Uncovering More Gems in Iowa's 2029 Class

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area   <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>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2025/12/scouting-reports-highlighting-talented-iowa-freshmen/">Scouting Reports: Highlighting Talented Iowa Freshmen</a>   It's that time of year where Prep Redzone Iowa is digging into information from the recently completed campaign as we grow our data base of student-athletes. That process never really stops, but the offseason is when most of that work happens.   I'm continuing my dive into the 2029 Class today (see previous reports listed above). The in-state freshmen are off to a great start. Here's a closer look at some of them:    Cedar Rapids Prairie does a fine job developing student-athletes for the next level. A host of them from the 2026 Class are heading off to colleges around the country. The cupboard isn't bare, however. The Prairie Hawk pipeline is stocked with upcoming talent, including the electric Clay. With a veteran varsity roster, the freshman operated on the lower levels of the program and appeared to develop nicely, according to his <a href="https://x.com/Jahlil_Clay3/status/1985516635336106051?s=20">highlight tape</a>. Clay reports totaling 16 touchdowns, 1200 all-purpose yards and four interceptions in eight games. The first clip of his tape shows him beating his defender deep and running away from him for a long-touchdown catch. Clay also flashes the ability to win contested balls with timing and body positioning. He can take a handoff and make people miss in space, hitting an extra gear when he gets going. Clay visited Iowa and Iowa State this season.     Gilbert is an ascending program these days, winning a lot of games and producing college players. The deep rosters have made it tough, at times, for younger players to break through on the varsity, but they're developing nicely on the lower levels before rising up to help the top team. Ross did just that as a freshman in 2025. He lists his positions as offensive guard and defensive tackle on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26857689/68ed15b51d0b0e275f1d10ce">ninth-grade highlight video</a>. We get a good sense of Ross's two-way potential during the first two clips. On the first one, he lines up at nose tackle in a three-man front and blows up the running back. Then Ross paves the way for a long running play by delivering a pancake from the right guard spot. He reports a 5.1-second, 40-yard dash, bench pressing 215 pounds, and dead lifting 225.     Thein may or may not be related to former Iowa City High and Iowa Hawkeye running back Rob Thein. We'll have to look into that. Either way, Landon looks like a prospect we want to keep our eye on moving forward. He flashes ability during the highlights he's posted on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/26695414/Landon-Thein/highlights">Hudl page</a>. And, Liberty is building a reputation for developing dual-threat playmakers at the quarterback position. Thein certainly has that ability, much of what he does coming while on the move. There's accuracy and arm strength when rolling out in either direction. He stresses defenses with his legs, too, whether on designed runs or when the play goes off schedule, opening up the field. Keep an eye on Thein's progress moving forward. I will be.     North Polk has built itself into a Class 4A factor, winning a state title with an undefeated season in 2024 and getting back to the quarterfinals again this year despite heavy graduation losses. With that in mind, it's not easy to get on the field as a freshman. Caves overcame those odds in 2025, delivering 11 receptions for 180 yards and a touchdown as a ninth-grader. He also averaged 19.5 yards on four kick returns. Caves' <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23292777/Davis-Caves/highlights">Hudl page</a> does not yet house any video highlights, but based on his production at a young age, we look forward to being able to watch him in action soon.     I first caught McIntire in action during the Back2Ballin seven-on-seven tournament in Cedar Falls last spring. He impressed me with his athleticism and potential on both sides of the ball. I wondered what he might do as a freshman at Clear Lake. He answered that question emphatically, catching 14 balls for 222 yards and three touchdowns for a team that was ranked No. 1 in Class 3A for much of the season before losing to eventual champion Nevada in the state quarterfinals. He carried three times for 35 yards and returned his lone kick for 29 yards. He also contributed 11.5 tackles (7 solo). When viewing his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20487161/6913ebbccc4483b5a6c19b55">ninth-grade highlight video</a>, we see a advanced player from a physical and technical standpoint. The first clip shows him running a crisp route and beating his defender deep with speed. Later, we see him win contested catches and make people miss in space.     Manson got his high school career off to a good start with 13 receptions for 149 yards and a touchdown as a freshman in 2025. He added 129 yards and a pair of scores on the ground. Three of his six tackles were of the solo variety. Manson's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26704285/69189a85dc5adf429dee6d95">ninth-grade highlight video</a> features the versatile skill set that allows for contributions around the field. Speed and quickness stand out as top traits. He gets to top speed quickly and sharp cuts lose would-be tacklers. The Buccaneers move him around the formation, lining him up in the backfield or in the slot. He runs good routes and appears to have reliable hands.

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