Scouting Reports: Iowa 2028s on the Upswing

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:    Kelsey was a three-phase contributor for Lisbon in 2025. The sophomore piled up 25.5 tackles, 18 of which were of the solo variety. Kelsey delivered a pair of tackles for loss, a sack and a forced fumble. He averaged 18.5 yards on six kick returns and chipped in carrying the ball. Kelsey lists his vertical leap at 27 inches, 12 seconds in the 100 meters and 140 pounds on the bench press on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18800113/ian-kelsey/highlights">Hudl page</a>. He also wrestles for the Lions, helping with leverage and smooth footwork on the gridiron. The limited footage he has posted on Hudl provides a glimpse into how he gets the job done. He's fast and physical with a skillset that works at linebacker in the eight-player game but would fit nicely at safety in 11-on-11.     Bishop Garrigan received contributions up and down the roster in capturing the 2025 eight-player state championship. Troyer was among a group that chipped in to the title run while simultaneously providing hope that it will keep the ball rolling next season and beyond. The sophomore was credited with 24.5 tackles, 15 of which ended up being solo stops. He had a tackle for loss and a sack. Troyer recovered a pair of fumbles and averaged 29.0 yards on three kick returns. He took his lone punt return back 35 yards and carried the ball once on offense. There's not a lot of evidence as to how Troyer succeeded on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22957676/Titan-Troyer/highlights">Hudl page</a>. The clips of him dropping a ball carrier for loss and then rushing for a score do highlight his speed and athleticism.     West Sioux reached the UNI-Dome and the state semifinals this past season before falling to eventual Class A champion MMCRU. The Falcons flew high because of having a deep, talented roster. Fortunately for them, they return a lot of talent that can have them soaring back to Cedar Falls in 2026. Schuller certainly is among that group. As a sophomore this season, he accounted for 24.5 tackles. Nineteen of those tops were and a pair of them resulted in lost yardage. He intercepted a pass, recovered a fumble and returned his lone kickoff for 11 yards. The clips available on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18504073/karsen-schuller/highlights">Hudl page</a> feature a well-rounded member of the secondary with the actions to stick in coverage or support the run.     Peska proved to be up to the task as a South Tama sophomore in 2025. He posted 24.5 tackles, 20 of which were solo stops. Peska's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20641132/68ee9455284add0dda2b075d">10th-grade highlight video</a> illustrates how he mixes it up on the defensive line. He disrupts and absorbs blocks. That spot certainly could be the path to the next level. The clips of his lining up at left offensive tackle make it seem like the O-Line will be his future. Pesky fires off of the ball and controls opponents. As a wrestler, he wins with leverage, active hands, fast feet and balance. His frame looks capable of adding good weight. Peska is packed with potential and is one to watch this fall.     Pugh proved to be a three-phase factor as a sophomore this past season. He provided Louisa-Muscatine with team-bests in receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches. He also rushed for 74 yards and a score. On defense, he posted 24.5 tackles, 19 of which were solo stops, and paced the team in pickoffs. He averaged 16.4 yards on 34 kick returns, taking one of them back to the house. When we pop on Pugh's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19066093/69066bf7463a680a36e7e051">10th-grade highlight video</a>, there's a student-athlete with a skill set to impact games in multiple areas. He's agile for a taller kid with speed and elusiveness. His long arms aid his as a receiver or when he's in coverage. His projectable frame can comfortable take on good weight, adding to his upside.     While victories were hard to come back at HLV in 2025, a group of younger players provided hope for the future with their performance. Pirkl was a chief contributor among that collection of talent. He posted 24.5 tackles, nine of which were of the solo variety. A pair of tackles for loss also were on his ledger. He caught five passes for 42 yards and rushed for 21 more. Pirkl chipped in on special teams as well, including as a kick returner. While there are a limited number of clips housed on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23407099/Tristan-Pirkl/highlights">Hudl page</a>, we can get an idea of how he finds success. On defense, he diagnoses plays quickly and gets downhill to the ball in a hurry. Pirkl moves well laterally and pursues well in space, a must in the eight-player game, but something that translates nicely to 11-on-11.

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