Juniors-to-Be Poised for Breakouts in 2025

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We march on in our quest to evaluate as many players as possible this offseason. So, if you've been procrastinating about putting your 2024 highlight video together, now would be a good time. If there's no film, we can't share what you bring to the field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at juniors-to-be that show breakout potential for 2025: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1197489"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6810e9557ad45"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Mount Ayr enjoyed a successful 2024 season on the strength of veterans and talented underclassmen like Thompson. The sophomore contributed all around the field with 933 yards (7.3 YPR) and eight touchdowns rushing, nine receptions for 223 yards (24.8 YPC) and a pair of scores, 29.5 tackles (22 solo) and a kick return TD. When we pop on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19681079/672d2c9bc7012eeddc165d6f">10th-grade highlight video</a>, he shows us how he came about those statistics. In the first two clips, he brings the kick back for the score and then rips off a long scoring run off a toss. In both instances, his burst and open-field speed proves too much for the opposition. Elsewhere on the film, his vision helps him find running lanes. The Raiders get the ball in his hands, which is a great idea. He could continue as a running back but his skillset works at other positions, too.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1652778"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6810e9557adb6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Haug experienced some growing pains as a first-year varsity starter in 2024, but he also flashed upside that could see him take a big step forward this coming season. As we witness while viewing his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19653475/673548ce2a3468f40b14fc50">sophomore highlight video</a>, his strong arm allows him to make all of the throws that stress defenses. It's a matter of finding consistency as he develops. Haug is technically sound with his throwing motion, release and ability to pass on the run rolling out in both directions. His athleticism and speed make him a threat in the running game, where he racked up 200 yards (5.3 YPC) and a score on the ground. With experience under his belt, Haug is a player to watch in '25.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1269106"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6810e9557ae04"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Tamayo-Lopez's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18221852/6711c92efe0b63473e23e469">sophomore highlight video</a> reveals an intriguing talent we could be hearing from a lot more in the coming seasons. He's a well-rounded runner that's patient and allows his blocks to set up. Once the hole opens up, Tamayo-Lopez darts through it and accelerates impressively into the second level and beyond. While not the biggest back, he runs with power and keeps his legs churning, which helps break tackles. His balance and sharp cuts make him tough to corral in space. Cedar Falls has a long history of producing brilliant ball carriers, and Tamayo-Lopez looks like he could be another one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1616415"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6810e9557ae62"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A prospect poised for a significant step forward this coming season, Skarnulis flashed his upside during a 2024 campaign that saw him record 23.5 tackles (11 solo, 2.5 TFL). His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19428164/67642d49bf2ea578356efc18">sophomore highlight video</a> illustrates how he succeeds. His foundation is physicality, making sure the opponents feels him on each tackle. Skarnulis also plays with good tempo. He looks athletic in his movements and shows a nice burst to the ball. Skarnulis also appears dangerous with the ball in his hands and could interest coaches at the next level as a running back/slot receiver type.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1199302"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6810e9557aec1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Waukee brings back a lot of production from last year's playoff squad, and the Warriors will be adding talent from its lower levels. Simpson fits into that latter group after enjoying a productive season of development on the sophomore team. As he shows on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19467138/67266b5674039550a2162248">2024 highlight video</a>, Simpson looks like someone who can definitely help the varsity on defense and special teams this coming campaign. He's an active linebacker that diagnoses plays quickly and makes his way to the ball in good time. Simpson operates within the defensive scheme and carries out his assignments instead of going rogue. Physicality is a prominent part of his game. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1207822"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6810e9557af1e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sophomore highlights are limited for Shields on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18664569/Sam-Shields/highlights">Hudl page</a>. I wanted to evaluate what film was on there because he produced on the varsity of a top program as a 10th-grader, however. Shields registered 16.5 tackles (14 solo, 1.0 TFL) with a fumble recovery and an interception. There are three clips available on Hudl. On one, he reads the play and comes up to stick a running quarterback. Shields then defends a pass thrown into the end zone. On the third play, he comes off of the edge and then runs down the ball carrier while displaying impressive speed. Hopefully we get more Shields' footage moving forward because the starter kit is here for a bright future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->