PRZIA ’26 Rankings Update Position Breakdown: ATH

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: OscarGalindo30 in the coupon code area.   The final set of rankings is officially out with the latest <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2026-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Class of 2026 rankings</a> update! This was a massive update, featuring over 150 new players, which brought our total to 478 ranked prospects and more than 250 watchlist players. As we have done with the recent updates, Rob and I will conduct position breakdowns, covering some of the top prospects in each positional group and providing insights into their recruitment and film analysis.   The next group for review is the versatile wonders known as the ATHs! These players have shown their ability to play multiple positions and project well at several positions (or sports) at the collegiate level.   <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />    <a href="https://x.com/realEvanAllie" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@realEvanAllie)</a>   Algona's [player_tooltip player_id='1240413' first='Evan' last='Allie'] is not only one of the top available senior prospects but also one of the more interesting players in the state. The Bulldog's athlete proved to be a threat from anywhere on the field after recording 36 receptions, 786 receiving yards, 123 rushing yards, eight receiving touchdowns, and a rushing touchdown. Allie projects best as a receiver but also possesses the athleticism and versatility to be utilized in creative ways in the offense, such as carrying the ball. He's a dangerous slot receiver who is too fast and quick for slower LBs and safeties, using his crisp route running to create separation and his breakaway speed (4.37 40-yard dash) to add yardage after the catch. Evan also impressed with the physicality and aggressiveness he shows when attacking the ball, displaying the willingness to go up to the high point of the ball and the toughness to hold on through contact. He can attack all three levels of the field. Allie was just as much of a menace on defense and special teams, where he recorded 24 tackles, a TFL, five interceptions (2 TDs), and a punt return for a touchdown. He is a very smooth and fluid cornerback who plays with a high football IQ. He does an excellent job diagnosing the play while having the confidence in his ball skills to break on the ball and win at the catch point. Great closing speed and a secure open-field tackler. Evan has received offers from Concorida-St. Paul, Northwestern College, Upper Iowa, and Sioux Falls. A great athlete ready to make an impact at the next level!      <a href="https://x.com/LesterCaden11" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@LesterCaden11)</a>   Bishop Heelan's [player_tooltip player_id='1242255' first='Caden' last='Lester'] is a prospect I think should be getting more looks his way, but he should be able to change that with another strong season. Caden stood out on both sides of the ball last season as he recorded nine receptions, 202 receiving yards, three receiving touchdowns, 28.5 tackles, five interceptions (one TD), and a fumble recovery. Caden has a massive frame at 6'4" and 210 pounds, which allows him to create mismatches on offense and hit like a battering ram on defense. His bigger frame makes it harder for defenders to challenge him coming off the line and at the catch point. Lester gets off the ball very well and shows his ability to eat up a defender's cushion as he gets vertical. Very strong hands to hold on through contact. I was also surprised by how well Caden can move, showing a nice burst after the catch. This mobility also translates to defense, where he can cover a good chunk of the field with his range and quickness. He does an excellent job reading the QB's eyes and has some impressive plays where he baited them into bad throws that resulted in picks. Caden currently holds offers from Upper Iowa, Northern State, Sioux Falls, Wayne State, and Grand View. Overall, Lester proved to be well-rounded as a safety, with strong instincts in coverage and the discipline to step up and fit the run.      <a href="https://x.com/ianmiddleton_1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@ianmiddleton_1)</a>   Dowling Catholic's [player_tooltip player_id='856072' first='Ian' last='Middleton'] is a prospect primed to blow up this season as he takes on an expanded role. Middleton served as a backup RB last season, where he recorded 50 carries, 216 rushing yards, and five rushing touchdowns. Middleton was also a big piece of the defense with 28 tackles, 12 TFLs, and eight sacks. Offensively, I envision Ian playing a FB role, where he can utilize his blocking skills to create lanes for his backfield mate while also being effective in short-yardage situations as the ball carrier. He has a powerful base and leg drive that allow him to keep his balance as he bounces off would-be tacklers. He displays enough quickness to make sharp jump cuts and hit open gaps when he sees them. Solid hands make him a threat out of the backfield or from the H-back spot. I can also see a role for him on the defensive side of the ball, given his intense motor that runs from snap to whistle. He's not the biggest defender out there, but his strong, compact frame makes him a handful for opposing linemen to contain at the LOS. Middleton can win with finesse or power, and then uses his tireless pursuit to track down ball carriers/QBs to make splash plays in the backfield. Ian has received offers from Upper Iowa, Sioux Falls, and Grand View.      <a href="https://x.com/BraysonMulder" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@BraysonMulder)</a>   The Royals will look to make another deep playoff run next season and will have studs like ATH [player_tooltip player_id='1242834' first='Brayson' last='Mulder'] to lead the way. Mulder returns as the team's leading rusher from last season, recording 139 carries, 969 rushing yards, 197 receiving yards, and 14 touchdowns. Mulder also recorded 16 tackles, 3.5 TFLs, 2.5 sacks, and a 40-yard fumble return for a touchdown. Right off the bat, Brayson stands out physically with his strong 6'4", 210-pound frame that looks like he could continue adding mass. Brayson's mix of athleticism, size, and versatility intrigues me because I can see him playing several positions at the next level, including H-back, TE, WR, outside/inside linebacker, or defensive end. Brayson is a natural playmaker with the ball in his hands, using his vision to find openings in the defense and exploding through them. He is very tough and can power through contact to keep himself upright to fight for more yardage. Excellent nose for the endzone. Defensively, Brayson plays with a great motor and showed potential of becoming a terror coming off the edge. Mulder holds offers from Peru State and Midland. High upside prospect!      <a href="https://x.com/CottonTorian" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@CottonTorian)</a>   After some late transfers, it seems like senior [player_tooltip player_id='1241491' first='Torian' last='Cotton'] looks set to be the main target for the Little Cyclones going into the fall. Cotton had a solid junior season in which he hauled in 12 receptions for 282 yards and a receiving touchdown. At 6'3", 195 pounds, Torian is a big-bodied receiver who can dominate on the boundary as your primary X receiver. His basketball background enables him to elevate effectively when high-pointing the ball and allows him to be physical when battling with DBs at the catch point. Great job tracking the ball on deep passes with the speed to get under them. Cotton's long strides also help him reach his top speed quickly after hauling in the catch, making him a threat to breakaway for a solid gain. Torian's experience and athleticism could also see him play a bigger role at defensive back this season, depending on their depth at the position. Overall, a solid athlete who is still just scratching the surface!     <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />   Make sure to follow @PRZ_OscarG for more news on Nebraska and Iowa HS recruiting.

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