Scouting Reports: Solon-Mount Vernon 2024

SOLON, Iowa - Solon avenged a pair of losses to rival Mount Vernon last season with a 7-6 triumph Friday at Spartan Stadium. The home team improved to 4-0, while the Mustangs dropped to 3-1.   Here are some of the student-athletes that stood out:    I wrote about EJ a few weeks ago after watching him run over Clear Creek Amana. He's worthy of recognition again after accounting for 162 of Solon's 222 yards of offense Friday. Johnson is a prospect at running back. He's well-rounded, getting yards inside and out, along with stressing defenses in the passing game. Certain colleges might like him at receiver. He's also listed a defensive end on the Spartan roster. He's a hybrid on that side of the ball. Johnson is active, athletic and physical, which could work at linebacker or safety in the future. Bottom line is that this kid is a really good football player deserving of more attention on the recruiting trail.     Kelley is one of the better sophomores I've scouted this season. He's not the biggest or fastest guy on the field, but he consistently delivers plays on both sides of the ball. Kelley had been shining on offense, and you could tell Mount Vernon was focused on taking him away. The Mustangs might have forgotten about him on defense, however, because he intercepted two passes. With time to develop physically and as a player, Kelley is one to watch with his natural ability and excellent feel for the game.     It looked like there was more than one [player_tooltip player_id='1241536' first='Kyler' last='Jensen'] on the field for Solon on Friday. The junior posted 11.5 tackles, had 2.5 TFLs and 1.5 sacks. He does a nice job on the offensive line, too. Linebacker looks to be his future home in college, though. He could potentially fit at safety or a hybrid as well. Jensen stands out for his physicality and motor. He's relentless and difficult to keep blocked. Jensen show good lateral quickness and tackling form, too.     The son of former Aplington-Parkersburg, Iowa and NFL defensive end Aaron Kampman, Eli is a different player than his dad. He's listed as a quarterback and defensive back. He mostly plays the latter with the starting signal caller, [player_tooltip player_id='1360778' first='Tyler' last='Bell'], back from last year. I liked what I saw from Kampman at cornerback. He's fluid in his movements and can smoothly change directions. He runs well and supports the run as a tackler.     Jaspers earned all-state recognition as a sophomore for his work on special teams. He's dangerous with the ball in his hands whether it be returning, taking a handoff or catching a pass. He's also a very sound defensive back. His versatility, understanding of the game, desire to play fast and his fearlessness all make him a college prospect. Contributions in multiple phases are valued on the next level with limited roster sizes.     Krob is a big-play waiting to happen. He's averaging more than 25 yards on his eight catches with three touchdowns. He had a long end zone trip called back by penalty in this one. He showed good speed and understanding of how to use his physical gifts on that play. He's football fast with long limbs and impressive leaping ability. The Mustangs also utilize those gifts at defensive back. A future in the secondary can not be ruled out.     Lane projects more on defense at the next level. He shows some chops at offensive tackle, however. Lane is light on his feet while still maintaining a strong base. He is technically solid with his hand placement with good bend. It's intriguing. Defense is where Lane makes his money, though. He's disruptive and physical. Opponents find him hard to square up and block, and he's consistently good at disengaging them when he gets locked up.

SOLON, Iowa - Solon avenged a pair of losses to rival Mount Vernon last season with a 7-6 triumph Friday at Spartan Stadium. The home team improved to 4-0, while the Mustangs dropped to 3-1.