Evaluating Prime Prospects in Iowa's 2028 Class

The 2028 Class in Iowa already has impacted the prep football landscape. The talented group was poised to take it a step farther this coming campaign.   Here's a selection of student-athletes on which to keep an eye on in 2025:    Hailing from an athletic family, Kurtz contributed as a freshman for a Class 5A playoff team. That should get your attention. Put on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/21749257/672cfaa805488cbb1f0b9162">freshman highlight video</a>, and we witness why he worked on the top team during his first year of high school. Kurtz's speed provides an advantage against many opponents. It helps him corral ball carriers or run with receivers in the passing game. Kurtz reads the quarterback's eyes, tracks the ball well in the air and breaks on it quickly. He ended up with 13.0 tackles and an interception in '24 and a step forward is likely this coming season.     Daye is an intriguing prospect on both sides of the ball. When watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20691857/66ca09679a4450f13a6ab3bd">freshman highlight video</a>, we see him locking down opponents at cornerback. He consistently positions himself well and gets a good read on the quarterback. He tracks the ball in the air, breaking on it when it's time. Daye is smooth in his back pedal and flips his hips quickly in changing directions. He shows physicality against the run, sticking his nose on the ball and wrapping up when dropping opponents.     Coenen is like Lemuel Gulliver playing at the eight-player level. That's only a slight exaggeration. Witness it for yourself when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18293813/671dc60b280cd4555033f0b9">freshman highlight video</a>. With his size and speed, he's a tough matchup in the passing game. He can go by or over most defenders, and is particularly effective in the red zone . Coenen also contributes as a physical blocker in his team's rushing attack. His frame and athleticism could work on defense. They're also a possibility he'll grow into a tight end, where his talents would play up even more than at receiver.     Decena does it all for Centerville, as you can see during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22753013/66fef61d056fba6da497badc">freshman highlight video</a>. He operates out of the offensive backfield, where he can deliver big plays in the running game. Decena stresses defenses in the receiving game, too. He can get downfield and also make would-be tacklers miss in space. Defensively, he runs well sideline to sideline, covering a lot of ground at safety. He plays with physicality and is a technically sound tackler. With his skillset, Decena will be an asset on special teams.     Developing in one of the state's premier programs, Gard has a chance to be impactful. As a freshman, he scratched the surface of what he can be, setting up an opportunity for a breakout in his 10th-grade season. As we see when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22753013/66fef61d056fba6da497badc">2024 highlights</a>, Gard flashes excellent upside as an offensive tackle. He's athletic and moves his feet well, setting the foundation for success as he matures and develops. Gard uses sound technique in pass protection with balance and hand placement. He's also a mauler in the run game.     The <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22973639/67252f1d293ffa7899fdd9c2">freshman highlight video</a> shows Lass carving up the eight-player game as a receiver. He gets off of the line quickly, runs crisp routes and appears to be reliable. Lass wins 50-50 balls with leaping ability and strong hands, and can also make people miss in space. He's a physical receiver, which translates to the other side of the ball. Lass can lock up opponents in coverage or shut down the run game. He'll be one to watch in 2025.

The 2028 Class in Iowa already has impacted the prep football landscape. The talented group was poised to take it a step farther this coming campaign.