Iowa Underclassmen with All-State Potential

The main objective here at Prep Redzone is highlighting prep prospects that might be striving to play the game in college. That comes with the added task of projecting futures based on experience and what the film shows.   Today it's a look at current underclassmen in Iowa that have yet to earn all-state recognition but with a path to change that during the years ahead:    Alford operated on the Knights' junior varsity as a freshman in 2024. He continued to sharpen his game. Alford is accomplished in 7-on-7 ball and developing in preparation for his time on the varsity. A good athlete, Alford could easily help Kuemper at other positions if he doesn't win the starting quarterback competition in the fall. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S0Kh64BJXzs">Alford spins a nice ball</a> with touch on it. He hits his receivers in stride, giving them a leg up on defenders for yards after the catch. His arm strength is good and so his his ability to throw accurately on the run. Alford also stresses defenses with his running ability complementing his passing acumen.     Stephens is a big play waiting to happen when he steps between the lines. A versatile athlete, he could develop into a weapon in all three phases on the next level. Stephens caught nine passes for 224 yards and a pair of touchdowns as a freshman in 2024. He also contributed 11 carries for 250 yards and a pair of scores along with racking up 14 solo tackles and an interception as a defensive back. Stephens stood out as a returner, too. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22649830/672701deb66cc40f7929932c">freshman highlight video</a> reveals a dangerous dude with the ball in his hands. Stephens shows easy speed and a knack for making people miss.     Davis is an exciting prospect that should be on the radar of college coaches mining Iowa for prospects. He displays versatility during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19713996/6723b9d22a04b31f061d23c1">freshman highlight video</a>. He combines elusiveness and power as a running back, his legs churning until he reaches the end zone or the opponent is fortunate enough to tackle him. Davis' vision and cutting ability impresses. He doesn't include defensive clips on his film, but it's easy to envision him succeeding as a defensive back with his skillset.     Becker's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19722198/671cfc4e9541c14ea350caca">sophomore highlight video</a> is a fun watch. It's clear he embraces the game's physicality on both sides of the ball. As a defensive tackle, he keeps the play in front of him and operates well within the scheme. His strength helps him disengage from blocks, and Becker is quick for a bigger guy. His agility and athleticism show up when he's at offensive guard, too. He can overpower opponents in the trench or deliver blocks in space.     Hendricks played an integral role during the Wildcats' run to the Class 3A state championship game. The sophomore delivered 66.0 tackles (47 solo, 16.5 TFL), 5.0 sacks and a 45-yard return following a fumble recovery. He <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19786941/673a575ab978c2e407e1cbdf">showed out</a> during a semifinal win against Mount Vernon. The Mustangs struggled to block Hendricks, who does a nice job carrying out assignments and operating within the defense. His skills off of the edge creates pressure on the passing game. Hendricks also plays a physical style and looks forward to hammering ball carriers.     Fitzpatrick spent last season sharpening his skills on the sophomore squad and should be prepared for a big step forward in 2025. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19646163/6731322cf464532f032d1823">sophomore highlight video</a> provides insight into how he succeeds. First off, he's fast. He will damage your defense if he has the ball in space. Fitzpatrick lines up around the formation and delivers from all over. He runs crisp routes and accelerates quickly. If you need him to block on running plays, he's willing and able to complete that task.

The main objective here at Prep Redzone is highlighting prep prospects that might be striving to play the game in college. That comes with the added task of projecting futures based on experience and what the film shows.