Scouting Reports: Juniors That Jumped Forward

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/scouting-reports-2027s-worthy-of-more-attention/">Scouting Reports: 2027s Worthy of More Attention</a>   We're getting closer to updating our rankings here at Prep Redzone Iowa. Part of that process is reviewing this season for risers and new names.   I've been doing that recently with the 2028 and 2029 Classes. It's been revealing.   Today, I'm jumping into the 2027 cycle. Here's a closer look at notable members in that class.    Kenealy enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2025. The junior led the Yellow Jackets with 51.0 tackles. Forty three of those stops were solo, and he posted 4.5 tackles for loss and forced a fumble. Kenealy chipped in on offense with 59 yards and a touchdown on the ground and four receptions for 35 yards. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26516992/6904d4f9e506a16ff8f3869a">11th-grade highlight video</a> features a defender on the second level that plays disciplined football and operates within the framework of the defense. He diagnoses plays quickly and flies to the football when it's time to go. Kenealy is a technically sound tackler with the speed and athleticism to be effective in coverage.     On a defense with a lot of player-makers, Moritz delivered his fair share of contributions. The junior registered 37.5 tackles, 21 of which were of the solo variety. He had 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks. Moritz is a long-limbed edge rusher that gets off of the ball quickly with speed around the outside, as we can witness during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19467140/691b3bc73c1a0134b9bbe96b">11th-grade highlight video</a>. He does well in keeping his eyes on the ball when engaged and setting the edge, and separates consistently when the play comes his way. Moritz is athletic and agile with the speed to chase down the ball in space. He's physical already with an opportunity to add weight and strength without the loss of the assets that make him effective now.     Ouahbi really put together a fine all-around season for Perry in 2025. The Bluejay junior rushed for 700 yards (5.7 YPC) and four touchdowns. He registered 26.5 tackles, 17 of which were of the solo variety. Ouahbi posted 3.0 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and an interception, too. I look forward to seeing his 11th-grade highlight video being compiled. For now, the clips that are housed on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18440746/Nadir-Ouahbi/highlights">Hudl page</a> do give us a glimpse into his skills on the gridiron. There's a ton of potential running the ball. He's a mix of power and speed with keen vision. He gets downhill quickly and has another gear in the open field. There's upside on defense, too, as a safety capable of crashing down on the run or sticking with pass catchers in coverage.     I saw Pike in action early in the 2025 during a game against Cedar Rapids Washington at Kingston Stadium. He was a key component to an offense line that allowed North Scott to pile up yardage on the ground. He shows how he gets the job done during a <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19886545/68cc216665014d0acedb091f">highlight video </a>from the first three games of this fall. Pike is packed with power and delivers a punch firing off the ball from his left guard position. He keeps the pad level low, gaining leverage and driving through the defender in the run game. Pike moves well in space, which allows him to reach blocks on the second level and across the field on pulling plays. Agility, active hands and smooth feet aid his effectiveness in pass protection.     Spates got his feet wet on the varsity as a sophomore in 2024. That experienced paid dividends this fall, when he rushed for 469 yards (5.8 YPC) and four touchdowns with a two-point conversion for the Trojans. He added three receptions for 21 yards, 9.5 tackles (5 solo) and recovered a fumble that he returned 60 yards for a score. During his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19601489/69011008206aefcac22886b4">11th-grade highlight video</a>, we witness how Spates finds success. With a good feel for running with the football, Spates gets downhill quickly, slipping through the creases and picking up speed as he goes. There's another gear when he gets into the open field. With power and continuous leg churning, Spates bounces off soft tackle attempts. While there aren't as many clips of him playing defense, Spates' skills in the secondary provide potential there.     Tiffey is a small-school prospect with big upside on both sides of the trench. On defense, he racked up 35.5 tackles this fall with 32 of the stops being solo. He posted 9.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks and a fumble recovery. Tiffey also was a force on the O-Line, where he was credited with three pancake blocks. Tiffey looks the part during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19184089/68f9873e3d533836b9a9acfc">11th-grade highlight video</a>, which feature his defensive clips. The junior is a bull in the middle of the line, mixing power and agility to disrupt the opponent's plans. Tiffey gets off the ball quickly and moves well laterally. He keeps the pads low and regularly achieves a leverage advantage.

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