2027 Film Room: Sophomores to Watch In 4A

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   I'm back in the film room taking a look at a few sophomore prospects who I think will be big names in Class 4A this upcoming season.   Check out these 4A sophomores to start watching now.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   [player_tooltip player_id='1644899' first='Hunter' last='Bacino'] (OL), North Polk - 6'4" 270 lbs   We'll kick this coverage of 4A prospects off with a player who was a pivotal blocker for the team that claimed the class state championship. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1644899' first='Hunter' last='Bacino'] was tasked with being the Comet's starting left tackle, and he showed that he can more than hold his own. Hunter has great size at 6'4 and 270 lbs, with solid length to go with his frame, allowing him to extend and make contact before his opponent. One of my favorite terms is "dancing bear," that tag seems appropriate for Bacino, who moves exceptionally well as both a run blocker and in pass protection. As I mentioned, Hunter's quickness to shoot his hands and make contact with his opponent allows him to generate a great initial push coming off the snap. He can then use his strong base and powerful leg drive to force defenders off the ball and into the dirt. He displayed great lateral mobility when dropping into pass protection as he mirrors and quickly counters different rush techniques. A hard worker constantly looking to pick up extra blocks when possible. Won't be long before schools start taking notice.    [player_tooltip player_id='1644900' first='Tru' last='McBride'] (QB), Fort Dodge - 6'3" 210 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/tru_mcbride">(@tru_mcbride)</a>   Fort Dodge looks set at quarterback for the next couple of seasons with sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1644900' first='Tru' last='McBride'] under center. Tru had a solid first season as the Dodgers' starter, throwing for 1,518 yards, 20 passing touchdowns, a 58% completion rate, and a 144.7 QBR. The first thing that stands out about Tru is his next-level size at 6'3" and 215 pounds, which will certainly catch the attention of college coaches, especially considering he's only finishing up his sophomore year. The next thing that came to mind was just "strong," McBride showed his strength through his ability to break sack attempts and in his powerful arm.    [player_tooltip player_id='1644911' first='Avery' last='Sorensen'] (QB/ATH), Clear Creek Amana - 6'3" 200 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/AverySorensen8" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@AverySorensen8)</a>   Clear Creek Amana's [player_tooltip player_id='1644911' first='Avery' last='Sorensen'] is an intriguing prospect whose versatility will allow him to have opportunities at several positions for the Clippers next year. Avery is listed as a QB but saw most of his varsity time come at tight end, where he did flash solid athleticism and reliable hands. At 6'3" and 200 pounds with room to continue filling out his frame, I'm sure Avery could develop into a flex TE who can be moved across the formation to take advantage of size mismatches. I also don't want to shut Avery out as a QB because there were some nice throws in his tape where he flashed nice timing and placement on his passes. Regardless of Avery's position, it will be hard to keep him off the field this fall.    [player_tooltip player_id='1644914' first='Kyler' last='VanMaanen'] (LB), Pella - 6'2" 200 lbs   Although Pella's season didn't quite end how they wanted it to, there is still a lot of optimism going into 2025 with a great returning core of players. Sophomore [player_tooltip player_id='1644914' first='Kyler' last='VanMaanen'] will be a key player to watch on defense after finishing second on the team last year in tackles with 87 and an additional four TFLs. VanMaanen emerged as one of the top run defenders in his class as he displayed smart gap play, sideline-to-sideline range, and a good finisher when he got to the ball. Kyler showed off his great lateral quickness as he scrapes across the line of scrimmage before firing downhill to make the stop.    [player_tooltip player_id='1644925' first='Brody' last='Johnson'] (LB), Spencer - 6'2" 190 lbs - <a href="https://x.com/brody_johnson32" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Brody_Johnson32)</a>   Here's an exciting new LB prospect who just came across my radar. Spencer's [player_tooltip player_id='1644925' first='Brody' last='Johnson'] had a massive sophomore season, leading all 2027s in Class 4A with seven sacks. Brody also tallied 40 tackles, 11 TFLs, three fumble recoveries, and an interception. Watching Brody's tape, you see an explosive linebacker who plays with an intense motor and relentless pursuit of the ball. He shoots his gaps like a bullet, keeping his hands ready if he needs to fight off a block, and does an excellent job closing on the ball. Johnson's elite timing when bringing pressure and quick first step led to several plays in which he flew past the offensive line untouched to make a splash play in the backfield.    Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

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