Scouting In-State Juniors Prepared for Primetime

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A new season is quickly approaching. Updated rankings are being released, and we'll be kicking off preseason coverage before long.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's still June, however. There's plenty of time to keep rolling out student-athlete evaluations as we grow our data base here at Prep Redzone Iowa.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at a group of juniors deserving of reports on their profile pages, which they now have:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":[1677050],"_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-68587ac97fb46"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dreyer took the next step in his developmental journey in style. As a sophomore in 2024, he produced 16.5 tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. On his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19915244/6725a0814a6314941164c004">10th-grade highlight video</a>, Dreyer illustrates how he delivers. Already a key contributor, Dreyer is a kid with plenty of room to grow before reaching his potential. His frame can add mass without him sacrificing agility and athleticism, and his technique can be sharpened. Dreyer looks seasoned beyond his years in terms of knowing his assignments. Operating within the framework of the Wolves' scheme, he sets the edge and plays his lane with discipline. Dreyer's strength and active hands help him separate from blocks and quickness prevents offensive linemen from locking him up most times, anyway. Dreyer is a legit breakout candidate for 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1688977"],"_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-68596bf5712be"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">If you haven't heard about Keely, allow us to introduce you to this small-town Iowa athletic marvel. As a sophomore in 2024, he earned first-team all-district honors in football and basketball. Keely then won the Class 1A state high jump championship with a leap of 6-8 in May. On the gridiron, Keely caught 24 balls for 347 yards and a touchdown, and added 26 yards rushing on 5 attempts. He recorded 27.5 tackles, intercepted five passes and averaged 27.5 yards on 10 kick returns with a pair of scores. Speed certainly is a big part of his game, as we witness when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23260709/672cf5d48165b1e1f11a3e17">10th-grade highlight video</a>. It especially stands out on returns He adds crisp routes to it in delivering as a receiver, and solid technique when lining up in the secondary.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1696575"],"_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-685af98d3d436"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bridgewater impacted games in all three phases as a sophomore in 2024. He caught 20 passes for 493 yards and four touchdowns. On defense, Bridgewater delivered 42.0 tackles (29 solo, 7.0 TFL), 3.0 sacks and a pair of interceptions. He also handled kick-off and place-kicking duties. It feels like Bridgewater is just starting to scratch the surface of his sizable upside. That's the vibe when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22169387/6733b270816c6a4e0ed72853">10th-grade highlight video</a>. Bridgewater is a tough matchup at tight end due to his size, speed and athleticism. It's a starter kit to be special at that position. It also works when he's coming off of the edge. He's long-limbed and agile. Bridgewater is, without question, one to watch in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1699480"],"_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-6860231172c46"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Heelan has long been one of the top producers of talent in this state. Every year, the roster is packed with college-level prospects. Baker appears to be among the next guys in line to keep that train rolling. Operating on the junior varsity last year, Baker flashed upside, as we can witness when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23090275/671d3872cd261424dab98417">sophomore highlight video</a>. He releases the ball quickly with zip and accuracy. Baker gets through his progressions in a timely manner and has the arm to stretch the field. While not a runner, Baker moves well and keeps play alive off schedule. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1699600"],"_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-68606ea955c53"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In a program that can get overlooked for its consistently sound development of talent, Holle appears to be a guy benefitting from that process. While he doesn't have a sophomore highlight video, Holle's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23449065/Matthew-Holle/highlights">Hudl page</a> does house individual game film from last season. Lining up mostly at right offensive tackle, Holle stands out for his strength and power. He often gets into his opponent's chest right off of the snap, using leverage and sound hand placement to control him. Holle's footwork is smooth and allows him to stay in front of his guy in pass protection. Holle is one to watch in 2025, when a breakout definitely is on the table. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1699707"],"_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-6860960ccbfa8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Birt contributed on both sides of the ball as a sophomore in 2024. On defense, he recorded 14.0 tackles working on the front. He absorbed blocks and offered promise at the position. Birt's performance on the offensive line might better foreshadow his future, however. As we can witness when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19665468/67bce4b3574b69d25f1cad3e">10th-grade highlight video</a>, Birt is a mauler. He operates at left tackle, showing a high proficiency in run blocking. It could portend a future on the inside at the next level. His agility and strength would play up on the interior. That's not to rule out tackle, but it speaks to Birt's talent that he projects at multiple positions. That versatility should attract colleges.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->