Uncovering Uncommitted Gems in Iowa's '26 Class

We're rolling along with spring evaluations for in-state prospects that needed them or their previous reports called for updating. Check out Prep Redzone Iowa for recent write-ups.   Here's a new batch:    Mershon saw time in the D-Line rotation last season as the Tigers advanced to the Class 5A state championship game. He contributed a sack and a tackle for loss. Mershon eats space in the middle of the front, absorbing blocks and making plays when he's in position. He operates within the scheme, a critical factor in its success. Not the tallest guy in the trenches, Mershon has a low center of gravity, keeps his butt down and drives through the opponent. While his game is power-based, the senior-to-be showed us during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18059169/6751452d11000ebc6afb2078">junior highlight video</a> an interior lineman capable of running down a ball carrier.     Satterlee is an intriguing prospect thanks to his versatility and opportunity to reach his reasonably-high ceiling. He shows us quickness off the edge and a knack for keeping the play in front of him when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17845077/6723a1373008fe37548598a0">junior highlight video</a>. Satterlee isn't a one-trick pony, either. He gets off blocks effectively when crashing down on the running back. Satterlee would benefit by adding strength and filling out his frame, but the starter kit is there for future success at the position. As an 11th-grader, Satterlee produced 12 solo tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss and 5.0 sacks. Expect those numbers to rise considerably in 2025.     Wetjen stands out as a tough physical football player with a high-motor no matter where he lines up. It runs in the family. Last season, he operated at running back and defensive line. Wetjen rushed 40 times for 314 yards and six touchdowns, and caught nine passes for 105 yards and three scores. On defense, 13 of his 16.5 tackles were of the solo variety. He recorded 6.0 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. When we watch his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14948215/6798f1b96973609fd8e6ee05">junior highlight video</a>, he illustrates how he gets the job done. Wetjen runs the ball with power but can hit the gas when there's an opening or slip defenders. He also lines up at receiver. The one defensive clip on his video shows him setting up on the line and blowing up a play.     An injury limited Heemskerk to six games in 2024, but the versatile performer was able to flash upside when he was on the field. As he shows during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17986631/672042622263c2ba16a2456e">junior highlight video</a>, Heemskerk is a dangerous weapon with the ball in his hands. He turned 16 receptions into 165 yards and four touchdowns, while also chipping in on defense. Heemskerk biggest impact may have occurred on special teams, however. He returned 12 kicks for 298 yards (24.8 YPR) and averaged 15.9 yards on seven punt returns. It's a speed profile with football dog mixed in. He'll get into defenders when blocking and breaks tackles. As a receiver, Heemskerk operates best from the slot, where he can find holes in the middle of the field or get deep.     Another successful season in Monona saw the Bulldogs once again reach the postseason. Hanson was an important component in keeping the train rolling. He rushed for 633 yards (6.5 YPC) and six touchdowns with 10 receptions for 111 yards. On defense, he piled up 41.5 tackles (27 solo, 2.5 TFL) with two interceptions. Hanson illustrates how he gets the job done on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18224636/67bcf62e4a179353d25c0210">junior highlight video</a>. He stands out for his athleticism and physicality. A versatile safety, Hanson can deliver in coverage or come up against the run as a sure-handed tackler. He mixes power and speed as a ball carrier. At 6-3 with room to grow before filling out his frame, Hanson could help college programs at multiple positions.     Johnston brings good size and technique to the interior of the defense line. He eats up blocks and consistently disengages from them when the play comes his way. We see evidence of that skill set when watching his<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17955349/670e93f3b4747f4f453ac680"> junior highlight video</a>. Johnston brings usable size and strength to the interior of the defensive line already. However, his frame can comfortable add mass without him losing any of the quickness and athleticism that boosts his effectiveness. While Johnston's statistics won't bowl anyone over, understand he plays within the scheme where he frees up teammates to make tackles.

We're rolling along with spring evaluations for in-state prospects that needed them or their previous reports called for updating. Check out Prep Redzone Iowa for recent write-ups.