IA 2026s On The Rise This Spring

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   With a big summer just around the corner, we are working hard to update our evaluations of prospects across the state of Iowa. We hope to cover as much ground as possible before summer camps and visits start.   Here are five junior prospects with stock trending upwards!   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    <a href="https://x.com/paxtonblanch4rd" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@paxtonblanch4rd)</a>   Lewis Central's [player_tooltip player_id='1620003' first='Paxton' last='Blanchard'] was due for a re-evaluation after a super impressive Combine Series performance that earned him LB MVP honors. The incoming senior led the Titans' defense last season with 68 total tackles, 18.5 TFLs, two sacks, two fumble recoveries, and an interception. Paxton's intensity stands out immediately, as he plays with the fiery motor you like to see from your inside linebackers. He has a fast first step that helps him shoot his gaps very quickly, and plays with effective hands when engaged with blockers at the line of scrimmage. Once he's worked his way into the backfield, Blanchard displays the closing speed to chase down ball carriers and reduce big plays from the offense. Paxton also plays great in space, showing his natural instincts in coverage and the ability to make open-field tackles. Physical tackler at the point of attack. Blanchard ran a 4.8 40-yard dash and had an 8'11" broad jump. Definitely a player teams need to start looking at ASAP!      <a href="https://x.com/FeeleyTaevon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@FeeleyTaevon)</a>   The Dodgers' defense could emerge as one of the more stingy groups in 4A with a solid core of returning players. One prospect to watch from that group is [player_tooltip player_id='1620084' first='Taevon' last='Feeley'], who was a key part of the secondary. Feeley ended his junior season with 42 tackles, four TFLs, and a pick-six. Although the available tape from Taevon's junior season is limited, what I did see was highly impressive as he displayed a solid mix of next-level measurables, football IQ, and range. At 6'3", 170 lbs, Taevon is a taller cornerback with a lengthy frame that allows him to match up well with anyone. He does an excellent job using his length to his advantage by getting his hands up to disrupt passes in the air and popping it out of the opposing receiver's hands. Feeley showed that he can pick up on route concepts very well and can adjust his coverage on the fly. Very willing and physical tackler who can shake off perimeter blocks to shut down outside runs.      <a href="https://x.com/Eastonvc52" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Eastonvc52)</a>   Gilbert's [player_tooltip player_id='1636920' first='Easton' last='Van Cleave'] was another Combine Series standout, giving us a glimpse at what to expect next season. Van Cleave will be back in the Tigers' trenches, ready to follow up on his 30 tackles, four TFLs, and two sacks from last season. Easton is listed as a DL, but looks like he could play a hybrid DE/OLB role where he can apply pressure when firing off the edge. Van Cleave has a solid get-off that allows him to build speed with his rush before using his hands to swat away at blocks and continue his pursuit. He displays nice lateral mobility as he sets the edge and defends the run. Very good motor that keeps him fighting through the whistle. Easton posted an impressive 7.43 L-drill and a 4.66 shuttle drill. Solid prospect to add to your radar!      <a href="https://x.com/jailen_coleman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@jailen_coleman)</a>   Keeping on the trend of showcase standouts, Waterloo East's [player_tooltip player_id='1654727' first='Jailen' last='Coleman'] also had an eye-opening performance that should earn him a spot in the upcoming rankings update. Coleman ended his junior season with 26.5 tackles, a TFL, and an interception. Despite being "undersized," Jailen showed he can play bigger than his frame with great technique and toughness. Coleman is a smooth operator at cornerback, displaying fluid hips that allow him to change direction on a drop and quick, clean footwork from his backpedal to his breaks on the ball. He reads receivers well and has developed a great instinct for tracking the ball. Good hands make him a threat to snag the pass for himself. Jailen posted times of 4.78 40-yard dash, 4.32 shuttle drill, 9'4" broad jump, and a 7.5 l-drill, showing his athleticism and shiftiness.      <a href="https://x.com/MeinersCameron" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@MeinersCameron)</a>   Ankeny Centennial's [player_tooltip player_id='1234335' first='Cameron' last='Meiners'] is a candidate to be one of the top breakout players of the summer with a good camp cycle. So far this spring, Cameron has been consistent with impressive 7v7 performances that give us a glimpse of the player he can become. Cameron stands out immediately with his 6'5", 205-pound frame with excellent length to give him a massive catch radius. To go with his measurables, Meiners also does a good job elevating when high-pointing the ball, giving him an even bigger size/reach advantage over defenders. He showed in a few clips that he has the versatility to attack all levels of the field, giving you a reliable target over the middle and someone who can go deep and snag the jump ball. Strong hands at the catch point.    <figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper"> https://twitter.com/MeinersCameron/status/1914007538971877844 </div></figure>   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

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