2028 Rankings Release Scouting Reports for Top 6

It's an exciting week here at Prep Red Zone Iowa with the release of our initial <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2028-rankings/">Class of 2028 Rankings</a>. We came up with a Top 12 accompanied by a long watch list as a jumping off point for a group with a bright future.   Here's a closer look at our Top 6 for '28:    Barrett started at left tackle for a perennial 5A power as a freshman. When you see him operate in person or during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22498340/674e7eaea523797f61bb9a75">9th-grade highlights</a>, you witness the special talent able to hold up at such an important position so early on. Barrett already is big and strong with a frame easily capable of adding good weight as he advances in his prep career. He's much more than a big body, too. Barrett succeeds with athleticism, quickness and smooth footwork. He sets up well in pass pro, utilizing his hands and balance to fend off D-Ends. Barrett's ceiling is high, and it shouldn't be long before the offers start rolling in.     The son of University of Iowa offensive line coach George Barnett, [player_tooltip player_id='1038029' first='James' last='Barnett']'s greatest talent right now is <a href="https://www.instagram.com/beauthrows/reel/C8P4EBfqkYR/">throwing in track and field events</a>. Perhaps that ends up being his future, but that would be a shame for our game. During multiple in-person scouting opportunities this past season, Barnett stood out as a freshman in the trenches at the 5A level. The coach's kid is technically sound on both sides of the ball, as you can gather while viewing his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22657975/672fed7f0a2f5644f4e14a8e">freshman highlights</a>. Barnett mauls people on the interior of the OL, playing with excellent leverage. He's a bulldog with burst at D-Tackle. With three years of high school ball remaining, the sky is the limit for Barnett.     Shannon showed on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22556767/674c9924ce73d8d9eca2123c">freshman highlight video</a> that he'll be a problem for opponents during until graduating from prep football. PCM advanced to the state semifinals with Shannon lining up at right offensive tackle. He looks the part as a 6-4, 260-pound ninth-grader with good feet and agility. Shannon's frame should be able to add mass and strength over time without him losing any of the athleticism. He comes off as somebody that loves playing the position. He competes through the whistle and finishes blocks. Shannon sets up well in pass pro and gets his pads down in plowing the way for the running game.     Sheldon's 69.0 tackles as a freshman in 2024 led a Little Hawk outfit that leaned on its aggressive defense. The success started with Sheldon holding up well from a physical standpoint, not a given at LB on the 5A level. That frame will fill out and add strength in the coming years while he develops his game, hinting at plenty more on the way. Sheldon is a good athlete with lateral quickness needed to play the position. It aids him in run support and staying with receivers in pass coverage. As we see on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/21737243/6733c3dcb91c22482c96b865">ninth-grade highlight video</a>, Sheldon already shows a high aptitude for diagnosing plays, getting off blocks and flowing to the football. His ability to close on the football under control before wrapping up impresses.     Dowling coach Tom Wilson must sleep well at night knowing he has Mitchell and [player_tooltip player_id='1583613' first='Carter' last='Barrett'] book-ending the Maroon O-Line for the next three seasons. Mitchell resembles his line-mate in being an athletic front man with a high ceiling. As he displays during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22437689/675a63b52e6c5cc362fecfc2">freshman highlight video</a>, Mitchell embraces the physicality of the game, driving opponents down the field until he hears a signal ending the play. He stands out when clearing the way in the running game, which includes a knack for pulling and blocking in space. He also has a good feel in pass protection, staying off his heels and employing violent hands.     Doss turned heads throughout his freshman campaign, finishing up with a strong performance in the state semifinals. There, he showed off the kind of versatility and athleticism that keeps open multiple position options open for the next level as he matriculates through high school. He rushed for 480 yards and two touchdowns, adding 10 receptions for 192 yards. Doss also flashed ability as a defensive back with the potential for a future back there. He averaged 27.6 yards on 19 kick returns, housing one from 69 yards out. Already a three-phase contributor as a nine-grader, Doss gives scouts plenty to consider as they keep tabs on his development the next three years.

It's an exciting week here at Prep Red Zone Iowa with the release of our initial Class of 2028 Rankings. We came up with a Top 12 accompanied by a long watch list as a jumping off point for a group with a bright future.