Iowa Juniors Demanding Attention in 2025

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/10/weigh-in-wednesday-vote-for-iowas-top-lb/">Weigh-In Wednesday: Vote for Iowa's Top LB?</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/09/prep-redzone-iowa-week-5-team-rankings/">Prep Redzone Iowa Week 5 Team Rankings</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junior year ranks as a critical time when it comes to being recruited by colleges. Prospects begin providing a clearer picture of what they can be on the next level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a closer look at guys displaying potential worthy of attention: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1827791"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68deb15f5b3f3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Last season, Morio established himself as a sophomore on the varsity within one of the state's top programs. He's lifted his level of play up even more in 2025. Morio led the Saints in tackles and ranked second in solo stops through the first six games. His exploits on the gridiron led to a game-day visit to Iowa, where he's committed as a baseball prospect. There's a lot to like when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20068549/Beau-Morio/highlights">football highlights</a>. Morio plays fast and physical. To say he gets downhill in a hurry would be an understatement. Morio does well in diagnosing what he sees pre-snap and reacting quickly once the play is underway.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1940789"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e7c3c1f3284"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hoben got his feet wet as a sophomore on the varsity last season. That happened mostly on defense and special teams. With a growth spurt and further development, he's come back in 2025 as an impactful offensive player while raising his contributions in the other two phases. Hoben has hauled in 16 balls for 292 yards and three touchdowns. On defense, he's produced 20 solo tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss and two interceptions. In watching <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23054991/68d0b206f233c6fda8c6f803">early-season highlights</a>, speed stands out on both sides of the ball. That shows up at receiver, where he can stretch the field or slice through running lanes after the catch. It aids recovery in coverage, where long arms also help. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1940790"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e7c3c1f32f0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hughes can get overshadowed playing alongside two D-I guys on the Warriors' offensive line. The junior is a strong performer in his own right and deserving of more attention in recruiting. With leverage and power, Hughes is built for the interior. Watching his junior highlights, we witness excellent get-off on the snap and a knack for staying engaged. Hughes places his hands well and moves his guy on the regular. Athleticism and agility allow reaching of blocks on the second level and beyond. He shows a knack for combination blocking when pulling or getting downfield. Scouts would be wise to give Hughes a close look.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1693007"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e7c3c1f3345"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stecker got a feel for varsity football in a limited role last season. He's put lessons learned then to good use in 2025. He's caught 16 passes for 193 yards and a touchdown. On defense, he's racked up 22.0 tackles (18 solo, 5.5 TFL). He's forced a fumble and added half a sack. A review of his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20241266/68d558490f5aa350d2c6d62b">mid-season highlights </a>reveals a unique blend of skills and attributes on offense. He possesses the quickness and speed to make people miss as a receiver with a frame capable of developing into a tight end. That projection has led to programs like Iowa State getting involved. It's a body type that also leaves the door open for a future on defense as a linebacker or edge rusher. There's a lot to like about Stecker.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1204524"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e7c3c1f3396"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ringler is one of the most productive two-way players in the state. The junior rushed for 804 yards (6.8 YPC) and nine touchdowns through six games, adding seven catches and a receiving score. Ringler also racked up 52.0 tackles (43 solo, 5.0) and 3.5 sacks. I could see colleges viewing him differently in terms of position. He's putting together impressive film running the ball. His combination of size, vision, burst and patience make him ideal for gashing defense between the tackles. He adds speed in the open field. The toughness required in carrying the rock along with the lateral quickness and ability to cut sharply aid him on defense, too. Ringler flies to the football with bad intentions upon arrival.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1617646"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-68e7c82f8d038"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I wrote about Grandon back in the spring after seeing him in person last year and watching his 2024 highlights. He'd produced at a high level as a sophomore in one of the state's top programs. Watching Grandon live during Week 1 this season and catching up on what he's done since then proved he's a prospect developing at a great rate, physically and within the game. On a Cedar Falls defense with plenty of playmakers, the junior leads the squad with 11.5 tackles for loss through six games. He added 4.0 sacks and had 28 solo tackles among his 36.5 total stops. Grandon also forced two fumbles. He's athletic with a burst off the outside. Active hands also help him get off of blocks. Understanding the importance of setting the edge, Grandon operates within the scheme and plays disciplined football.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->