2029 Initial Watchlist Launch: Specialists to Know

<!-- 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>We're excited to release our introduction to Iowa's 2029 Class this week.&nbsp;<strong>The&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/iowa-high-school-football-2029-class-player-rankings/">Watch List</a></strong>&nbsp;includes 200 freshmen from around the state, a group that is sure to grow. Our 2026 rankings recognize almost 900 student-athletes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The '29 rundown caps off our recent series of updates. The others can be found at the following links:&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2026-rankings/"><strong>2026</strong></a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2027-rankings/"><strong>2027</strong></a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2028-rankings/"><strong>2028</strong></a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Updating and growing previous classes always is enjoyable. That said, a first-time release begins a special journey for all involved.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Iowa enjoys an underrated track record of producing specialists for the next level. A quick review of history at in-state colleges will reveal part of the legacy. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Class of 2029 is shaping up to be strong in that area. Kicker, punter and long snapper all are represented on out initial watch list. <br>[player_tooltip player_id='2118900' first='Luke' last='Hill'] debuted as a ninth-grader on the Ames varsity in 2025. He booted both of his extra-point attempts between the goal posts. Hill also has flashed potential as a punter in the past. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hill's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23192780/Luke-Hill/highlights"><strong>Hudl page</strong></a> houses clips from a couple of games. He can be seen converting a 32-yard field goal on the non-varsity level, a kick with plenty of leg. The same can be said for a 29-yarder posted on-line. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hill has competed at a Kohl's Kicking combine. The specialist experts at this to say about him:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Participated in the 2025 Kohl's National Scholarship Invitational and showed consistency throughout the event. He connected on 16 field goals and finished with a kickoff score of 83.20. He also registered a punt score of 78.84, with his top punt traveling 39 yards and hanging for 3.95 seconds. Hill has the tools to continue developing over the years to come.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ankeny's [player_tooltip player_id='2119742' first='Mason' last='DelVal'], Dowling Catholic's [player_tooltip player_id='2118891' first='Brody' last='Gabel'] and ADM's [player_tooltip player_id='2123528' first='Lucas' last='Seifert'] are other freshmen place kickers already on our radar. Expect them to have company in the class before long. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ankeny's [player_tooltip player_id='2110235' first='Clayton' last='Gardner'] was tasked with being the starting punter as a freshman on a Class 5A playoff team. He handled it wonderfully, setting the stage for what could be an impactful prep career leading to an assignment on the next level someday. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gardner averaged 38.3 yards on 15 attempts. When watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/24251514/691a2e25930670c0e47a58bb">ninth-grade highlight video</a>, the freshman looked the part. He flashed the ability to direct punts to a spot on the field where his team has the advantage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>He has impressed Kohl's, which ranks him as a 3.5 star in its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.kohlskicking.com/national-player-ratings/punters/2029">2029 national rankings</a>. The scouting service had this to say:&nbsp;</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Demonstrated effort and a strong willingness to learn and compete throughout the 2025 Kohl's Midwest Winter Showcase in Chicago. During punt charting, he earned 80.4 points, achieving a best hit of 43 yards with a hang time of 3.6 seconds. His positive energy and receptiveness to coaching contributed to a confident performance.</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Davenport Central's [player_tooltip player_id='2122239' first='Jack' last='Tatman'] is a ninth-grade long snapper of note. He reports logging a 4.0 GPA after his first semester of high school and has been working hard on honing his on-field craft, too, as we can see <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DUrv0gZjvEK/?igsh=MXJlMHhmdXlhbThmNA=="><strong>HERE</strong></a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->