Film Review: Uncovering Hidden Gems in ’27 Class

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Spring is for cleaning. It's also an excellent time for reviewing film to scratch the football itch during the offseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are reports from recent viewings of intriguing prospects around the state of Iowa: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1621086"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67cf521711494"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Marshalltown spread the ball around to its ball carriers in 2024 with Englund making the most of his opportunities. He rushed 73 times for 427 yards and three touchdowns as a sophomore. When I popped on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19452286/67b51469023913b4ac3f2fb2">10th-grade highlight video</a>, Hudl told me it didn't yet have any views. It was posted on Feb. 18. It's worth checking out and hopefully more folks do that. He appears to be running faster than everybody else on the field. He gets into the clear with good vision and sharp cuts. Once he's on the second level, he accelerates quickly and dusts the opponents. He played linebacker on a limited basis last year, and his skill set would work there or in the secondary on the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1361315"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67cf89222422f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Tigers reached the 5A state title game last season with the help of a strong group of upperclassmen. However, Booth's contributions should be recognized. He ate up blocks and contributed 17.5 tackles (9 solo, 3.0 TFL) as a sophomore in 2024. Booth is already stout in the middle of the defensive line. He holds the line with his head up, ready to separate from blocks and pounce on the ball carrier. Booth's physicality at this stage bodes well for his future as his frame and game mature.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1581280"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67cf892224298"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Clevenger contributed as a sophomore at receiver and returner on the varsity for a Dragon squad that posted an 8-3 record last season. In watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18277144/675e45dd2b655d17a9d55891">10th-grade highlight video</a>, Clevenger looks comfortable playing the slot and working the middle of the field. He's fast and quick with excellent acceleration after the catch. Clevenger runs crisp routes and tracks the ball well in the air. His concentration and ability to watch the ball into his hands is advanced.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1198826"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67cf993228e3d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Brown saw time on the Bulldog varsity as a sophomore but did a lot of damage against similarly-aged competition. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19826578/66f9fb5d6a511cccd2a54c66">highlight video</a> reveals a smooth operator while working out of the slot. He gets off of the line quick and slides into slick-looking routes. Brown can secure the ball in traffic and shows a knack for tracking it well in the air. He should be ready to take on a larger role for the Bulldogs this coming season and could impact the offense in a big way. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1361286"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67cf993228f58"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If it seems like Cedar Falls produces an endless supply of long, versatile athletes, it's probably because it does. Pattee appears to be one of the next guys to keep the tradition rolling. His lone varsity reception covered 30 yards. He added a solo tackle and could develop into a prospect colleges like on defense. Pattee is a willing and effective blocker. He should become even more proficient in that area as he adds strength and his frame fills out. Linebacker would be the likely spot on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1207823"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-67cf993228ff1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Cooper looks like a natural lining up at middle linebacker. He picked up 20.0 tackles (13 solo, 2.0 TFL) and a sack last season. Cooper succeeded by diagnosing what the offense was trying to do and flying to the football. He pursues under control with good balance. Cooper is properly positioned to make plays and uses his hands effectively in separating from blocks. He's a sure tackler. Cooper's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18633876/66f360f0fe447d4130613d40">sophomore highlight video</a> proves he hammers the run. He should look to add clips of him covering pass catchers on his next tape. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->