2027 Cooper DeJean Trophy Candidates: 3A

The inaugarul Cooper DeJean Trophy, which goes to the top player in all classes, was awarded to Newton's [player_tooltip player_id='1619687' first='Caden' last='Klein']<a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/caden-klein/"></a><a></a> <a href="https://prepredzone.com/player/caden-klein/"></a> in mid-April. Who will be players to keep an eye on from 4A when the trophy is handed out next year?   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/2027-cooper-dejean-trophy-candidates-5a/">2027 Cooper DeJean Trophy Candidates: 5A</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/2027-cooper-dejean-trophy-candidates-5a-part-2/">2027 Cooper DeJean Trophy Candidates: 5A Part 2</a>   <a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/04/2027-cooper-dejean-trophy-candidates-4a/">2027 Cooper DeJean Trophy Candidates: 4A</a>    One of the more productive quarterbacks in northwest Iowa, [player_tooltip player_id='1848693' first='Ezra' last='Hibma'] shows off some athleticism and traits that allow him to take over a game for Sioux Center. With an effortless deep ball Hibma can launch the rock down field, but he also has dual-threat ability, showing off the legs when he tucks the ball down and takes off.   Last fall, he completed 110-of-187 passes for 1,675 yards, 21 touchdowns and five picks, adding 92 carries for 484 and seven scores on the ground. A QB that isn't afraid to take hits, he'll deliver them from time-to-time, too. If his dual-threat ability translates to a two-way ability and he's able to rack up some tackles, and maybe some picks, on the other side of the ball, he'll be in the thick of the conversation for the CDJ Trophy.     The definition of a utility, gadget guy for Solon, [player_tooltip player_id='1532898' first='Maddox' last='Kelley'] did it all for the Spartans last season, leading them to the UNI-Dome after an undefeated regular season. The leading returner in touchdowns in 3A, Kelley scored 29 times last season for the Spartans. That's more than any quarterback that returns in 2026.   An ATH that doubles as a receiver and a running back, Kelley led Solon in every single receiving statistic, grabbing 50 receptions for 702 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also finished second on the team in rushes (64) and yards (371), but led the Spartans in rushing touchdowns with 12.   He's finished his junior campaign tied for the second-most interceptions in the class with six, including two pick-sixes. Kelley added 41 tackles and forcing a fumble, to boot.   Oh, can't forget special teams.   In addition to his output on offense and defense, Kelley returned seven kicks for 128 yards, along with 15 punt returns for 234 yards and a score, including a 60-yard return.   If Kelley is able to match or exceed those numbers during his senior campaign, there may not be anyone else that has a case to be the Cooper DeJean Trophy nominee.     The top returner in rushing touchdowns from last season, Carroll's [player_tooltip player_id='1656855' first='Adam' last='Malik'] ran all over northwest Iowa defenses in 2025. Finishing the year with 207 carries for 1,514 yards and 18 scores, Malik was also finished first among all rushers in 3A in yards on the ground.   Watching his junior year film, it's easy to tell why. Malik navigates runs and space incredibly well. With chopping feet and the ability to stop and go better than most in the state, Malik can take a tiny crevice in the defense and expose for a 50+ yard run. Cutting back with lightning quick speed getting in and out of cuts, Malik alternates between his short, choppy strides to make tacklers miss and then puts on the jets, using long, bounding strides to out-pace the defense to the endzone.     A two-way star for Clear Lake, [player_tooltip player_id='1204540' first='Jaxson' last='McIntire'] is a Division I prospect on the defensive side of the ball, while also serving as one of the better quarterbacks in Class 3A. Tied for the second-most touchdowns amongst returning players for next season, McIntire finished his junior campaign with 28 scores.   Through the air, McIntire completed 122-of-177 passes (68.9%) for 1,609 yards and 19 touchdowns. With the ability to take off and make defenders miss, McIntire added 118 carries for 118 and nine touchdowns on the ground, forcing defenses to account for both his arms and his leg. An elsuive runner that also throws a tight ball, McIntire could very well play the QB position at the next level if he wanted to.   As a DB, McIntire added 30.5 tackles, three tackles-for-loss and two picks to go with seven pass-breakups. His lower half is as strong as they come, he's quick enough to keep up with receivers and powerful enough to bring down tight ends and help in run support.     The only player in 3A that matched Kelley's interception output from last season was [player_tooltip player_id='1906706' first='Grant' last='Whitcomb'] of Bishop Heelan. A long, slick corner for the Crusaders, Whitcomb is a prototypical size for the position, possessing the toolkit and the know how to play both man and zone coverage.   Showing ball-skills of a receiver and instincts of a veteran DB, it's no surprise that Whitcomb came away with so many picks this last year. He's a natural at the cornerback spot, showing feel, athleticism and stick hands to grab those interceptions, including one pick-six this last year.   With the graduation of so many pieces on their state runner-up squad, Whitcomb will need to reach a new level on both sides of the ball this fall. In addition to his stout defensive performance, he grabbed 24 passes for 572 yards and five scores as a receiver.

The inaugarul Cooper DeJean Trophy, which goes to the top player in all classes, was awarded to Newton's Caden Klein Caden Klein 5'10" | 175 lbs | ATH Newton | 2026 State IA in mid-April. Who will be players to keep an eye on from 4A when the trophy is handed out next year?