Scouting Reports: Ascending Iowa Sophomores

<!-- 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/2025/12/uncovering-more-gems-in-iowas-2029-class/">Uncovering More Gems in Iowa's 2029 Class</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/new-names-to-know-in-iowas-2029-class/">New Names to Know in Iowa's 2029 Class</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/scouting-reports-highlighting-talented-iowa-freshmen/">Scouting Reports: Highlighting Talented Iowa Freshmen</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>I spent the last week digging into the Class of 2029. There's more work to do there, for sure. In the interest of balancing out the coverage, however, I began checking out 2028 class members today.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a look at sophomores of note: </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2063130"],"_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-693c7420715c3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Edwards experienced a breakout season during 2025 in his first taste of varsity action. The sophomore delivered 28.5 tackles from the secondary. Twenty two of those stops were of the solo variety. He accomplished that in five games. When checking out Edwards' <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22006344/69022cf18b3e5d2214711802">10th-grade highlight video</a>, we witness a safety that plays downhill. He gets the job done with a mixture of toughness, speed and preparation. Edwards positions himself well with pre-snap reads and reacts quickly to what he sees after the play is underway. He's fast to the football, wraps up well and embraces the contact.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1891356"],"_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-693c78dd34d6c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Grafft contributed on both sides of the ball as a sophomore in a program known for developing student-athletes for the next level. That bodes well for his future if he stays on his upward trajectory. In 2025, Grafft carried four times for 20 yards and a touchdown, adding one catch for five more yards. On defense, he contributed 12.5 tackles, seven of which were solo. He had 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack. Grafft's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18443516/690e089204385dee79f75f16">10th-grade highlight video </a>reveals a downhill defender that reads and reacts quickly. His tackling form is technically sound, and he packs a punch when he delivers a hit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1895621"],"_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-693c7ec4530d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Harrison put together a sophomore season in 2025 that should grab the attention of scouts monitoring the develop of playmakers packed with potential. He followed that up with a strong performance at a recent Prep Redzone showcase in Council Bluffs. Harrison shared backfield duties, carrying 60 times for 350 yards and four touchdowns this year. He also caught a couple of passes and returned three kicks. Harrison flashes upside during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26176041/6902547e206aefcac2290c60">10th-grade highlight video</a>. He looks natural running the ball, combining vision, patience, burst, power and speed.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1921659"],"_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-693c8248133b6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">With a veteran roster, Waterloo West has reached the Class 5A playoffs in each of the last two seasons. While that's been happening, a group of younger players has been developing on rosters other than varsity in hopes of keeping the momentum going for the Wahawks. Hutchinson is one of those guys. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23714541/6907d0690815db8cab8cad76">sophomore highlight video</a> from 2025 has him looking like he can have an impact in the top team next season. That could happen on both sides of the ball. As a receiver, he runs crisp routes and displays reliable hands. He looks natural with good instincts and tackling ability working in as a cornerback in zone coverage. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2049550"],"_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-693c8725b5dde"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">It may not have been the 2025 season Fort Madison wanted, but the performance of Jaciunde gave Bloodhounds hope for the future. The sophomore caught 20 passes for 197 yards a touchdown. He added 136 yards on the ground and threw for 67 yards. On defense, Jaciunde posted 33.0 tackles (26 solo) and intercepted a pair of throws. He averaged 23.4 yards on 21 kick returns. We witness how he operates when watching his 10th-grade highlight video. Jaciunda flashes potential on both sides of the ball along with special teams. The three-phase contributions occur because of his speed and athleticism. He's dangerous with the ball in his hands, elusiveness leading to plenty of missed tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1708422"],"_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-693c8dd02f90d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">We don't have a lot to go on when evaluating Marieu beyond a video of clips from a game against Woodbury Central this fall. The tape is interesting and leaves us looking forward to seeing more. Marieu is a disrupter coming off of the edge. His get-off puts tackles on their heels and makes it tough for them to recover. If the blocker does manage to get in front of him, Marieu shows strength and power while bull-rushing to win the rep. If you're looking for a breakout candidate for 2026, Marieu would be a solid choice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->