Sizing Up Small-School Standouts with Big-Time Games

If you know the history of Iowa high school football, you understand that good players come from all over. Marv Cook and Cooper DeJean are just two examples of the state's impressive small-school legacy.   The current crop of prospects hailing from the eight-player level up to Class 2A is impressive. Here's a look at a group of guys colleges should take a closer look at:    Stanton is a prospect deserving of more college attention. He has a projectable frame that can add mass without taking away athleticism and quickness. Stanton makes plays coming off of the edge. He gets the jump on opponents off the snap. Stanton looks fluid at linebacker, where he closes on the ball under control with good balance. He can drop into coverage effectively and uses his length to his advantage. Stanton racked up 14.5 tackles for loss and 10.5 sacks last season. He could raise his stock with solid showings at spring and summer camps.     Soma looks natural playing receiver, which is what you want. He runs crisp routes and tracks the ball well in the air. Soma makes people miss in space and can be tough to tackle. Down the middle of the field is where he does his best work with his knack for delivering in traffic. Soma's skill set also would work on defense. He plays linebacker now but could slide seamlessly over to the secondary. Soma caught 58 passes for 648 yards and six touchdowns in '24. He returns kicks and would be an asset on special teams at the next level.     Prep Redzone Iowa has Carolan ranked as an offensive lineman. He's a handful on that side of the ball. The strength and consistent ability to be the low man also makes him shine on the D-Line. That very well could be his future college home. Carolan is athletic and quick. He'll need to add mass and strength, but his frame can handle it without costing him speed. Carolan shows a keen feel for the position. He stays on assignment and keeps the play in front until he or his teammate can make a play. Carolan delivered 24 solo tackles (6.5 TFL) and 5.5 sacks in 2024.     Stream looks like a college prospect on both sides of the ball. He uses his athleticism and length whether he's making a catch or locking up a receiver as a defensive back. Stream runs fluid routes and is a versatile wideout. He makes plays lining up in the slot and going across the middle for grabs. He can work the sideline, too, displaying speed in the open field. Defensively, he might work best as a nickel corner or free safety. Stream changes directions well and his long arms aid him in coverage.     Nally stands out as a ball carrier at this level as someone who looks like he's playing a few speeds faster and more powerfully than the opponent. That certainly can translate into success at RB on the next level with further development. He's probably best suited for strong safety, though. Nally embraces the game's physicality and is a sure tackler. He's also athletic and fast enough to stick with receivers in coverage.     I really would like to see a highlight video put together for Jensen. His Hudl page includes individual game highlights, but it leaves scouts wanting more. A good athlete who also shines on the baseball diamond, Jensen lines up at outside corner and off the edge, which isn't easy. Position possibilities are intriguing. Outside linebacker, end or safety could work depending on the defensive scheme. He's also a bruising blocker at receiver, which opens the door at tight end. Jensen can add mass without losing speed and more strength would make him an even more dangerous blocker.

If you know the history of Iowa high school football, you understand that good players come from all over. Marv Cook and Cooper DeJean are just two examples of the state's impressive small-school legacy.