Athletes Capable of Breaking Out in 2026

Rob Howe June 17, 2026 @ 01:36 PM

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area   While we don't want to wish summer away too fast, it's easy to peak around the corner and see the Iowa high school football season quickly approaching. Friday night lights will be shining brightly before we know it.   In preparation for the upcoming campaign, I thought it would be fun identifying five breakout candidates at each position.   Here's the group classified as Athletes:   [player_tooltip player_id='1665297' first='Jahlil' last='Clay'], 2029, Cedar Rapids Prairie   Prairie is a program with a strong pipeline of talent coming through it. That means guys hit their strides at different times, some of it based on opportunity. If Clay gets a chance in 2026, a breakout could very well be in the cards. If he's blocked by veteran talent, it may just delay the inevitable. The sophomore reports totaling 16 touchdowns, 1200 all-purpose yards and four interceptions in eight games on the non-varsity level as a ninth-grader last fall. Clay flashes potential on both sides of the ball. He could develop into a dangerous wideout capable of delivering big plays. A lock-down defender on the outside also is a possibility. A special teams' impact is likely as well. Iowa and Iowa State played host to Clay on recruiting trips last season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2119989' first='Jett' last='Sheedy'], 2029, Davenport North   I think Sheedy will make his mark as a dual-threat quarterback for Davenport North. He flashes an ability to succeed at that position, where you love having an athlete of his caliber. And the good news about boasting that speed and agility behind center is knowing that a position change would be possible if development there stalls. That could end up being in the secondary, where he shows a knack for identifying plays quickly, perhaps through knowledge of playing quarterback. Sheedy embraces contact and runs fast. He pressures opposing defenses when he has the ball, threatening to stretch the field or tuck the ball and pick up yards with his legs.   [player_tooltip player_id='1657932' first='Pierre' last='Shield'] 2029, West Liberty   Of the guys we've discussed so far during this rundown, Shield is the most accomplished on the varsity level. As a freshman in 2025, he totaled 23.0 tackles with 4.0 stops for loss, 4.0 sacks and a fumble recovery. He added 87 rushing yards and 21 receiving yards. While that's a notable season for a ninth-grader, it feels like Shield could break out with much bigger numbers this coming campaign. It's a projectable frame with plenty of athleticism and speed. Shield will be operating with a veteran quarterback that could lead to an emergence on offense. He already has a great feel for what to do on defense and should be a year wiser on that side of the ball.   [player_tooltip player_id='1956824' first='Cooper' last='Lester'], 2028, Liberty    Lester was one of the more impressive all-around athletes I scouted during the Back2Ballin 7v7 tournament during April in Cedar Falls. He played a key role in helping Rip City to a championship. That viewing followed multiple watches during the season at Liberty. He continually contributed in whatever area the team needed on its way to the first-ever state championship game in the school's brief history. It included 42 yards (5.3 YPC) and a touchdown on the ground, seven receptions for 35 yards, 24.0 tackles (15 solo, 2.5 TFL), a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. Lester likely moves into a larger role for 2026 and is capable of breaking out as an impactful three-phase contributor.   [player_tooltip player_id='1657063' first='Quinn' last='Lockard'], 2028, Waverly-Shell Rock   I've watched Lockard in action at the Back2Ballin 7v7 tournament during the last two springs. In between there, he laid a foundation as a Waverly-Shell Rock sophomore that makes a breakout a real possibility for this coming fall. While he contributed a couple of catches and 5.0 tackles, his work on special teams really highlight the speed and athleticism that makes him an interesting prospect. Lockard averaged 21.4 yards on a team-high eight kick returns. I think he can produce as a receiver capable of making opponents miss in space. There's also a potential future in the secondary, where he best fits now as a slot corner/free safety type. And, again, special teams are a place where he can shine.

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