Scouting Reports: Iowa 2028s Climbing Ladder

<!-- 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&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2026-rankings/">final Class of 2026 rundown</a>&nbsp;just before the holidays and a&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2027-rankings/">2027 revision</a>&nbsp;on New Year's Eve. We've planned to refresh 2028 later this month and issue our first 2029 rankings not long after that.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</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":["2110966"],"_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-69725256d4a8a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ahlers lists his positions as quarterback and linebacker. The latter is where he helped the Bulldogs as a sophomore in 2025. Eleven of his 23.5 tackles were of the solo variety. He proved disruptive, stacking up 7.5 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. Ahlers' <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/20076921/Braunsen-Ahlers/highlights">Hudl page</a> lacks a 10th-grade highlight video, but it does house clips from several individual games. On them, we see an undersized guy lining up at right defensive tackle. His lack of bulk doesn't inhibit success because he is strong, quick and utilizes leverage to win against opponents. Ahlers can absorb blocks and separate from them. He crashes down the line well when plays are going away from him. It will be interesting to see how Ahlers' frame matures because the skill set is intriguing, and there's a strong foundation here.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2110984"],"_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-697254a5cf0a9"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Rinehart-Lynch flashed the potential to make some noise as a prospect with his performance as a sophomore in 2025. His production as a 10th-grader impressed as well. Rinehart-Lynch finished with 23.5 tackles, 13 of which were solo stops. He recorded 3.5 tackles for loss, a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery. Rinehart-Lynch illustrates how he gets the job done during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18587852/6965af791777e1c61dcddcba">highlight video</a> from this past season. He stands out for diagnosing plays before the snap and using those reads to fly to the football. Speed is a big part of Rinehart-Lynch's game. He's tough for blockers to square up, and fast hands help his fight off opponents and separate. There's a lot to like here, and Rinehart-Lynch is one to watch moving forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2086240"],"_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-6972575c39d37"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Breaking into the lineup at Xavier can be challenging. The Saints are perennially one of the state's top programs at winning and producing talent for the next level. That Dougherty found a way to contribute to an undefeated state championship team as a sophomore in 2025 leads one to take notice. First, Doughtery is a four-sport athlete with quick-twitch characteristics. His projectable frame is capable of adding good weight and strength without the loss of speed and agility, giving him a sizable ceiling with two prep seasons to go. He reports a 6-5 wingspan. It gives him potential to develop at multiple positions. The possibilities are apparent when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23463530/696bb3e55d283a302d97b14a">10th-grade highlight</a>. video. Dougherty shows smooth footwork and quick change of direction as a safety. Those traits would play up even more if his projectable frame opens up the linebacker spot. Buy stock here. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2111007"],"_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-69725a82be5ba"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Lewis Central boasts a strong history and reputation for having a roster packed with next-level potential. Colleges make sure to check in on the Titans when combing the state for prospects. Gerry appeared liked he'd be among the next in line for them as a sophomore in 2025. Eighteen of his 23.0 tackles were solo stops. He added 1.5 tackles for loss and intercepted a pass. Gerry caught six passes and flashed upside on that side of the ball, too. Gerry's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22556604/Billy-Gerry/highlights">Hudl page</a> lacks a 10th-grade highlight video, but it does contain files from individual games. On those clips, Gerry gives reason to believe he could develop into a college receiver/tight end, an edge rusher or an outside linebacker. His long arms, speed and agility give him a high ceiling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2111152"],"_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-697284ece2f67"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">During a historic season at West Sioux, Lopez delivered key contributions as a sophomore during the run to The Dome. He recorded 22.0 tackles, 18 of which were solo stops. Lopez had three tackles for loss on his ledger as well. In leu of a 10th-grade highlight video, clips of several games are there for viewing. They reveal a force on the end of the Falcons' three-player front. Lopez's physicality and strength are advanced for his age. He overwhelms opponents with them. He's not a slug, either, moving well laterally and getting off of the ball quickly. Lopez utilizes his hands well, absorbing blocks and effortlessly separating from them. If you're recruiting the state, Lopez should be on your radar.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1688992"],"_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-69728a73ed6c1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Kleinhesselink managed positive results in all three phases as a sophomore this past campaign. He registered 22.0 tackles with 20 of them being solo stops and one of them resulting in lost yardage. Kleinhesselink rushed for 66 yards (5.5 YPC), and caught nine balls for 135 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 27.6 yards on 12 kick returns, taking one of them back to the house. Kleinhesselink shines during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18438286/6900f60e8a7d0e0ac043eac6">10th-grade highlight video</a>. He's a playmaker with the ball in his hands. There's a feel for kick returning and speed to burn. As a receiver, he runs crisp routes and understands the importance of body positioning. Kleinhesselink doesn't include defensive highlights on his film, but it's easy to see why his skill set was able to produce as he did on that side of the ball.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->