Examining Talents of Iowa 2029s on the Rise

<!-- 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>Prep Redzone Iowa dropped a&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2028-rankings/">Class of 2028 rankings update</a>&nbsp;at the end of last month. That followed a final update on the&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2026-rankings/">2026 Class</a>&nbsp;and an&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2027-rankings/">update on the 2027s</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll finish off the latest run with the unveiling of our initial 2029 rankings. Please keep in mind, it's real early for the freshman class and just a starting point for us.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here's a closer look at guys in that recruiting cycle that you'll find in the upcoming release:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2119612"],"_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-69821c0f98042"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Sioux City East pushed Waukee Northwest in the Class 5A state quarterfinals before ending another fine season with nine wins. The Black Raiders continue to win because they continue developing talent for the next level. That dynamic can make it difficult for younger guys to break into the lineup. As a freshman in 2025, David showed up on the varsity roster, which is an accomplishment, in and of itself. He did not record any statistics with the top team, but improved through practice and competing on the non-varsity levels in hopes of being among the next in line for the successful program. David flashed the potential to do that as early as next fall during a <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/27807984/68c36f7b4959ff0f9367cd26"><strong>video on his Hudl page</strong></a>. There's potential coming off the edge as a dude that can win with speed or crash down with power. Keep an eye out for David moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2119633"],"_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-69821c0f98104"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ankeny listed Swanson on its varsity roster in 2025. When a freshman is given that distinction at a program that consistently produces college prospects, it's worthy of recognition, especially when the student-athlete takes the time to put together a <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23910043/68f7aaffa6029a90f1d6a4ad"><strong>highlight video</strong></a>. During the clips, Swanson flashes a good feel for the running back position. He mixes patience with vision, a burst and power. Coaches lined him up around the formation and created ways to get the ball in his hands with his knack for making defenders miss in space. Swanson provides evidence of another gear once he breaks free, capable of hitting the home run on the right pitch. He lists a 30-inch vertical leap, seven reps of 185 pounds on the bench press and a 11.9-second 100-meters. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2119749"],"_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-69822fac3da77"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Centennial has built a strong reputation for developing student-athletes for the next level. That makes it a program that competes with the best annually and often fields a veteran squad. That can make it difficult for underclassmen to crack the lineup. Heck, if they show up on the varsity roster, that's noteworthy. That was the case with Curless in 2025, his freshman campaign. Thankfully, the ninth-grader took the time to put together a <strong><a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22952332/68e04ad8790a18a9da0701eb">highlight video</a> </strong>of his first season of high school ball. Curless is an active and effective middle linebacker. He diagnoses what's coming pre-snap and already is moving to the ball when it's hiked. Getting down hill quickly and packing a punch upon arrival, Curless' opportunity to help the Jaguar varsity could come next fall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2119809"],"_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-6982405b939a1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Thoms was one of only three freshmen listed on Linn-Mar's varsity roster in 2025. Even though he didn't record any statistics, it's a good sign that the coaches thought enough about his future to include him on there. We can witness why that might be the case when watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/26165582/6903660ef764355452b0a9a4"><strong>ninth-grade highlight video</strong></a>. On it, we see Thoms providing evidence that he can gash defenses with his legs or arm. The dual-threat signal caller mixes power and speed when running. Thoms displays arm strength and an ability to hit targets when he's on the move. Keeping plays alive off of schedule stresses opponents and makes them make uncomfortable choices.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2119862"],"_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-69824ba181847"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">De Jager was one of only three freshmen to record statistics on the Lincoln varsity in 2025. He completed three of eight throws for 41 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions. Beyond that, De Jager worked on developing his game for the non-varsity level as a ninth-grader. We see some evidence of the upside when checking out a few clips available on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/24828351/Hudsyn-De-Jager/highlights"><strong>Hudl page</strong></a>. De Jager is at his best when on the move. He can get the ball downfield while rolling out, and shows an unusual comfortability and effectiveness doing so to the left as a right-hander. The knack for that and arm strength put the defensive out of position and opens up the field for big plays.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2119908"],"_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-69825337776a7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The son of former Heelan, Hawkeye and NFL running back <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brandon_Wegher">Brandon Wegher</a>, Brody shares his father's unusual athletic ability. Young Wegher completed two of four throws for 33 yards and a touchdown, carried the ball nine times for 53 yards, delivered a solo tackle and kicked a 49-yard field goal as a Sergeant Bluff-Luton freshman in 2025. He's also in the rotation for the varsity basketball team this winter. Wegher looks the part from what we can see during the clips posted on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/27316367/Brody-Wegher/highlights"><strong>Hudl page</strong></a>. He offers potential as a running back, option quarterback, linebacker, safety and specialist. Wegher's kickoffs prove his leg is powerful. It will be interesting to see how he develops and at what position that may be moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->