Prospects Poised to Rise in Next '26 Rankings Update

Inevitable, when I peruse a rankings update on the here at Prep Redzone Iowa, there's a group of guys that look like they should be slotted higher on the list. It makes sense. Great players exist in all corners of the state and it can be difficult sorting them out.   The following dudes are ones to watch moving forward as they're poised to rise in the next update:    Sankoh paced one of the state's stingiest defenses with 57.5 tackles last season. Forty two of those stops were solo and 8.0 of them resulted in for lost yardage. He also intercepted a pass. When you pop on Sankoh's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19756908/673a912800490a671e3bd374">junior highlight video</a>, it reveals a playmaker with position versatility. He certainly could fit at LB in certain schemes but also might be better suited for defensive back. One thing is for sure, he plays fast wherever he lines up. He processes what he's seeing quickly, which, combined with his athleticism and quickness leads to a lot of successful outcomes whether stopping the run or dropping into coverage.     Part of a talented group of athletes returning to the Wolves in 2025, Davis will be building on an excellent junior campaign. He racked up 34.0 tackles, 26 of which were of the solo variety. Davis collected 8.5 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks. He also forced a fumble. Davis' <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16816935/671f05314d23b44844662ffc">junior highlight video</a> reveals a disruptive force off of the edge. He boasts a linear frame with long arms. Davis shows a nice burst off of the snap and an understanding of technique. He just needs add to his pass-rush bag of moves and increase his strength. And those are common areas of improvement sought at this stage of a player's development.     Harris is an intriguing prospect with plenty of room to grow physically and as a player before hitting his ceiling. As we see when watching his junior highlight video, he's a big play waiting to happen whether lining up at receiver or cornerback. Harris is a weapon on special teams, too. He caught eight passes for 189 yards (23.6 YPR) and three touchdowns. He collected 19 tackles (12 solo) and an interception on defense. He succeeds with the help of speed and athleticism. On offense, he complements those traits with making tough receptions and adjusting to the balls while they're in the air. Harris can lock up in coverage and step up against the run.     Barrett is a guy just scratching the surface of what he can become as a player. Lining up at right tackle as a junior, Barrett <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18305987/67410931463c11153b99d45c">shows the potential</a> to be a dominant force on the offensive front and certainly someone colleges can project as a future piece to their O-Line puzzle. We witness on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18305987/67410931463c11153b99d45c">11th-grade highlight video</a> an advanced run-blocker. Barrett overwhelms opponents with his get-off and then finishes them off with power. He could improve his pad level as he stands too upright at times. Barrett's agility helps him reach blocks in space, and he utilizes his hands well.     Boyd settled in off of 42nd street as a sophomore after joining the Cougars from Cedar Rapids Jefferson High. He saw action at receiver, catching two passes for 48 yards. His speed and elusiveness keep open the possibility of a position switch but those skills work well behind center. Boyd possess a strong arm and an ability to throw accurately on the move. He keeps plays alive with his legs and stresses defenses with his threat to run. Kennedy graduated its starting quarterback, so the door is open for Boyd to walk through and rise up the rankings.     I'm not sure where Phippen will line up on the next level, but he will help out a college program as a versatile and tough performer capable of thriving in all three phases. He caught 47 passes for 673 yards and five touchdowns, and delivered 28.5 tackles (26 solo, 2.0 TFL) and two interceptions as a junior during the Titans' run to the state semifinals. He's a skilled route runner with speed and good hands on offense. Defensively, he stands out in coverage. I saw him make an acrobatic interception against Pella in the UNI-Dome. It showed off his leaping ability, timing and ability to track the ball well while it's in flight.

Inevitable, when I peruse a rankings update on the here at Prep Redzone Iowa, there's a group of guys that look like they should be slotted higher on the list. It makes sense. Great players exist in all corners of the state and it can be difficult sorting them out.