Scouting Reports: Iowa 2028s with Up Arrows

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 and issue our first 2029 rankings later this month.   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:    Lucas made his mark on both sides of the ball for Oelwein in 2025. The sophomore registered 31.0 tackles, 18 of which were of the solo variety. He forced a pair of fumbles and had half tackle for loss. Lucas hauled in 11 balls for 153 yards and two touchdowns. On his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23496802/Tyler-Lucas/highlights">Hudl page</a>, clips from individual games are hosted. While there's not a lot to go off of, there's enough footage to be intrigued by the combination of athleticism, speed and a frame that can comfortable add good weight. Lucas is a big target lining up on the outside, running clean routes and catching passes with his hands. He could continue developing as a receiver or grow into a tight end. While there aren't clips of him playing defense, it's a set of skills and talents capable of working at multiple positions on that side of the ball.     Decorah received a strong sophomore season from Kuennen in 2025. He was credited with 30.0 tackles. Fifteen of those stops were solo. Kuennen came up with 2.5 tackles for loss and recovered a fumble. On top of that, he proved to be one of the Vikings' top offensive linemen, as can be seen when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20504370/6924af1b0d4fda37419d131e">10th-grade highlight video</a> on that side of the ball. He is a ball of explosion playing on the interior of the offensive front. Keunnen gets a good burst off of the snap with effective hand placement. He's strong and quick, and has no problem pulling or reaching blocks in space. With two years of high school remaining and a frame capable of adding good weight, Kuennen is a prospect on the rise.     At a smaller school, the best guys have to contribute in a lot of areas. Vazquez fits that description for Wapello. The sophomore raced for 616 yards (5.3 YPC) and six touchdowns, adding eight receptions for 68 yards and a score. On defense, Vazquez produced 29.5 tackles, 25 of which were solo stops. He intercepted a pass, posted 5.0 tackles for loss and recovered a pair of fumbles. He returned kicks, kicked off, handling place-kicking duties and punted. Vazquez connected on two of his three field-goal attempts. That's a whole lot of production for a 10th-grader. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22983743/6965a7b22e61729321cf14d1">2025 highlight video</a> reveals a fast athlete with versatility. Vazquez looks natural carrying the ball as a running back and when lining up in the slot. Defensively, quickness and fluidity make him an effective member of the secondary.     Bell was a bright spot for Davenport West as a sophomore during the 2025 season. He posted 29.0 tackles, 11 of which were solo stops. Bell contributed a tackle for loss and recovered a fumble, too. We can witness how he gets the job now and the potential for even more production in the future when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23006805/68efc05f0c6acebc0ab909ca">10th-grade highlight video</a>. On it, we see an intriguing defender with speed and long arms. Bell quickly identifies the play coming his way and operates within the defense, playing assignment football. He's adept at breaking down the ball carrier and delivering a form tackle.     Bedford reached the second round of the eight-player playoffs in 2025 with Drake playing a key role as a sophomore. He recorded 29.0 tackles, 21 of which were solo stops. Drake posted a pair of tackles for loss, and his only punt return went for a touchdown. He completed 8 of 13 throws for 114 yards and two scores without an interception, and rushed for 72 yards. Drake posted a <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22884422/69094e7a0815db8cab8d9a2d">video of his defensive highlights</a> on his Hudl page. He gets downhill in a hurry against the run, filling gaps and flowing to the football. Drake packs a punch upon arrival and delivers technically sound tackles. A good athlete with speed, he can stick with receivers in coverage.     There's a lot of burst and power to Dierking's game when you watch the highlights from the 2025 season on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23428825/Taren-Dierking/highlights">Hudl page</a>. He explodes off of the snap and into opponents on both sides of the ball. Dierking shows a good feel for where his hands need to be whether he's blocking or separating from blocks. He operates with physicality and plays through the whistle. It's easy envisioning Dierking ending up successful on offense or defense on the next level. He totaled 29.0 tackles, 16 of which were solo stops. Eleven tackles for loss, four sacks and four fumble recoveries illustrated his disruptiveness.

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