Closer Look at College-Ready Iowa 2027s

<!-- 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>Colleges have done well in mining Iowa's 2027 recruiting class. Twelve different guys have verbally committed to Power 4 programs. Quite a few others have pledged to FBS and FCS schools.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Even with those sizable numbers, a lot of talent from the state for the cycle remains in the board. Here's a closer look at a group of them:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Danny</strong> <strong>Small, OL/DL, Center Point-Urbana</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Announced offers:&nbsp;</strong>None.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Situation:&nbsp;</strong>Small's college future could be on either side of the trench. He recorded 45.5 tackles, 22 of which were solo, as a Center Point-Urbana junior last season. He had four tackles for loss, a fumble recovery and a sack. Small also was big for a Stormin Pointer O-Line that found success running the football. Agility and mobility stand out when watching him operate as a guard. There's burst off the snap and active hands. He gets great push. He's quick on defense, too, while also being physical. There's quite a bit of room to fill out a projectable frame, giving him a significant ceiling.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Small isn't reporting any college interest. That's surprising. Fortunately, there's a senior season loading that will open eyes.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1616415' first='Lincoln' last='Skarnulis'], LB/RB, Glenwood</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Announced offers:&nbsp;</strong>None.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Situation:&nbsp;</strong>Skarnulis lists linebacker and running back as positions on an 11th-grade highlight video. A path to college playing time at those positions can be seen. So, too, can success be imagined at tight end/or H-Back. He's an advanced blocker that embraces the game's physicality. The athleticism and agility exists to develop a pass catcher that can stress opposing defenses. Skarnulis has plenty of physical and football growth left in front of him, making him a nice upside play for colleges investing in their future.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bemidji State, Nebraska-Kearney, Upper Iowa, Central College, Southwest Minnesota State, Coe and Sioux Falls have shown interest in football. The Army and Navy track programs have contacted Skarnulis, who qualified for the Iowa state meet in the shot put.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Cooper Small, RB/DB, Central DeWitt</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Announced offers:&nbsp;</strong>None.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Situation:&nbsp;</strong>Production was not a problem for Small in 2025. The Central DeWitt junior rushed for 945 yards (6.6 YPC) and 12 touchdowns. He racked up 54.5 tackles, 42 of which were solo stops. Small came up with 2.5 tackles for loss, a sack, an interception, a forced fumble and a pair of fumble recoveries for a playoff team. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19688303/69949d59520f9c0896a39e24" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19688303/69949d59520f9c0896a39e24">11th-grade highlight video</a> offers evidence that he could succeed on either side of the ball on the next level. Small's athleticism and speed work well at running back, where there's physicality, vision, patience and flow to his game. Those traits also work on defense, where he would develop into a safety strong against the run and sticky in coverage.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Upper Iowa and Cornell College have played host to Small for campus visits. He's also heard from Northern Illinois, Wartburg, Monmouth College and Simpson.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2087284' first='Layton' last='Snuttjer'], ATH, Boyden Hull/Rock Valley</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Announced offers:&nbsp;</strong>Dordt, Northwestern College, Morningside, Doane University.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Situation:&nbsp;</strong>Snuttjer proved to be a college prospect on both sides of the ball as a Boyden Hull/Rock Valley junior last fall. He caught 31 passes for 449 yards and four touchdowns and was credited with five pancake blocks. Nine of his 13.5 tackles were solo stops, and he intercepted a throw. Snuttjer's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/21285527/6902352d206aefcac228f800" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/21285527/6902352d206aefcac228f800">11th-grade highlight video </a>reveals a technically-sound wideout running precise routes. He wins contested balls and adjusted well to wherever the ball is placed. His abilities also work well on defense and would be an asset on special teams. There's a good deal of projection remaining on his 6-foot-4 frame.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dordt, Northwestern College, Morningside, and Doane University have reportedly offered. Snuttjer visited Sioux Falls, Augustana, Central College, Morningside, Dordt, South Dakota and Minnesota-Duluth this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Shepherd</strong> <strong>Stanton, DB, Iowa City High</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Announced offers:&nbsp;</strong>None.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>The Situation:&nbsp;</strong>Stanton's contributions often go unnoticed by the casual fan. Ability to cover opposing receivers prevents quarterbacks from throwing his way, shrinking the field and greatly aiding the defense as a whole. When the ball does go to that part of the field, Shepherd presents tight windows with his height and long arms. He changes directions well thanks to smooth hip movement and has recovery speed with long strides. Shepherd's frame has room to fill out and add strength without the loss of agility. That gives him recognizable upside as a cover corner capable of supporting the run and standing out on special teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Shepherd isn't reporting any college interest publicly, which is surprising. He has a chance to raise his stock with a strong final prep season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->