PRZIA 2027 Rankings Update | Breaking Down ATHs

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   The Class of 2027 rankings received a winter update this week, with our list of prospects nearly doubling. In the latest update, the rankings went from a top 15 to a new “Sophomore 75.”   Here is my breakdown of the versatile athletes who can get the job done on offense, defense, or special teams!   Check out the full 2027 list <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2027-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a>.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='1197438' first='Jaxx' last='DeJean'] <a href="https://x.com/Jaxxdejean35" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Jaxxdejean35)</a>, WR/LB - OABCIG - 6'4" 220 lbs   Welcome the newest #1 overall prospect in the 2027 rankings. OABCIG's [player_tooltip player_id='1197438' first='Jaxx' last='DeJean'] has earned the top spot after coming off a very productive sophomore season that continued to turn heads on the recruiting trail. DeJean ended year two with 57 receptions, 620 receiving yards, 10 receiving touchdowns, a rushing touchdown, 20 tackles, two interceptions (one pick-six), and was the starting punter for the Falcons. Jaxx is a dominating, big-bodied receiver who excels at creating separation with his route-running and is tough to bring down after the catch. For 6'4" and 220 pounds, DeJean moves extremely well, going in and out of his breaks with great ease. He is a very reliable target with big, strong mitts that seem to catch everything thrown his way and can hang on to the ball through contact. Great frame at 6'4" and 220 pounds that projects very well to the collegiate game. At this point, it's tough to pinpoint exactly what position Jaxx will play at the next level, but all things considered, it's safe to say he'll likely dominate.    [player_tooltip player_id='1204540' first='Jaxson' last='McIntire'] <a href="https://x.com/JaxsonMcintire" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@JaxsonMcintire)</a>, QB/DB - Clear Lake - 6'0" 190 lbs   Clear Lake's [player_tooltip player_id='1204540' first='Jaxson' last='McIntire'] took a monster leap in year two with the Lions as he took over the QB1 for the Lions. McIntyre showed he was a true dual-threat on offense with 1,749 passing yards, 479 rushing yards, 25 passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns. Jaxson is a strong-armed quarterback who can rifle throws into tight windows and has the strength to push the ball deep downfield. He gets the ball out quickly after the snap and puts good velocity behind his throws. McIntire's athleticism also allows him to pull and run the ball effectively with a physical running style that allows him to fend off would-be tacklers. McIntire also draws attention as a safety, where he recorded 31 tackles, 2 TFLs, and an interception. Jaxson is a rangy safety who can analyze and read defenses very well as he smoothly flows in coverage. He's more than willing to step up to defend the run and will be physical with receivers when the ball is in the air.    [player_tooltip player_id='1197479' first='David' last='William'] <a href="https://x.com/willy12_d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@willy12_d)</a>, WR/DB - Storm Lake - 6'1" 165 lbs   It seems as if the only thing to stop junior [player_tooltip player_id='1197479' first='David' last='William'] in 2024 was an injury that limited him to five games. In those five games, David was on an absolute tear as he hauled in 43 receptions for 649 yards and six touchdowns, still finishing as the team's leading receiver. William is an athletic receiver with the speed and acceleration to burn defenders off the line and stretch defenses out vertically. David's versatility on offense is also very underrated, as he can be used on WR sweeps, screens with blockers in front of him, and other creative ways to get the ball in his hands to let him cook. You can see a bit of his basketball background in the way he plays receiver with how well he can box out defenders on jump balls and his ability to elevate to high point the ball. David was also highly productive on the defensive side of the ball, with 27 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, and an interception. Multi-faceted athlete with a massive ceiling!    [player_tooltip player_id='1197463' first='Nolan' last='Kriegel'] <a href="https://x.com/Nolan_Kriegel">(@Nolan_Kriegel)</a>, QB/DB - Iowa Valley - 6'4" 180 lbs   How do you follow up a freshman season like the one Nolan had? By finishing your sophomore year with the second most total touchdowns in the entire state, that's how. Iowa Valley's [player_tooltip player_id='1197463' first='Nolan' last='Kriegel'] was on an absolute tear in 2024, recording 1,119 passing yards, 1,991 rushing yards, 96 receiving yards, 18 passing touchdowns, 40 rushing touchdowns, two receiving touchdowns, 33.5 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, two sacks, and an interception. As I've said before in previous coverage of Nolan, he is simply a gamer who will find a way to make a play regardless of his position. He is a physical runner who can mow down defenders on his way to breaking off a big run that ends with 6 on the board. Defensively, he's a heavy hitter who plays the run very well and brings a mean edge to the field. Overall a great athlete who should be receiving more attention than he is.    [player_tooltip player_id='1358154' first='Layne' last='Peska'] <a href="https://x.com/layne_peska1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@layne_peska1)</a>, DB/WR - Iowa Valley - 6'0" 175 lbs   If you think of a way to score a touchdown, I guarantee you Iowa Valley's [player_tooltip player_id='1358154' first='Layne' last='Peska'] has scored that way. Peska did it all for the Tigers as he recorded 232 passing yards, 135 rushing yards, six passing touchdowns, two rushing touchdowns, 44 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, a fumble recovery, six interceptions (one returned for a TD), and two kickoff returns for touchdowns. Layne has upside on both sides of the ball but projects best on defense, where he can use his elite instincts and ball-hawking ways to make an impact. He is a well-rounded safety who is excellent in coverage and plays like a LB against the run. Peska flows to the ball naturally with a tireless pursuit and non-stop motor that runs from snap to whistle. I was also impressed with Layne's coverage abilities, showing the ability to lull QBs into bad throws before he pounces on the ball and uses his top-tier ball skills to take it back the other way. Don't be surprised to see offers heading Layne's way with a solid spring/summer cycle.    [player_tooltip player_id='1198820' first='Chase' last='Heitland'] <a href="https://x.com/ChaseHeitland06" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@ChaseHeitland06)</a>, 5'10" 150 lbs - Dallas Center-Grimes - 5'10" 155 lbs   If you've been following this latest update, you'll know we're pretty high on the Dallas Center-Grimes '27 group. [player_tooltip player_id='1198820' first='Chase' last='Heitland'] is a key part of this bright, young core, playing receiver on offense, and will be looking to step into a bigger role on defense in 2025. Chase ended his sophomore campaign with 293 receiving yards and two receiving touchdowns. When watching Heitland's tape, the part that stood out the most was how underrated his speed and burst are. He is a dynamic player who showed he could use his explosiveness off the line to slip past the defense for deep balls or snag dump-off passes and use his quick twitch in the open field to spring free for a big gain. Very good after the catch, with great vision to help him find cutback lanes. There is lots to like about his young Mustang prospect!    <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

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