Class 5A Senior LB Watchlist for 2025

We wrap up our preview of the top senior LBs in Iowa by jumping up to the top division in the state, Class 5A, to look at some of the biggest names in the middle of the defense playing for the toughest division in the state. A lot of these names are overlooked that made a pretty big impact for their teams last season and have continue to carry distinctions as underrated for this class. We take a look at 6 of the top upcoming senior LBs in Class 5A Iowa to watch in 2025!    [player_tooltip player_id='1517049' first='Kayden' last='James'] has been a central piece toward Cedar Rapids Jefferson's turnaround over the last two seasons. In 2024, James recorded 110 tackles, 11.5 TFLs, and 3 forced fumbles. James is one of the hardest hitting defenders in the division, and his relentless effort in pursuit and impressive power helped him gain a knack for knocking the ball out of the ball-carrier's hands. James isn't a rangy defender, but he does a great job at chasing down the runner even if he gets past him on the outside, playing with good instincts and he's equally effective rushing downhill or covering sideline-to-sideline range. James is a sure tackler who's been extremely reliable in the run-defense, and as Cedar Rapids Jefferson continues to improve, James could see much more looks his way for the impact he's had on the field in 2025.     [player_tooltip player_id='1241414' first='Jaden' last='Montgomery'] was the leading rusher and tackler for Dubuque Hempstead last season. On the defensive side, Montgomery recorded 70 tackles (45 solo), 6.5 TFLs, 3 sacks, a fumble recovery, and a pick returned for a touchdown. Montgomery does a solid job using his length to wrap around the RB's to make the tackle, and he does an excellent job with finding pursuit angles to stop a big play from developing. Montgomery has quite a bit of power, making forceful hits on players running down the sideline, and despite his frame, Montgomery can push the RB backwards in head-on contact situations. After winning District co-DPOTY honors in 2024, Montgomery will try to run it back once again, and he should easily wreak havoc in Class 5A to further bolster his growing resume.     As Dowling Catholic made another deep playoff run in 2024, [player_tooltip player_id='1240478' first='Joel' last='Sankoh'] emerged as an important cog against the run. Sankoh finished with 57.5 tackles (42 solo), 8 TFLs, and an interception. Sankoh's playstyle certainly fits more of a LB/Safety hybrid scheme than as a natural LB, and this position is where Sankoh shined on defense. Sankoh does an excellent job attacking downfield and closing space into the backfield quickly, even when lined up 10-15 yards from the ball, and he does a great job finding and attacking lanes between blockers to get to the RB, making him effective against both the run and short-pass game. Sankoh might find a better role as a slot DB/Safety in the college level, but Sankoh clearly has stood his ground as an effective run-stopper at the second level of the defense.     One of the more coveted LB prospects of this class in Iowa, [player_tooltip player_id='773219' first='Jacob' last='Breyfogle'] has the makings of a sturdy leader in the middle of the defense. Breyfogle finished last season with 59 tackles, 7 TFLs, and a sack. I was really impressed with how explosive Breyfogle was at the point of contact, seeming to lurk toward the ball-carriers before charging them within 2-3 yards and jarring them to the ground. Breyfogle has a good read step, playing with a steady base, and drives back ball-carriers with his lower body. Breyfogle has the potential to becoming a great MLB in the collegiate level, and a strong senior campaign could really help solidify that notion.     Staying in Sioux City East, the Raiders have another very promising LB prospect for the class of 2026 in [player_tooltip player_id='1619359' first='James' last='Hogancamp']. Hogancamp recorded 59 tackles, 2.5 TFLs, 2 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, and a pick returned for a touchdown last season. Hogancamp was lined up in a variety of positions last season, including on the line as an edge-rusher, playing as an Inside-LB, and being lined up outside in zone coverage. Hogancamp is an effective defender who uses his hands well to get off blocks and has solid tackling form, and he has proven to be quite great at forcing turnovers against his opponents. Hogancamp will return for a strong LB corps in 2025 that should continue to make things miserable for their opponents.     Davenport West suffered their first winless season since 2020, but the team held one of the most effective tacklers in the division in [player_tooltip player_id='1619384' first='Hunter' last='Bennett']. Bennett's 86.5 tackles ranked 4th in Class 5A last season, adding 4.5 TFLs and a sack. Bennett is a shifty defender with solid footwork that can navigate his way through the line to find the gaps to attack the ball-carrier. Bennett plays through contact pretty well, and he's almost guaranteed to bring down the ball-carrier every time he's in his vicinity. Bennett was one of the few bright spots for Davenport West last season, and he'll look to lead his team to a turnaround in 2025.

We wrap up our preview of the top senior LBs in Iowa by jumping up to the top division in the state, Class 5A, to look at some of the biggest names in the middle of the defense playing for the toughest division in the state. A lot of these names are overlooked that made a pretty big impact for their teams last season and have continue to carry distinctions as underrated for this class. We take a look at 6 of the top upcoming senior LBs in Class 5A Iowa to watch in 2025!