Check Out These Iowa 2027s Preparing for Takeoff

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area   Every season is important for prep football players with aspirations of playing on the next level. It would be hard to argue any of them are more critical in the recruiting process than junior year, however.   Here's a look at a half dozen Iowa 2027s that can raise their stock in 2025:    Casiano flashed his sizable upside as a Toreador sophomore in 2024. He finished the campaign with 11.5 tackles (5 solo, 3.5 TFL) and a pair of sacks. When we pop on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19448490/686d3bc3da09ac1aa96a22a5">10th-grade highlight video</a>, there's a space-eater in the middle of a three-man front. Casiano absorbs blocking, holding the line. He's slick for a big guy, disengaging from blocks when the play comes his way while also having the ability to pursue. Casiano operates with good leverage and controls opponents with his hands. He's definitely one to watch this year and beyond.     Berka was credited with five solo tackles, two tackles for loss and a sack as a sophomore last season. The big guy also picked off a pass. He was just scratching the surface of his potential and a breakout could be in the offing in 2025 based on what we can see during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20164023/679c599d1536bbefe8dd8e90">10th-grade highlight</a> video. Berka is disruptive on the interior of the defensive front. He absorbs blocks and has a knack for disengaging at the right time. He's powerful with good leg drive and a strong upper body. Berka reports bench pressing 305 pounds with 450 on the squat and a 505 deadlift.     As a sophomore in 2024, Collis was a key part of a productive Clipper rushing attack. He finished the season with 283 yards and a touchdown on the ground. Collis also caught nine passes, including a score, chipped in with three solo tackles and returned a pair of kickoffs. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19761439/675118379f1c830df8139dc4">10th-grade highlight video</a> reveals a decisive runner that hits the hole hard and features a burst. Comfortable catching the ball out of the backfield, he can make defenders miss in space. Collis reports running a 4.67-second 40-yard dash, and lifting 200 pounds on the bench press and 315 on the squat.     Coley racked up 362 yards and five touchdowns as a complementary piece in a potent Cardinal rushing attack. He hauled in 12 catches for 200 yards and a score, showing he's dangerous with the ball in his hands. On his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19574315/Qhjuan-Coley/highlights">Hudl page</a>, Coley has clips and highlights from individual games. During that film, we witness a bigger back that can run over defenders but also one with elusiveness and wiggle. He looks very comfortable running routes as well. You'll want to have your head on a swivel as an opponent because if not Coley <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19574315/672e7ca5c32d5a463c724fb5">will lay you out</a>.     If he didn't already enjoy it, Arafa earned respect in the Ram community with key 24-yard field goals during the 5A semifinals and title game for the four-time defending champs. He also pulled off an onside kick in the semis. The sophomore connected on 5 of 6 field-goal attempts, hit on 40 of 43 extra points and recorded 15 touchdowns while kicking off. The latter certainly speaks to his leg strength, which also aids him on the soccer field. Arafa does well on the wrestling mat, too. You can watch a few of his clips on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/17765018/samer-arafa/highlights">Hudl page</a>. Arafa is one to watch this year.     Cooley certainly was a bright spot for the River Kings in 2024. The sophomore contributed to the cause in all three phases. He caught 18 passes for 126 yards and a touchdown. On defense, he came up with 13.0 tackles, 19 of which were of the solo variety. Cooley averaged 24.1 yards on 29 kicks returns, housing one from 89 yards, and handled punt returns, too. He qualified for the state track meet in the 100 meters, and also made it in the sprint medley and 4x200 relays. There's not a lot of film on Cooley's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19467367/Maddux-Cooley/highlights">Hudl page</a>. What is there reveals a versatile athlete capable of developing on either side of the ball for the next level. He certainly will be a special teams' asset, too.

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