Class 2A Senior LB Watchlist for 2025

From how they performed last season, Class 2A Iowa might just have one of the most exciting batches of upcoming senior standouts in all of Iowa heading into next season. As we continue our impending senior watchlist, we take a look at a select group of LBs that have been making a name for themselves as leaders in the middle of their defenses. We take a look today at 5 LBs that should be on your radar as they enter their senior seasons in 2025!    Kaden Kos has been the centerpiece of Mid-Prairie's defense over the last two seasons as he's been all over the field in the run-game. Kos led all Class-2A defenders last season with 108.5 tackles to go with 22.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, and an interception. I was really impressed with how Kos was able to find a way to disrupt the play and get to the ball-carrier at all costs. Kos plays with a combination of speed, aggressiveness, and good football IQ in reading the plays and finding where the ball is going. Kos has been a thrilling presence to watch in the middle of that defense, and he is certainly one of the top returning defenders in the entire state to watch next season.     Cael Kluever might be a smaller player at the OLB position, but he was a beast in terms of generating pressure on the QB, which earned him a spot on Prep Redzone's Class-2A All-State team. Kluever finished with 35 tackles, 14 TFLs, and 7.5 sacks. Kluever has an impressive amount of strength and quick hand skills to win against his blockers, attacking by pushing his hips up and driving with his legs. This strength is attributed by his success as a baseman for Northeast's baseball team, in which he's considered a top prospect. Kluever may end up pursuing baseball more likely in the collegiate level, but he's clearly delivered as a multi-sport athlete who is just as capable of playing well on the gridiron.     [player_tooltip player_id='1241487' first='Sevryn' last='Dodd'] is an intriguing all-purpose player for Osage, and his efforts have particularly been noted at the OLB position. Dodd finished last season with 48 tackles (39 solo), 13 TFLs, 6 sacks, a fumble recovery, and an interception. Dodd is a versatile defender who can play off the Tackle, line up on the blocker, or off the line to drop into coverage. Dodd has a great combination of speed, agility, and power to beat his blockers and find the open lanes to get into the backfield, and he does a great job at generating pressure on the QB, while playing equally well against the pass. Combined with his usage as an all-purpose RB and as a blocker on special teams, Dodd is a natural football player who has the potential to find a key role at multiple positions in the collegiate level.     Peyton Johnson emerged in 2024 as a very solid contributor for Mediapolis' defense. Johnson recorded 56 tackles (45 solo), 8.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and an interception. Johnson shows solid movement in the middle, doing a great job at finding space and attacking the gaps to get into the backfield. Johnson was able to push off his blockers despite his smaller frame, and he did a great job in pass coverage as well. Johnson could see a much bigger role in 2025 as one of the returning leaders for the Bulldogs, and he could be due for a massive breakout year.     [player_tooltip player_id='1907960' first='Jacob' last='Langley'] may look undersized for a LB, but he was by far the biggest standout on Tipton's defense last season. Langley recorded 51.5 tackles, 8.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions with one returned for a touchdown. Langley is an aggressive defender who can chase down the ball-carrier very well, even if they are on the other side of the field, making great reads and pursuit angles to get the stop. With his prowess in pass coverage, Langley's skills might be better suited as a hybrid LB/Safety type of defender, but Langley certainly is a valuable asset that can contribute well both against the pass and run.

From how they performed last season, Class 2A Iowa might just have one of the most exciting batches of upcoming senior standouts in all of Iowa heading into next season. As we continue our impending senior watchlist, we take a look at a select group of LBs that have been making a name for themselves as leaders in the middle of their defenses. We take a look today at 5 LBs that should be on your radar as they enter their senior seasons in 2025!