2029 Initial Watchlist Launch: Defensive Linemen to Know

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;OscarGalindo30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em>.</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are excited to launch the initial watchlist for the Iowa Class of 2029. After reviewing the state for standout freshmen, we compiled a list of 200 players who have the potential to develop into next-level prospects in the upcoming season. In my first feature covering this release, I will take a look at some prospects on the defensive line.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Full 2029 list <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/iowa-high-school-football-2029-class-player-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">HERE</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Check out these up-and-coming freshman defensive linemen:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:separator --> <hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" /> <!-- /wp:separator --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2120568"],"_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-698ac8d7a2bee"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Bishop Heelan's [player_tooltip player_id='2120568' first='Sebastian' last='Pratt'] looks like a prime candidate to develop into a solid prospect in the upcoming seasons. He stands out on the roster list with next-level measurables at 6'4" and 250 pounds, and he comes from a football program that is as good as any at producing collegiate talent.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1909587"],"_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-698ac8d7a2c6f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/cade_duffy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@cade_duffy)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">ADM's [player_tooltip player_id='1909587' first='Cade' last='Duffy'] is a prospect who stood out early in the season and continued to improve as the season progressed. Cade finished his frosh campaign with 23 tackles, 6.5 TFLs, and 4.5 sacks, showing his ability to make splash plays in the opposing backfield. He's very effective in the interior defensive line, where he is able to use his natural leverage and powerful base to drive defenders off the ball. Duffy flashed good hand placement and the ability to disengage from blockers to continue his pursuit. Solid lateral mobility and motor help keep him in every play from snap to whistle. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/20328756/69228c33776090401ccdf78d' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698ac8d7a2e9a"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2120564"],"_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-698ac8d7a2f0c"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/Austin_Limbaugh" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@Austin_Limbaugh)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Clear Lake's [player_tooltip player_id='2120564' first='Austin' last='Limbaugh'] gave us a small sample size as a freshman but already shows promise as a prospect moving forward. Austin is a lengthy, athletic player who already has good size at 6'4" and 200 pounds. He recorded a tackle, a TFL, and a sack last season, so you can see he's efficient when it comes to making plays. With the Lions also losing a ton of receiving production, I could see Austin receiving a bigger workload next season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2074548"],"_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-698ac8d7a2f78"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/KalePloog52" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@KalePloog52)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Northeast's [player_tooltip player_id='2074548' first='Kale' last='Ploog'] is an interesting prospect who I can see playing in a few different positions at the next level, but looks most natural on the defensive side. The Rebels had a good group of players who contributed as freshman with Kale leading the charge with 26 tackles, 4.5 TFLs, and 2.5 sacks while also playing right tackle. He split his time on defense between playing with his hand in the dirt or as a standup outside linebacker. He does a good job getting off the ball with a sharp first step and can close on ball carriers quickly. Can set the edge against the run. Kale also did a solid job on the offensive line, displaying the athleticism and footwork to stay engaged with defenders and has a mean streak when trying to finish the play in the dirt. Lots of upside!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/hudl {"name":"acf/hudl","data":{"embed_code":"u003ciframe src='https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/24286428/691f7e1ae77971cbdefadf97' width='640' height='360' frameborder='0' allowfullscreenu003eu003c/iframeu003e","_embed_code":"field_62daf7995fd8c"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-698ac8d7a2fb3"} /--> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1326418"],"_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-698ac8d7a3010"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://x.com/kyler_cush2029" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">(@kyler_cush2029)</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">PCM's [player_tooltip player_id='1326418' first='Kyler' last='Cushman'] is another player who had a small sample size in 2025 but looks primed to step into a bigger role this upcoming fall. As a freshman, Kyler ended the season with four tackles in a limited role. Part of what stands out about Kyler is that he already has projectable size at 6'2" and 220 pounds with a strong, sturdy build and a lengthy 78" wingspan that should hold up well in the trenches. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->