Class 5A Senior DL Watchlist for 2025

Rounding out our search of the top upcoming senior DL prospects in Iowa, we move to the top conference once again, Class 5A, where we take a look at a group of names that have ranked among the very best DL names across Iowa for this upcoming class and will look to make a big presence on the trenches playing in the toughest conference in the state. We take a look today at 8 senior DL prospects in Class 5A Iowa to watch out for in 2025!    [player_tooltip player_id='856405' first='Jack' last='Ohman'] had a strong presence for Sioux City East's defense last season, surging by the end of the year as one of the top DL names in Iowa heading into the class of 2026. Ohman recorded 33 tackles, 9.5 TFLs, 6 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries last season. Ohman uses his size and frame really well on the trenches, being able to get his hands on the blocker first and gain leverage to the outside and inside with his length. Ohman took reps both at a natural DE position and in the interior as a DT. Ohman is able to reach the RB trying to get by him and make the tackle before he can get far, and he's shown a solid combination of pass-rush moves to win on the edge with more than just his reach. Ohman is also ranked as one of the top basketball prospects in Iowa playing as a power forward, and he may end up finding a successful path at the next level playing either sport.     [player_tooltip player_id='1361747' first='David' last='Fason'] is a bit undersized at the DE position, but his tenacity and hard-nosed play makes up for it as he's been a force to be reckoned with for the Hawks. Fason recorded 40.5 tackles (29 solo), 14.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries in 2024. At TE, Fason was also the team's leading receiver with 519 yards on 35 catches and 13 touchdowns. Fason is an explosive edge that does a good job at attacking the inside shoulder, being able to plug up the opponent's run-game, doing a great job at shedding blockers and showing great form on his tackling ability. Fason could build a bit of weight to fuel his presence on the line, but he's a rock-solid run-supporting DE who's will remain to be a vital cog for the Hawks' defense in 2025.     [player_tooltip player_id='856072' first='Ian' last='Middleton'] may be a smaller DE, but his speed and impressive strength from the lower body has allowed him to excel as a pass-rusher to make up for his size. Middleton recorded 28 tackles (21 solo), 12 TFLs, and 8 sacks in 2024. With a 4.62 40 yard time, Middleton was able to outrun his opponents quite a bit in the run-game, and that speed translated well as a pass-rusher, as his blockers barely had little time to set their blocks, with Middleton getting around them very easily. Middleton was able to cut back and shift through open gaps to get into the backfield, much like a RB cutting into the open space, being able to quickly cover up open gaps, and he's a hard tackler who's not afraid to shy from contact. Middleton plays his edge position like a RB in many ways, and it's worked very well for him for the most part, and he will likely remain to be one of the most explosive and dangerous pass-rushers to watch out for in Class 5A this season.     Staying in Dowling Catholic, we take a look at Middleton's running mate in the pass-rushing corps, [player_tooltip player_id='1619297' first='Ryan' last='Bobo']. Bobo recorded 32 tackles (25 solo), 10 TFLs, 6 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries last season. Much like Middleton, Bobo isn't a physically imposing edge-rusher, but he wins with speed and smart pursuit angles, showing the ability to move from the outside edge to the A-gap and plug the middle, to containing the outside-run, while also being able to pursue the ball-carrier going the opposite direction of him. Bobo had a huge presence during the team's postseason run, and in their semifinal loss to Valley, Bobo had 2 TFLs and 2 sacks in the game, showcasing his ability to step up in the big games. The Maroons have a strong one-two punch in their pass-rush unit that may help give them team a push toward making another deep playoff run.     [player_tooltip player_id='1619389' first='Kenyon' last='Purnell'] was nearly unguardable in the interior, which made him a perfect rock for the Wildcats' run defense. Purnell finished with 38 tackles (32 solo) and 18.5 TFLs in 2024, ranking 2nd most among all Class 5A defenders last season. For his size, Purnell shows a surprising level of explosiveness in his burst off the snap, and he matches his size with physical play, showing good pad level with his hand placement, and being able to push blockers back or simply toss them aside with ease. Purnell received his first D1 offer from Youngstown State in June, and he may continue to grow as a powerful DT prospect by the end of his senior season.     [player_tooltip player_id='401666' first='Armon' last='Williams'] is an intriguing prospect due to his athleticism, and he's used that well to make him a dangerous weapon in the pass-rush game for Bettendorf. Williams recorded 32 tackles (26 solo), 12.5 TFLs, and 4 sacks in 2024. Williams is also listed as a RB and even returned kick last season, but the majority of his reps came on defense last season. Williams is a nimble, flexible defender who's skillset may best be suited as an off-ball LB, but he's quick and slippery, showing good balance and change of direction with his movements that doesn't allow his opponents to shake him off easily, while also developing pass-rush moves that uses his athletic ability to win against bigger blockers. It will be interesting to see how teams at the next level may use his ability, but Williams is a talented multi-purpose athlete that has shown to excel on the gridiron.     [player_tooltip player_id='1240481' first='Jackson' last='Davis'] has the frame and athletic potential to excel on the D-line, and that potential was on display during the 2024 season. Davis recorded 34 tackles (26 solo), 8.5 TFLs, and 5.5 sacks. Davis was able to drive defenders back while using his reach to gain leverage and nab RBs trying to pass by to bring them down behind the line, while also showing good tackling form. Davis showed the potential of making big plays behind the line of scrimmage, but he could do more to work on his pass-rush moves, as his reps showcase a very straightforward style-of-play. If Davis can improve on that, there's no telling how high Davis' ceiling will be in the future.     Waterloo West enjoyed their first winning season since 2017 last season, and a big part of that turnaround was in part to the emergence of [player_tooltip player_id='1421478' first='Melakhi' last='Hickey'] as a force in the box. Hickey recorded 28 tackles (22 solo), 14 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, a fumble recovery, and an interception last season. Playing primarily at DE with additional reps at DT, Hickey proved to be quite an imposing player for his opponents with his consistently tenacious attitude, making him a disruptive force against the pass and run. Hickey shows good technique attacking the outside and inside shoulder of the Tackles, being able to drive blockers back toward the QB, and while not getting a ton of sacks, was able to pressure the QB or hit the QB just as he let go of the ball often last season. Hickey will look to lead the Wahawks toward a potentially deep playoff run in his senior campaign.

Rounding out our search of the top upcoming senior DL prospects in Iowa, we move to the top conference once again, Class 5A, where we take a look at a group of names that have ranked among the very best DL names across Iowa for this upcoming class and will look to make a big presence on the trenches playing in the toughest conference in the state. We take a look today at 8 senior DL prospects in Class 5A Iowa to watch out for in 2025!