Checking In On Interesting Iowa Juniors with Upside

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:    Bockholt took a step forward in his development as a sophomore last year. He connected on 4 of 9 field-goal attempts with a long make from 41 yards out in 2024. Among his 47 kickoffs were four touchbacks, and he converted 24 of 30 points after touchdowns. Two of Bockholt's field goals along with soccer goal highlights can be watched on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19461498/gavin-bockholt/highlights">Hudl page</a>. The 41-yarder is a no-doubter down the middle and it <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19461498/67ed7c6ca2517c4ac9b013a5">created a lot of excitement</a>. Kohl's Kicking <a href="https://www.kohlskicking.com/national-player-ratings/kickers/2027">ranks him a 4-star</a>, saying he flashed solid power and sound technical skills in both field goals and kickoffs during its 2025 national scholarship camp. He boomed a 73-yard kickoff with a 3.41-second hang time.     Wesselmann chipped in a couple of solo tackles on defense, but did most of his work on an offense that ranked fifth overall in the state with 3,719 rushing yards. As we can witness during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16874596/67b6bf537b26059be32c509f">sophomore highlight video</a>, Wesselmann handled his business like a veteran up front. It earned him all-district honors. He stands out for his athleticism and agility. With a frame that looks like it can comfortably fill out more without the loss of those traits, Wesselmann also has a high ceiling to go with current production. Wesselmann moves well and appears technically sound with room for growth there as well.     Bacino played a key role when the Comets soared to 4A state championship in an unbeaten season. They ranked sixth among all Iowa teams with 3,680 rushing yards in 2024 with he and the offensive line paving the way. Bacino houses several interesting highlight videos on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/16581366/Hunter-Bacino/highlights">Hudl page</a>, including a <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16581366/675079ec3738464375310230">playoff package</a>. On it, we witness a well-rounded blocker at left tackle. The first clip shows fluid movements and active hands in pass protection. His run-blocking clips display impressive power and an ability to work in space. Bacino has the skills to be able to shift inside if a college saw him fitting best there.     Cathcart is a good all-around athletes, which he showed in 2024 during the Comets' run to a 4A state championship. He even kicked off with seven touchbacks. Cathcart did his best work on defense, where he contributed 14.5 tackles (9 solo) and intercepted four passes. He also caught a couple of balls on offense. During his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16581304/6761d14e184ecdc3f3492c31">sophomore highlight video</a>, Cathcart identifies what's coming pre-snap and then diagnoses plays as they unfold, often putting himself in position to make plays, especially in coverage. His height, long arms and ability to change directions could make him viable playing slot corner, too.     Niehouse has video highlights from eight 2024 games on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19452232/jamison-niehouse/highlights">Hudl page</a>. They're broken into the first four games and then Weeks 5-8, which illustrated growth when watching chronologically. Niehouse stood out defensively with 33.5 tackles (26 solo, 6.5 TFL), a half sack and two interceptions as a sophomore last fall. He impresses with his commitment to making plays within the framework of the Bobcat scheme. He can set the edge or deliver by picking his way through traffic up the middle. Niehouse gets off of blocks well and impressed with his speed sideline to sideline.     Van Roekel got his feet wet on the Toreador defense a year ago and could be ready for a breakout with more opportunity in 2025. Five of his 9.5 tackles last season were of the solo variety, and he also produced 2.5 stops for loss and a sack. While his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19448475/Jonathan-Van-Roekel/highlights">Hudl page</a> lacks a sophomore highlight video, it houses clips from three individual games. On them, we witness an intriguing prospect with sizable upside. Van Roekel looks fluid coming off of the edge with a burst and balance. He utilizes good leverage and has the strength to disengage quickly from blocks when the play comes his way. Van Roekel is, no doubt, one to watch this season.

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