Hidden Gems in Iowa’s ’26 Class

Photo: Prep redzone

Rob Howe June 30, 2024 @ 07:03 AM

It's common for prep prospects to experience their greatest growth between their sophomore and junior seasons. They step forward physically and in their knowledge of the game. And they're just more comfortable.   Here's a look at some juniors who could be ready for a jump forward in '24:   [player_tooltip player_id='1241515' first='Eli' last='Kampman'], 6-1, 185, QB/ATH, Solon   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17798873/655166370660b50598ac9ead">Sophomore Highlights</a>   Kampman is the son of former Iowa and NFL defensive lineman Aaron Kampman, now an assistant coach at Solon. Eli's older brother, Ben Kampman, was recruited for football but chose Duke for track as a member of the '24 recruiting class. Eli has the makings of a college quarterback, boasting a strong arm and feel for the position. He played behind [player_tooltip player_id='1360778' first='Tyler' last='Bell'] ('25) there last season on the varsity, where he completed 15 of 25 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns. Eli is a good athlete that can help the Spartans beyond lining up behind center. He ran on the 4x100 and 4x200 teams at last month's state track meet.   [player_tooltip player_id='1241400' first='Colin' last='Pittenger'], 6-1, 230, DL, Sioux City East   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18539584/653e9a3b5b3cca0de861d757">Sophomore Highlights</a>   A productive 10th-grade campaign saw Pittenger rack up 40.5 tackles (19 solo, 6.0 TFL) and a sack. That came on a defense where he's joined by other playmakers and college prospects. Pittenger displays an excellent burst off of the snap with active hands and quick feet. He's more than a speed rush edge, however. He crashes down well on the run and disengages from blocks with power. He understands how to set the edge and stays in plays by keeping his head up and eyes on the ball. Pittenger shows the athleticism to play outside linebacker with a three-man front. He runs well enough to fit there as well.   [player_tooltip player_id='1238601' first='Byers' last='Nealy'], 6-0, 195, LB, Danville   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15114408/6542acda578d4108881aaa02">Sophomore Highlights</a>   Nealy's name rolls of the tongue and his game rolls over opponents. His game video brings us an aggressive defender adept at reading and recognizing what he's facing. After that, Nealy keeps his head up and his eyes on the ball. His quickness and ability to shed blocks help him deliver tackles. Nealy runs well sideline to sideline and straight ahead. All of these skills make him stout against the run. We don't see him in coverage during his highlights, but Nealy's athleticism and agility would allow him to do it if asked.   [player_tooltip player_id='1241519' first='Cody' last='Sandbulte'], 6-3, 200, ATH, Sioux Center   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15043555/65624dd932e6d212c40834e3">Sophomore Highlights</a>   There's a lot to dream on when you watch Sandbulte get after it on the gridiron. He's a fluid athlete who could project at multiple positions on the next level. Sandbulte lists quarterback and free safety on his Hudl page. Those are two spots college coaches might start him out. We see him operating deep in the secondary during his 10th-grade highlights. He's a well-rounded safety that stands out in stopping the run but also looks natural in pass coverage. His traits could work as a slot corner in some college systems.   [player_tooltip player_id='1241491' first='Torian' last='Cotton'], 6-3, 200, ATH, Ames   <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16888029/661864b43b226b2b9f73c7ea">Sophomore Highlights</a>   Like the other guys in this rundown, Cotton feels like a kid that could take off in the fall. He scratched the surface of his potential last season, averaging 30.0 yards on a pair of catches as a receiver. He intercepted a pass on defense. His highlights included clips of him blocking while playing wideout, which is always a good sign, especially as an underclassman. He boasts a big, physical frame suited for adding mass and strength without a loss of speed and athleticism. His skill and natural gifts also work at safety. He could grow into a linebacker in some college schemes.

It's common for prep prospects to experience their greatest growth between their sophomore and junior seasons. They step forward physically and in their knowledge of the game. And they're just more comfortable.