Analyzing Awesome Athletes in Iowa's 2027 Class

If you're a Prep Red Zone Iowa regular, you're probably aware of our offseason mission. We're watching as many highlights as possible and producing evaluations off of those viewings.   Here are a half dozen Class of 2027 student-athletes we looked up:    Haedt's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19887249/67202b148979326bf26fa2d7">sophomore highlight video</a> features a lot of simple football. It shows him taking snaps at quarterback and running through the defense for large gains. With a burst, Haedt finds open lanes with good vision and anticipation. He has another gear in the open field. Haedt proves to be a dangerous passer on other clips. His arm is strong and he sees the field well. It'd be wise to keep an open mind with Haedt. He could continue developing at quarterback. The athleticism that powers him at that position would allow him to move off of it, too.     Hansen played an important role as a do-it-all contributor as a sophomore in 2025. He completed all three passes he threw, rushed for five touchdowns, caught five balls, had five solo tackles and returned a couple of kicks. Hansen's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19574284/67d06f9a392e2cf61a394f0e">sophomore highlight video</a> reveals a weapon when he's carrying the ball. He blends power, speed and elusiveness to gain yards. Hansen contributes on special teams, too. He looks like a prime breakout candidate after the Cardinals' graduation losses.     Hawley did about everything other than work the concession stand during games last season. The sophomore rushed for a pair of touchdowns, caught 22 passes for 350 yards and five scores, collected 20.0 tackles (15 solo, 1.0 TFL), picked off two balls and returned two kickoff for TDs. When we pop on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19653882/676593e7a232c3c8c267ea23">sophomore highlight video</a>, we witness how Hawley gets the job done. An impressive burst makes him dangerous with the rock in his hands. Hawley impresses as a receiver running sharp routes and beating defenders.     Helming completed nine of 10 passes and a touchdown as a sophomore backing up a senior on the varsity. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18266440/67579d25b429567550e73afd">sophomore highlight video </a>contains varsity and junior varsity clips. Helming gets the ball out quick with zip. He has a knack for throwing on the run with accuracy and does a nice job of feeling the rush. With touch, Helming shows good ball placement. All the tools are present for Helming to enjoy a breakout season in 2025.     As a sophomore in 2025, Hilton paced Indianola in receptions (22), receiving yards (399) and touchdown receptions (4). He also averaged 22.3 yards on 10 kick returns. Hilton's s<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19747180/672136952d0ba3287ff2b601">ophomore highlight video</a> reveals is a technician from the slot. He runs precise routes and shows impressive quickness. He's shifty in space and also can outrun defenders. Hilton also operates well on the outside with the capability to stretch the field.     Playing in the program that's won four Class 5A state championships in a row, Hinze has developed in one of Iowa's top operations. When we hit play on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18606018/6719a0f8ef475c09901f986c">sophomore highlight video</a>, we see a prospect capable of contributing to continued success in Pleasant Hill. Hinze appears comfortable as a safety able to stick in coverage or put a lick on the ball carrier. He diagnoses what he's seeing from the offense quickly, putting him in position to deliver regularly for his team.

If you're a Prep Red Zone Iowa regular, you're probably aware of our offseason mission. We're watching as many highlights as possible and producing evaluations off of those viewings.