Scouting Reports: Checking In with Iowa Class of 2029s

<!-- 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 <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2028-rankings/">Class of 2028 rankings update</a> at the end of last month. That followed a final update on the <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2026-rankings/">2026 Class</a> and an <a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/2027-rankings/">update on the 2027s</a>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We'll finish of 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":["2072312"],"_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-697d02eb94cae"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Derossett helped West Marshall advance to the second round of the Class 1A state playoffs as a freshman last season. He recorded 39.0 tackles with 25 solo stops. Derossett posted 6.0 tackles for loss and a sack, and intercepted three passes. He carried eight times for 79 yards and a touchdown, flashing potential on both sides of the ball. We don't have a lot to go on yet when it comes to available film to review on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/29334918/Turner-DeRossett/highlights">Hudl page</a>. A small collection of clips do reveal someone worth monitoring moving forward. Derossett is a ball of energy on each side of the line of scrimmage. He's an active outside linebacker that packs a punch. Fast and able to get downhill quickly, Derossett flies to the football, and the ninth-grader also looks explosive when he's carrying it.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2110235"],"_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-697d069389c5a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Gardner handled the punting duties as a freshman on a Class 5A playoff team. He averaged 38.3 yards on 15 punts. During his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/24251514/691a2e25930670c0e47a58bb">ninth-grade highlight video</a>, Gardner provides evidence as to how he gets the job done. Average yards per attempt don't tell the whole story of a punter's talents. Gardner is skilled at directional punting and making it difficult for returners to find clean opportunities. Kohl's Kicking sees him as a 3.5 star in its <a href="https://www.kohlskicking.com/national-player-ratings/punters/2029">2029 national rankings</a>. The specialist experts had this to say: <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:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2081150"],"_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-697d0e3d05234"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Jones was listed on the Iowa City High freshman roster in 2025, and he has a <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23263145/695d67adfa6c3e740b1a71b5">highlight video</a> of his performance on that level. It wraps up with him intercepting a pass but the rest of the show is him gashing defenses as a receiver. It's a well-rounded skill set with an ability to get deep or operate underneath. Jones shows a knack for delivering receptions down the sideline and for getting open when his quarterback is keeping the play alive off of schedule. It's early and there's another level to climb, but Jones is off to a good start and someone on which to keep an eye moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2081105"],"_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-697d15325e389"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Joynt was listed on the freshman roster for Dallas Center-Grimes. The varsity starter was a junior, so it could be another year of development for Joynt in 2026. That could prove beneficial in preparing to compete for QB1 the following year. The foundation is there for success, as evidenced by the clips available on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/26908725/Emmett-Joynt/highlights">Hudl page</a>. Joynt shows a strong arm and an ease with which he gets the ball down the field. He can drop the ball in the bucket or put it on a line. Joynt appears to prefer the pocket but is capable of extending plays with his legs or tucking the ball in picking up yards on the ground.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2116332"],"_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-697d19b9738d3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Prairie listed Nkunzi on its freshman roster for the 2025. He spent the campaign developing within a program that has a lot success producing talent for the next level. Nkunzi has a chance to move up the ladder based on the clips we can find on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/26980508/toussaint-nkunzi/highlights">Hudl page</a>. He's a handful on the ninth-grade level lining up in the middle of a three-man front. Nkunzi fires off of the snap, putting offensive linemen on their heels from the jump. He uses his hands well when engaged, fighting off blocks quickly and displaying a burst after separating from them. Nkunzi's frame looks capable of adding plenty of good weight without the loss of speed or agility. He's one to watch moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2089937"],"_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-697d30a0ad62a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Western Dubuque listed the physically advanced Pace on its varsity roster in 2025. I don't believe the highlights on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/24868856/Klay-Pace/highlights">Hudl page</a> are from that level, however. What we see on them is dominant interior offensive lineman that can win in a phone booth or out in space. He pulls with ease, generating momentum and picking off helpless defenders. With good feet, agility and a frame that can comfortable add good weight, Pace is a prospect to watch moving forward in a program that does a good job developing talent in the trenches. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->