Scouting Reports: Don't Miss These Iowa Sophomores

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area   It's rankings season here at Prep Redzone Iowa. We're underway with updates after dropping the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2026-rankings/">final Class of 2026 rundown</a> just before the holidays and a <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2027-rankings/">2027 revision</a> on New Year's Eve. We've planned to refresh 2028 later this month and issue our first 2029 rankings not long after that.   In that pursuit, we'll be filing scouting reports on Iowa underclassmen right up to when those new ratings are released. Today, that takes us to the sophomore class. It's an important time for this group, whose members are early in their search for college homes.   Here's a closer look at new evaluations for student-athletes in the cycle:    Gardner-Smith got his feet wet as a sophomore on the one-loss Class 5A state champions varsity roster. He contributed 8.0 tackles, five of which were of the solo variety. Gardner-Smith displays plenty of potential dropping back into a deep safety position, as we can see when viewing his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22880243/6925fab9d6314f69fd59e41a">10th-grade highlight video</a>. His keen pre-snap reads lead to him being in position to make a play. Gardner-Smith runs well with receivers in coverage, long arms helping close windows. He gets downhill in the run game at a quick rate as well. Bringing physicality to the position already, Gardner-Smith's frame is such that it can add good weight and strength without sacrificing any of the athleticism and agility that already make him effective.     Sioux City East is one of the more underrated programs when it comes to developing college talent. As a result, guys often must wait their turn behind prospects headed to the next level, developing and working to keep the pipeline going. Pollard looks like a player that can take a big jump forward in 2026. He carried eight times for 114 yards (14.3 YPC) and a touchdown. Pollard added 15 receptions for 134 yards and a score. Two of his 2.5 tackles were of the solo variety. He took his only punt return back 25 yards and averaged 11.0 yards on six kick returns. There's a limited amount of footage on Pollard's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/27202568/Quintin-Pollard/highlights">Hudl page</a>, but what is there highlights his ability to stress defenses after taking a handoff or catching a pass. There's burst, sharp cutting and speed.     I caught O'Connor during an in-person scout when Waukee played at Iowa City Liberty this season. The sophomore delivered a few plays on a veteran roster, showcasing his long arms and strides that could make him a future X receiver or, perhaps, a tight end, if his frame develops that way. His speed, route running and skills would play up in-line. As it were, he hauled in 12 balls for 187 yards and a touchdown as a sophomore in a crowded receiver room. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19780947/693ee2546435a5b055e8e61d">10th-grade highlight video</a> lends insight into how O'Connor delivers between the lines. He's a versatile receiver capable of outrunning the secondary on a deep ball or taking a short throw and turning it into big yardage. O'Connor is one to watch as a breakout prospect in 2026.     Keita developed on the non-varsity levels throughout 2025 and made the most of his chances on the top team. The sophomore recorded 8.0 tackles, seven of which were solo stops. Keita put himself in position for a larger role next season, when the Trojans will be replacing key performers lost to graduation. We can witness his potential when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22925260/68deac34636e538e6b005a39">10th-grade highlight video</a>. On it, we see a prospect capable of developing for the next level on either side of the ball and one that will help with special teams thanks to speed and athleticism. Keita is a long-armed receiver that can chew up a lot of ground with long strides. Those assets help him as a defensive back sticking in coverage and closing windows quickly, too.     Carter enjoyed a season of development in a program with a long history of being good at it. The sophomore operated mostly on the non-varsity levels, but did chip in with the big club. He secured a pair of receptions for 18 yards. Getting his feet wet should position Carter well for larger contributions in 2026. We can witness that when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22932436/69115b249b365dab526e0d99">10th-grade highlight video</a>. It kicks off with Carter delivering a big play as a return man. It goes on to showcase his talents as a well-rounded wideout. Carter operates effectively out of the slot or on the outside. His crisp routes deliver positive results whether he's working underneath or stretching the field. Carter is a solid breakout pick for next season with the graduation losses at his position.     Pleasant Valley leaned on a senior starter behind center in 2025. Townsend served as the backup during his sophomore campaign, getting into position for a run at the QB1 gig next fall. In limited varsity duty, he completed 50 percent of his passes for 183 yards and a pair of touchdowns without an interception. Proving he's a dual-threat defenses must contain, Townsend rushed for 300 yards (6.8 YPC) and five touchdowns. The only <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22478308/68cd97ff2b32d71c1553e6c2">highlight video on his Hudl page</a> is from varsity action against Iowa City West in Week 3 last season. On it, Townsend flashes the arm and athleticism to make him a top breakout pick for the upcoming season.

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