Scouting Reports: More Iowa City West 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/photo-gallery-linn-mar-at-iowa-city-west/">Photo Gallery: Linn-Mar at Iowa City West</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/10/weigh-in-wednesday-who-is-top-player-in-iowa/">Weigh-In Wednesday: Who is Top Player in Iowa?</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>IOWA CITY, Iowa - </strong>I have a good handle on Iowa City West after seeing it play in person the last two weeks. The Trojans lost at Cedar Rapids Prairie on Oct. 17 but bounced back nicely in Friday's 42-14 victory against a Linn-Mar team that had won four games in a row.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There were West guys I wanted to write about after the Prairie game that didn't fit into <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/10/scouting-reports-iowa-city-west-2025/">that report</a>. They made it into this writeup, however. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1038029"],"_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-68fe26f3a79dd"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Barnett has made the switch from playing guard as a freshman last season to occupying the center position this year. The transition has been seamless and quite successful. The son of Iowa offensive line coach George Barnett has grown physically and sharpened his skills since his ninth-grade campaign. Beyond the five pancakes blocks for which he's been credited, Barnett controls the action in the middle of line, displaying the necessary skill set to succeed in the involved, and sometimes hectic world of the center spot. He's technically sound with active hands and a good pad level. Barnett plays balanced and is athletic enough to reach blocks in space with ease. He's one of the better offensive lineman in the state already with plenty of room to grow.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1692024"],"_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-68fe28c2be1f9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I'm not sure where Elser fits positionally at the next level. That's up to the college smart enough to give him a shot. It could employ him as a slot receiver that runs crisp route, possesses sure hands and can make plays in space. Or, maybe it sees him lining up at safety with the ability to stick with pass catchers or crash down on the run. Either way, you get a kid that can help you on special teams, showing a knack for the tough task of returning punts. Elser has consistently chipped in with key contributions where they're needed during the last two seasons I've watched him. You can get a good sense of his versatility and talents when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17874040/68ec432499002312007e20c8">mid-season highlight video</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1617649"],"_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-68fe2a4c03b2c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I first noticed James during the Back2Ballin 7-on-7 tournament during April in Cedar Falls. He was slinging it as a quarterback, and doing so quite well. He saw a few end-of-game snaps for the Trojans in 2024. This fall, the junior has switched sides of the ball, lining up at cornerback. The move has proved beneficial for he and West. James leads the team with seven pass breakups heading into postseason play. He's picked off a pass, which he housed from 29 yards out, and produced 11.0 tackles, five of which were of the solo variety. James brings plenty to the table. Physically, he's tall with long arms and a frame that can comfortably add mass. James is fluid when back pedaling and switching directions. Monitor him as a corner but keep open the possibility of him growing into a safety, where his skills would play up even more. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1619319"],"_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-68fe2fe34514e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Law is a senior that should be receiving more attention on the recruiting trail. He could help programs at the next level on the edge or outside linebacker, depending in the scheme. Law brings the athleticism and speed needed for success on defense with offenses becoming more diverse. He sets up at defensive end for West, playing assignment football and understanding the importance of setting the edge. He's quick in pressuring the quarterback, making it tough for offensive tackles to stay in front of him. Law uses his hands effectively, too. He has a frame capable of adding good weight and strength, giving him a ways to go before hitting his ceiling. He shows off his talents well during his highlights from <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17874035/68c837a1fc266575c2bf67ee">Weeks 1-3</a> and <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/17874035/68e3ddae44011f65ddecb31f">Weeks 4-6</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1986255"],"_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-68fe33d888cf8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Holmes has quietly put together a strong sophomore season on a team with a lot of talent overshadowing it. The Trojans will lose a plenty of production to graduation after this year, and Holmes looks like a smart breakout pick for 2026. That's if you don't consider this fall a breakout, of sorts. The 10th-grader has been credited with 14.5 tackles (6 solo, 4.0 TFL) and 3.0 sacks. He's also delivered a couple pancake blocks, flashing potential on both sides of the ball. Holmes is more advanced as a defensive lineman. Speed and quickness are current strengths, and there's time to add bulk and more power in his game. Holmes also uses his long arms well by getting them up in the throwing lanes. He's definitely one to watch moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1361350"],"_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-68fe359d70eb6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hodge Jr., the son of former the Iowa linebacker of the same name, is a different defender than his father. West employs him at cornerback, where he does a nice job matching up with some of the best receivers in the state. With decent height and length, he can mix it up with the opposition in bump and run, and quickly recovers with long strides and speed. Hodge Jr.'s technique is sound, showing fluidity in the back pedal and an ability to flip his hips quickly. His frame can comfortably add mass and strength that will aid him in the future. He already performs well in run support, too. Through the nine games of the regular season, Hodge Jr. was credited with 24.0 tackles (19 solo, 1.0 TFL), adding an interception and five pass breakups.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->