   On April 6, Brooks cut his list of prospective colleges to six. The group included Texas, Georgia, Colorado, Tennessee, Iowa and USC. So far, he's scheduled to officially visit Georgia, Iowa, Texas and USC between May 31 and June 21.   The one-time Hawkeye pledge overwhelms prep opponents, as you can witness by watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19427864/655db1d9b018a60d34f8c064">junior highlight video</a>. Beyond his sheer size, Brooks is technically sound, athletic and physical.   No matter where Brooks ends up, he'll play for a successful program. And it will be happy to have him.   [player_tooltip player_id='1277283' first='Elijah' last='Hoyt'], DB, Urbandale   Northern Iowa offered Hoyt a scholarship in March. He visited Iowa, Iowa State and Kansas State for games last season.   Hoyt (6-1, 185) is an athletic defensive back with good size for the position. He could end up at cornerback but possesses the versatility to work at safety in other systems.   As we can see during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16568153/655144404ba7a803e4cd0c7c">junior highlight video</a>, Hoyt matches up well in man-to-man coverage on the outside. His size allows an effective bump off the line. He can run with receivers and closes well on the ball.   I think safety is probably his most likely position on the next level with his strength being coverage. His skill set also plays on offense at receiver, though.   [player_tooltip player_id='1278796' first='Cooper' last='Buffington'], DE, Winfield-Mount Union   South Dakota became the first Division I program to offer Buffington a scholarship when it did so on April 14. He's visited Iowa and other schools, and holds invitations to summer camps from North Dakota, Montana and Wayne State.   It's not always easy being noticed when playing eight-player football, but Buffington has stood out enough to grab it from college coaches. It also helped that eyes were on his games with older Division I prospects on the roster, including his brother, [player_tooltip player_id='156461' first='Cam' last='Buffington'], an Iowa signee in the '24 Class.   [player_tooltip player_id='1278796' first='Cooper' last='Buffington'] (6-3, 220) is athletic with a frame capable of keeping it even if he adds weight and strength in college. He's playing offense line as well, which could work for some programs on the level.   His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/13568414/656544553dec2b103c989eff">junior highlight video</a> reveals a technically sound performer on both sides of the ball. He benefits from playing with good leverage and hand placement while on offense and defense.   [player_tooltip player_id='1278782' first='Dylan' last='Manning'], LB, WDM Dowling Catholic   Manning (6-2, 205) received his first Division I offer on March 1 when Lindenwood stepped forward. He's visited Iowa multiple times and has a summer camp invite from the Hawkeyes. Iowa State, North Dakota State, Western Illinois, Montana and others have invited him to camp as well.   On his Hudl page, Manning reports a 4.6-second, 40-yard dash, 225 pounds on the bench press and a 35-inch vertical leap. In watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16180128/654cfa4a578d9203d8c5216b">junior highlight video</a>, we can see a versatile student-athlete on the field.   Manning could play safety in some college systems. The potential certainly is there for him to perform at linebacker. Either way, he can be counted on to stop the run and cover.   With his quickness and toughness, Manning is a candidate to help on special teams at the next level. He's just a really good, all-around football player.   [player_tooltip player_id='1278273' first='Sam' last='Zelenovich'], WR, Southeast Polk   Northern Iowa delivered Zelenovich his first scholarship offer on April 5. North Dakota State followed with its offer on May 2. He also visited Iowa, Iowa State and Missouri this spring.   The son of Southeast Polk head coach Brad Zelenovich, [player_tooltip player_id='1278273' first='Sam' last='Zelenovich'] (6-2, 180) stands out as a student of the game. He's adept at the nuances of the receiver position and the sport overall.   During his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16018737/64fdf2f60c54fe0abc59e708">junior highlight video</a>, Zelenovich roasts quite a few defensive backs using a full toolbox. He rips off effective routes because they're crisp, which helps him sell moves and gain an advantage.   This spring during track, Zelenovich has run the 100 meters in 11.31 and the 200 in 22.80. He's also participated in the long jump, further illustrating that he brings athleticism to the receiver position.

Prep Red Zone Iowa has watched a lot of film on the Class of 2025 recently while working on a rankings update that should be released in the near future. Plenty of talented prospects in the cycle remained available to colleges entering this first full week of May.