Iowa City West Loaded with Iowa Connections, D1 Talent

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Trojans are back with a barrage of D1-bound athletes and prospects connected to the Iowa Hawkeye football program. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1038029"],"_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-687feff4034e7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Considered "a beast" by Head Coach Garrett Hartwig, [player_tooltip player_id='1038029' first='James' last='Barnett'] -- the son of Iowa offensive line coach, George Barnett -- will be in position to start at center for the Trojans this season. In addition to playing some defense, the middle school national champion shot-put thrower and top-three finisher at state as a freshman will have a chance to follow in the footsteps of [player_tooltip player_id='1238174' first='Colin' last='Whitters'] as the next great Iowa City West offensive lineman.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With the explosion required to be so prolific as a thrower, plus his genetic makeup and the opportunity to learn from Whitters again this season, Barnett is on an excellent trajectory toward playing football at the Power 4 level. As long as he continues to fill out his frame and work on his consistency snapping the ball, Barnett's debut season on varsity should be a good one.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1692024"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1723769,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-687feff403562"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">On the fringes of being a Division I receiver or defensive back, [player_tooltip player_id='1692024' first='Henry' last='Elser'] will soon visit Drake and St. Thomas, each Pioneer League programs. A long receiver that moves decently well, Elser will be a good fit with either program or at the Division II level. At 6'1", the height is there to move into an X or Z receiver role, and he'll need to continue to add weight, as he currently resides around 165 pounds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Last season, Elser did a little bit of everything, hauling in 25 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns, registering 17.5 tackles and an interception on defense, returning 18 kickoffs for 390 yards and five punts for 57 yards. He will look to fill in on both sides of the ball and be more productive following the departure of Mason Woods, who is headed to Iowa.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1234337"],"_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-687feff4035b4"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">After missing last year with a torn ACL, [player_tooltip player_id='1234337' first='Mason' last='Goering'] will unfortunately miss his senior year of football after undergoing another surgery. Injured at South Dakota State's prospect camp after impressing the coaches, Goering was set to break onto the scene as a receiver, defensive back and/or quarterback for the Trojans this fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Still holding an offer from D2 Sioux Falls, who has remained high on him despite his injury history, Goering will have a future in football despite his current unfortunate circumstances.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1238635"],"_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-687feff403601"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">One of the more overlooked weapons on West's roster, [player_tooltip player_id='1238635' first='Ethan' last='Headings'] is set to have another uber-productive fall after posting 58 tackles and ten receptions for 176 yards and four scores last fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Like Elser, Headings should be able to take advantage of the departure of Woods on both sides of the ball. A hard-hitting nickel-type defensive back, Headings calling card will be on the defensive side of the field. One could tell during practice on Tuesday that he is chomping at the bit to hit somebody. His versatility as a DB shined when he was sent on a blitz on a simulated 3rd and 20 and found himself in the backfield with ease, while also covering receivers like Velcro in one-on-one drills. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The same could be said of his abilities as a receiver, given that he took a short slant 50-yards to the house, breaking away from the defense and running away for the score. His straight line speed and intentional movements will pay dividends for he and the Trojans on both sides of the ball in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1361350"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":["override_image"],"_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":1725503,"_player_evaluations_0_player_featured_image":"field_62f141137ead9","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-687feff40364b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Another son of a coach on the Iowa staff -- and an Iowa legacy -- Abdul "AJ" Hodge Jr. is set to see the field in a consistent role for the first time this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One can tell just by watching Hodge move that he is a D1 caliber athlete. With smooth movements and fluid hips, Hodge will be looked to as a leader on the defensive side of the ball for the Trojans this fall. A natural athlete with an excellent frame and speed, Hodge has the potential to be one of the best defensive backs in the state. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>It's easy to grasp that he's a coach's kid, too. Always talking and hyping up his teammates, Hodge never gets too low on his guys and works to help them the best he can. Not quite at the P4 level yet, Hodge "has the work ethic to get there" according to Hartwig. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1238512"],"_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-687feff4036a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The No. 3 prospect in the state and a huge get for the Hawkeyes in the class of 2026, [player_tooltip player_id='1238512' first='Julian' last='Manson'] is yet another Iowa legacy on this list as the son of former Iowa quarterback and assistant offensive coach, Jason Manson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">He certainly inherited excellent football genes from his father, as Manson 100% looks the part of a future All-Big Ten linebacker. Set to play the mike position for the Hawkeyes, Manson will have the opportunity to follow in the illustrious lineage of the position, including players like Jay Higgins, Jack Campbell and Josey Jewell. He's long, physical, quick to react and smart -- all traits that bode well for his future with the Hawkeyes. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">In his final season at Iowa City West, Manson will serve as a wide receiver-tight end hybrid, as well as the anchor of the Trojan defense in the middle. One of the top performers in the state on both sides of the field last season, Manson is coming off 53 catches for 867 yards and 13 touchdowns, along with a team-leading 86.5 tackles. <br></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1238174"],"_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-687feff4036ea"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The second Iowa commit in the 2026 class, [player_tooltip player_id='1238174' first='Colin' last='Whitters'] is the near-exact prototype of what Barnett looks for in his offensive line recruits. An athletic big man that plays defensive line and took home the 5A state championship in shot put, Whitters has some twitchiness and explosion to him that had Iowa State and Kansas State after him, as well.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The big guy that brings some light-hearted comedy to the sidelines and practice, Whitters doesn't mess around when the pads come on. Any opposing defensive lineman that matches up with the 6'4", 300-pound guard is in for a long night of pummeling at the hands of the future Hawkeye.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The third-ranked offensive linemen in the state, Whitters will join the No. 1 OL in Iowa, [player_tooltip player_id='1221926' first='Carson' last='Nielsen'], as Hawkeyes, and the pair have a bright future ahead of them. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->