In the Film Room: Uncommitted '26 Iowa D-Backs

A host of high-end athletes roam the secondaries in programs across the state. Iowa does well in developing defensive backs for the next level.   Here's a look at a group of uncommitted seniors-to-be that can help sure up their defenses:    McEowen is a consistent force in the secondary. It led to a 2024 campaign with 32.5 tackles, 20 of which were solo. A good overall athlete, he also lined up at tight end, where he caught six passes for 87 yards. McEowen's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17709733/673a9509246fd07f47d88201">junior highlight</a> video reveals a safety very comfortable playing the box as a physical tackler and efficient pursuer of the ball. He comes off the edge on occasion at times, which highlights his strength. McEowen also looks smooth dropping into coverage with a quick back-peddle and fluid change-of-direction. He also shows an aptitude as a receiver, a position that shouldn't be ruled out. McEowen would be an asset on special teams on the next level.     A versatile athlete, Schwieger is a prospect as a defensive back but also could fit at receiver for some programs. As we can witness on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/15204083/6730ea5cf464532f032cd291">junior highlight video</a>, Schwieger delivers when lining up in different spots around the formation. He looks comfortable coming off the edge, sets up in the slot and can lock up in coverage underneath or deep pass patterns. He gets off of blocks well when lined up in the box or at end, which allows him to disengage and take down the ball carrier. Schwieger recorded 25.5 tackles in 2024. He posted 18 solo stops, 6.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. He contributed three catches for 23 yards as a receiver.     Mitchell did it all for the Bulldogs last fall. The versatile performer caught 11 balls for 172 yards and two touchdowns, delivered 10 solo tackles and a fumble recovery, and returned seven kicks for 83 yards. That flexibility should attract colleges, who covet players that can fill multiple roles with a limited roster size. Mitchell shows on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17695754/67223f9b5a40bea3d05a542e">junior highlight</a> video that he's an explosive athlete that's comfortable dropping in coverage or sliding down into the box to play the rush. Mitchell looks comfortable lining up out wide on offense, delivering crisp routes and showing a knack for making contested catches. He should be able to help a college program as a returner and on coverage teams.     For Class A Lynnville-Sully, Bowlin contributed in all three phases. He caught 32 passes for 584 yards and six touchdowns. Bowlin registered 41.5 tackles, 37 of which were solo, and intercepted four passes with two Pick-6s. On special teams, he returned six kicks for 114 yards, and brought back two punts for 34 yards. On his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18084618/673246f88d5d652d2dc0a051">junior highlight video</a>, Bowlin provides evidence that he can be a productive safety or linebacker at the next level. He operates fluidly in coverage and can bring the hammer when stopping the run. Some programs might prefer Bowlin as a receiver, where he does a nice job of making people miss in space.     Kolpin is an intriguing prospect with athleticism and a frame capable of adding mass and strength without losing any of it. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17826753/6740c4e623225e78477fa6d4">junior highlight video</a> shows us a well-rounded safety. In coverage, he's proficient at back peddling and changing direction quickly with fluid hips. He diagnoses plays fast and breaks on the ball quickly. Kolpin is sturdy against the run and is a technically-sound tackler. On offense, he runs slick routes and makes people miss in space. Twenty seven of his 29.5 tackles last season were solo stops with one going for a loss. Kolpin intercepted three passes. He contributed two catches for 67 yards on offense.     During a difficult season for the Little Cyclones, Muigai stood out as a junior with potential to play at the next level. He recorded 25.5 tackles, 19 of which were solo stops. Muigai also registered 2.0 tackles for loss. When we pop on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17756543/672045a58979326bf26fb035">junior highlight video</a>, we see how he came about making tackles. Muigai steps up to support the run with physicality. His strength and hands help him separate from blocks. Muigia's best asset, however, is his versatility at safety. He locks down opposing pass catchers. Muigai looks most comfortable in the slot, which, again, puts him position to make plays against the run if he reads that's what's coming. Muigai would be an asset on special teams at the next level as well.

A host of high-end athletes roam the secondaries in programs across the state. Iowa does well in developing defensive backs for the next level.