Scouting Reports: Iowa Sophomores on the Rise

<!-- 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>It's rankings season here at Prep Redzone Iowa. We're underway with updates after dropping the final Class of 2026 rundown recently on the site.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The process never stops, really. It's a constant pursuit of new names to evaluate.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Today, that takes us to the Iowa 2028 Class. It's an important time for this group of juniors-to-be searching for college homes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a closer look at new evaluations for student-athletes in the cycle:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2087304"],"_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-694734980fc1b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Fort Dodge made it back to the playoffs in 2025 in part because of a strong performance from the offensive line. Nichols was a part of a unit that paved the way for the Dodgers running for 2,137 yards (5.6YPC) and 24 touchdowns on the ground. The offense also produced 96 receptions for 1,248 yards and eight scores. In watching Nichols during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26499479/690b7cc6870e2f0be640baf9">sophomore highlight video</a> from this fall, we witness an impressive left tackle with upside thanks to athleticism, agility and a frame that can comfortably add good weight without the loss of assets that already have impacting the action as a 10th-grader on a 4A varsity. Nichols moves his feet well and sets up strong in pass protection. He excels in the running game, often overwhelming the opponent with quickness and strength. Nichols is one to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2087307"],"_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-694734980fca2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">O'Connell produced in all three phases as a sophomore in 2025. The sophomore caught 22 balls for 252 yards. All 23 of his tackles were of the solo variety, and he intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble. O'Connell averaged 20.5 yards on 10 kick returns. We can see how he gets the job done when watching individual game clips from his 10th-grade campaign on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22598512/Cash-OConnell/highlights">Hudl page</a>. On them, his explosiveness and speed stand out whether he's running after a catch or returning a kickoff. He makes would-be tacklers miss in space and breaks tackles. O'Connell runs crisp routes and can adjust to throws with a solid catch radius. There aren't any defensive clips available, but it's a skill set that translates well to that side of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2087308"],"_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-694734980fcf2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lansing produced 6.5 tackles (3.0 solo, .5 TFL) as a sophomore in 2025, but had a greater impact on the other side of the trench as a tackle/tight end. Lansing provides evidence as to how he finds success already on the prep level during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23413859/68f44516787a0734ba7f3898">10th-grade highlight video</a>. Lansing is fast, athletic and strong for his age. He also flashes upside as a defensive end with range and a burst off of the edge. The skill set could work at multiple positions on the next level. It might come down to how his frame develops as he matriculates through high school and where he ends up showing the most potential. It could be at tight end, defensive end or, perhaps, offensive tackle.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2087314"],"_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-69473818cb714"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Deanda handled Clarinda's place-kicking, kickoff and punting duties as a sophomore in 2025. He produced three touchbacks on 42 kickoffs, connected on three of four field-goal attempts, including a long make from 34 yards, and converted 32 of 35 extra-point tries. Deanda averaged 31.6 yards on 22 punts. During the clips on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22372750/Lukas-DeAnda/highlights">Hudl page</a>, Deanda bombs the football when kicking field goals, putting it through the uprights with plenty of distance. He's tall with a chance to add power as he fills out his frame. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2087653"],"_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-694876e808c96"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Trotter thrived in all three of the game's phases as a sophomore in 2025 after contributing as a freshman. He rushed for 312 yards (7.4 YPC) and three touchdowns. He caught 11 balls for 168 yards and score. Thirteen of his 13.5 tackles were solo stops, and he averaged 31.6 yards, returning one of them 95 yards for a TD. There isn't a highlight video on his Hudl page, but it does house clips from individual games. There also are basketball clips on there, which speaks to his athleticism. Trotter runs crisp routes and accelerates quickly. The latter helps him get to the edge when the Tigerhawks hand him the ball. He has another gear in the open field.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2087659"],"_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-6948789b2b575"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">On a veteran Waukee squad that faced Class 5A's most difficult schedule but still managed to reach the postseason, Meisner found ways to contribute as a sophomore in 2025. Nine of his 15.0 tackles were solo stops. He also returned his lone kickoff attempt 20 yards and shined during special teams' coverage. Meisner flashes his skill set on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20342644/6929e9f5ee61bcc45223dfe4">10th-grade highlight video</a>. While it's still early in his development, Meisner projects as a slot corner or safety that excels in the coverage. He already has a solid frame, and it has room to fill out. Meisner is a sound tackler and operates with physicality.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->