Evals: 2027 Linebackers Well Worth A Look

As we continue evaluating video highlights for student-athletes in the 2027 Iowa Class, next up is a look at the linebacker position. We already have many players whose evaluations are on the site. <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2027-rankings/?position=LB">Click on their names</a> and the evals will appear. We'll try putting together as many scouting reports as possible for this cycle and beyond.    Hand ranked as one of the Prairie Hawks top tacklers as a sophomore in 2024. He finished with 42.5 tackles (33 solo, 1.0 TFL) and a sack. When watching highlights on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19731170/carsyn-hand/highlights">Hudl page</a>, we see an old school middle lineacker that roams the second level waiting for his chance to pounce. Hand diagnoses plays fast and flows well to the ball within the scheme. He's physical and operates with sound tackling technique. Hand runs well sideline to sideline, which helps him avoid blocks and stick with receivers in coverage.     Hoekstra stands out on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23709866/679db0c9836fc433dd014867">sophomore highlight video</a> as a middle linebacker committed to assignment football and playing within his team's scheme. He flows well to the ball, moving well laterally and in pursuing plays in front of him. His tackling form is technically sound, and Hoekstra embraces the game's physicality. He can get home when blitzing and looks smooth dropping into coverage.     Knutson made his mark on a veteran defense as a sophomore last season. His campaign included a couple of tackles for loss and a sack. When we pop on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19853102/6769ed6d7068f75707f486b2">10th-grade highlight video</a>, Knutson stands out for his quickness and explosion. He gets down hill and to the ball fast. Knutson looks comfortable in coverage, too. Knutson has a frame capable of adding mass and strength without him losing the athleticism that makes him an interesting prospect on which to keep and eye.     Weisskopf might interest colleges on offense, where he's a versatile running back capable of barreling over or side-stepping defenders. He's a reliable receiver out of the backfield with good speed. His potential on defense is at least as interesting as when he lines up in the offensive backfield. He fits at linebacker in the eight-man game, but has the quicks and athleticism to project at safety in some schemes. We can witness his skills while watching his video clips on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19820084/Cael-Weisskopf/highlights">Hudl page</a>. Weisskopf piled up 78.0 tackles (39 solo, 4.0 TFL) as a 10th-grader. He rushed for 657 yards (6.3 YPC) and 11 touchdowns, caught 23 balls for 378 yards and eight scores, averaged 19.6 yards and scored TD on 17 kick returns, returned one punt for 25 yards and handled the team's punting duties.     Beldin is compact and packs a punch. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19464592/6762013c1d6eca1186f44463">sophomore highlights</a> show us an active linebacker that runs well and pursues the football with gusto. Beldin diagnoses plays quickly and flows smoothly to the football. Six of his 9.5 stops last season were of the solo variety, highlighting his athleticism and proficiency playing in space. Beldin is poised to take a big step forward this coming fall when a larger opportunity comes his way.     Kies got his feet wet on the varsity as a sophomore, chipping in 5.0 tackles, all of them solo. He played behind his brother, [player_tooltip player_id='1080239' first='Jarrett' last='Kies'], and other talented players on the Tiger defense. He'll receive a chance for more playing time this season after graduation losses. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19627663/67c34148bf1585e34a8156aa">10th-grade highlights</a> should have Cedar Falls excited for what's coming. Like his older sibling, Kies is a high-motor player with quickness and explosion. He's fast at diagnosing plays and is difficult to block. His athleticism aids him in coverage, where he can stick with tight ends and lock down his zone in the middle of the field. Kies is one to watch on 2025 as a guy with a good chance to break out.

As we continue evaluating video highlights for student-athletes in the 2027 Iowa Class, next up is a look at the linebacker position. We already have many players whose evaluations are on the site. Click on their names and the evals will appear. We'll try putting together as many scouting reports as possible for this cycle and beyond.