Iowa Class 1A Senior DL Watchlist for 2025

Returning to our glimpse of the upcoming senior DL names to watch out for across Iowa in 2025, we move up to our familiar Class 1A conference, which boasts several names that we've gotten used to over the course of last season, including some multi-purpose standouts who have shined just as much as pass-rushers and run-stuffers as they have at their premium positions. We take a look today at 5 names in Class 1A Iowa to watch out for as prowling pass-rushers this upcoming season!    A premium stud for the Trailblazers' defense, Julien Kramer stormed his way toward the top of the stat leaderboards last season en route to winning district defensive MVP honors last season. Kramer led all Class-1A defenders last season in sacks (10.5) to go along with 28.5 tackles, 12.5 TFLs, and 2 fumble recoveries. Kramer is dangerously fast off the snap, often being able to beat the Tackle to the outside and chase the QB down from behind for a loss last season. Kramer is versatile enough lining up as a natural DE lined up in front of the Tackle and as an off-ball LB, and he shows good hand work and a quick spin move to win against his blockers beyond from just his speed. Kramer should remain to be a disruptive force for Beckman Catholic's defense in 2025.     East Marshall has found quite a cog in the middle of their defensive line with the presence of Wyatt Stalzer. His 82.5 tackles last season not only led the Mustangs, but also were the most by a defensive-lineman in Class 1A last season. He also recorded 18.5 TFLs and a sack. Stalzer isn't a particularly big DT, but he's tenacious, and he proved quite difficult to contain in the run-game last season. Stalzer does a great job moving laterally and gaining leverage by catching his blockers off-balance. Stalzer plays with a fast first step, excellent bull-rush moves, and being able to chase down the ball-carrier outside of the box. Not to mention, Stalzer has much more strength than his size suggest, considering his max 400 lb squat and 285 lb bench, Stalzer is able to hold his ground against bigger blockers. If Stalzer can continue to build some mass over the course of the year, his stock should rise as an underrated commodity heading into the next recruiting class.     [player_tooltip player_id='1370717' first='Kane' last='Mahler-Moreno'] is one of the best pass-catchers in Class 1A Iowa heading into his senior year, but his size and versatility has allowed him to find significant success as an edge rusher as well. Moreno recorded 44.5 tackles (38 solo), 19.5 TFLs, 8.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and an interception in 2024. Moreno was a beast on the outside-edge, with his speed, power, and strong hands as a receiver translating well as an edge-rusher. Moreno was often able to find his way into the backfield almost untouched, forcing consistent pressure in the backfield, and he also flashed as an outside zone defender in shutting down the short-pass game. Moreno is a legitimate two-way player who can find success in either position at the next level.     We mentioned Ryder Slifer a lot last season as an effective Tackle, but Slifer also had a big presence on the other side of the trenches as he helped Grundy Center to a 3rd straight Class 1A title. Slifer recorded 39 tackles, 13 TFLs, and 6.5 sacks in 2024. While Slifer certainly seems undersized to be on the trenches, his lengthy wingspan and solid hand-fighting has allowed him to win on the edge, being able to reach RBs trying to pass by around the box and using his length to keep his blockers from holding him back. Slifer is a very good tackler, flashing some nice power in his hits, and he's also proven to be a solid presence on the punt-block team on special teams. Slifer can make an impact at all three levels of the game, and it will be interesting to see what role he will have at the next level.     [player_tooltip player_id='1241501' first='Gatlin' last='Rogers'] has garnered plenty of attention at his primary role as a TE, but he's made quite a lot of noise as a DE as well. Rogers recorded 39.5 tackles, 10.5 TFLs, and 5 sacks in 2024. Rogers is used to running through contact, and his film as an edge-rusher proved his ability to push blockers back and gain outside leverage to break the pocket and rush the QB. Beyond his success on offense and defense, Rogers plays a big role on their special teams, serving as their primary placekicker, and his successful onside kick against Regina Catholic in the Class 1A quarterfinal round proved critical in Wilton's first win against the Regals since 1988. Rogers is a stellar athlete who can come up clutch in the big situations, and that should bolster his stock as an all-purpose name for this upcoming class.

Returning to our glimpse of the upcoming senior DL names to watch out for across Iowa in 2025, we move up to our familiar Class 1A conference, which boasts several names that we've gotten used to over the course of last season, including some multi-purpose standouts who have shined just as much as pass-rushers and run-stuffers as they have at their premium positions. We take a look today at 5 names in Class 1A Iowa to watch out for as prowling pass-rushers this upcoming season!