Five 2027s Deserving of Their First D1 Offer – Defense

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Five defensive players in the state of Iowa that are worth an offer from a Division I program but haven't received one yet.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1452144"],"_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-698e07b8b1219"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">A long-striding, versatile athlete that can play a variety of roles on the backend of a defense, [player_tooltip player_id='1452144' first='Levi' last='Chulu'] is a prospect that should have an offer by now because of his ability to play multiple positions. Whether it's one of the safety spots, nickel or even slot corner, Chulu can play them on defense -- while also serving as a punt returner. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In just 4.5 games this season, Chulu posted 24.5 tackles and two tackles-for-loss (TFLs), but those numbers don't speak to what he's capable of in the secondary. A DB who can help in run support, serve as a one-high, sideline-to-sideline safety and play in one-on-one coverage, Chulu is worthy of a D1 offer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1617646"],"_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-698e07b8b1284"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Terrorizing 5A quarterbacks all season for Cedar Falls, [player_tooltip player_id='1617646' first='Izzah' last='Grandon'] was one of the most productive defensive linemen in the state's biggest class this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Grandon is long, violent and disciplined off the edge for the Tigers, using all three of those traits to rack up 64.5 tackles, 21.5 TFLs and 9.5 sacks in 2025. Standing at just 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, Grandon will need some work in the weight room and to get on a meal plan if he's going to grow to the necessary size to play DE at the next level, but the skills and experience he brings from Cedar Falls is enough to earn him a spot. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1197463"],"_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-698e07b8b12d5"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The most productive football player in the state this fall, it almost feels like a travesty that [player_tooltip player_id='1197463' first='Nolan' last='Kriegel'] hasn't earned a single Division 1 offer at this point in his career. Posting a state-leading 61 touchdowns at quarterback this fall for Iowa Valley (yes, it's 8-Man, but still, those are crazy numbers), Kriegel led the state in scores without even making it to the state semifinals in Cedar Falls. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>An elusive runner that can out-athlete just about anyone in his native 8-Man class, Kriegel doesn't project to QB at the next level, but he shows the traits to earn him a spot on defense, potentially as a linebacker or defensive back. Either way, he's a legitimate athlete that deserves more shine. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1204540"],"_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-698e07b8b1322"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Yes -- [player_tooltip player_id='1204540' first='Jaxson' last='McIntire'] received an offer from Iowa State following his freshman year with Clear Lake. Now that Matt Campbell's staff has moved on to Penn State, that leaves McIntire without a committable offer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Like Kriegel, McIntire is often the best athlete on the field against 3A competition. It's fairly easy to tell simply by watching him drop back and launch a pass downfield for the Lions. <em>But</em>, again, like Kriegel, he doesn't project to QB at the next level. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a lower half that reminds CL head coach Aaron Stinsland of Iowa star CASH Zach Lutmer, McIntire also looks like he'll play defensive back in college. A hard-hitting safety that can come up and deliver a shot to a ball-carrier, McIntire isn't afraid to lay the boom. He can also cover running backs, wide receivers and tight ends in coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This season, he posted 30.5 tackles, seven pass-breakups (PBUs) and two interceptions for the Lions. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1532913"],"_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-698e07b8b136e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">As perplexing as they come when it comes to lack of offers, [player_tooltip player_id='1532913' first='Nick' last='Milburn'] is among those at the top. The state leader in tackles with a whopping 120, Milburn is all over the field for Newton, while also standing at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds. He fits the mold physically, in addition to his wildly good production -- adding 18 TFLs and three sacks, as well. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With instincts that aren't easily matched, Milburn is a high-motor, ferocious linebacker with an almost meniacal pursuit of the football. He does all of that while maintaining his assignments and doing exactly what his team needs to put them in the best position to win. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>If Milburn doesn't end up Power 4 or Group of 5, an FCS program in the Midwest could strike gold with a player like him. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->