Film Room: Uncommitted Multi-Positional '25 Prospects

Prospects can be dismissed by colleges if the coaches aren't sure where they'll play them. That said, programs capable of identifying spots for versatile athletes and/or capable of figuring it out and developing often enjoy an advantage on the competition.   Here's a collection of all-around athletes that should be attractive to folks on the next level:   [player_tooltip player_id='1279856' first='Timothy' last='Koerselman'], 6-3, 190, Norwalk   <a href="https://x.com/Timothykoer24/status/1708762729891188763">Junior Highlights</a>   Koerselman gets overshadowed on a team with a wealth of talent, but he's a worthy college prospect in his own right. A strong all-around athlete that also can fill it up in basketball, he probably fits best at receiver at the next level. Koerselman stands out as a precise route runner with good hands. Those skills work well in the slot, but I don't think he's limited to that spot with his height and length. Some scouts might prefer him at safety or, potentially, linebacker.   [player_tooltip player_id='252306' first='Niyo' last='Francois'], 5-10, 185, Des Moines Hoover   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16863110/6356e241578e970b2cf26464">Junior Highlights</a>   I really like Francois' junior film in large part due to his versatility. He lists running back and linebacker as his positions on his Hudl highlights. Those spots certainly are possibilities on the next level. That said, he's a threat as a receiver, too, and might fit best physically at safety on defense. Hoover uses Francois in the slot, sending him out on routes and handing the ball off to him. He's dangerous in the open field. He plays outside linebacker with physicality and toughness.   [player_tooltip player_id='1282297' first='Bryson' last='Childress'], 6-0, 180, West Lyon   Junior Highlights   West Lyon is successful at developing multi-positional players, which helps them be a factor annually. Childress fits comfortably into the mold as the team's quarterback, safety and punter. He's capable of being a college quarterback at a school that can utilize his athletic talents. And there's room to grow more there. Childress also could fit at safety with his skill set and high football IQ. He should contribute on special teams as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1105162' first='Jessie-Lee' last='Smith'], 5-9, 165, Des Moines Roosevelt   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18840916/65418e2f066bae06c436e531">Junior Highlights</a>   I enjoy finding talent in the Iowa Alliance Conference. The league deserves more attention for producing college-level prospects in all sports. Smith represents it in football as a recruit with potential on both sides of the ball. His 11th-grade film is fun in that it shows him making plays on special teams, too. In all of his clips, Smith stands out for his physical style of play and motor. That could work in the slot, but safety and slot corner might be his best college option.   [player_tooltip player_id='1278364' first='Jordan' last='Tate'], 5-11, 200, Davenport West   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16140988/65767bb302bbd80b081f13be">Junior Highlights</a>   Tate has shown he can play running back in college, piling up more than 900 yards and 12 touchdowns rushing in '23 even though he was the focal points of the oppositions' scouting report. He brings a nice combination of size and speed to that spot. If you don't see him working there in your program, consider him at middle linebacker or safety. He produced 15.5 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks last fall. His physicality and athleticism will boost your special teams, too.   [player_tooltip player_id='1281004' first='Cunell' last='Burrage'], 5-9, 150, Davenport North   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19440046/6538989c6655500dac0a5de9">Junior Highlights</a>   Burrage is a dynamic playmaker on both sides of the ball. He gives college scouts options as someone who can fill a need on offense, defense and special teams. He averaged 27.9 yards on 13 kick returns and looks natural in that role. Burrage could fit on offense as a versatile weapon capable of gashing opponents rushing or receiving. However, I think defensive back might be the place for him to reach his highest upside at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='986738' first='Cole' last='Smith'], 6-2, 290, Clear Creek Amana   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16484147/64f6272f32dcdc0b40b97052">Junior Highlights</a>   Smith's only highlights on the internet are from last year's Solon game. He proved to be a problem on the interior of both lines against one of the state's most consistently sound programs. I'm not sure what happened after that. The statistics on Bound Iowa seem to line up with his performance in that game. At any right, Smith gets off of the snap quickly from either side of the trench. He performs with physicality and impressive strength. There's nice potential at offensive guard and defensive tackle.

Prospects can be dismissed by colleges if the coaches aren't sure where they'll play them. That said, programs capable of identifying spots for versatile athletes and/or capable of figuring it out and developing often enjoy an advantage on the competition.