Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 5 Group 1

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area   It's hard to believe a new high school football season is so close. The first games kick off Aug. 29. While we want to enjoy the rest of the summer, it's ok to be excited about another run of Friday night lights.   In preparation for the upcoming campaign, I'll be rolling out content to get us ready. We'll be looking at X-factors to get started.    Williams still is flying under the radar recruiting wise despite collecting a team-best 54.5 tackles, 34 of which were of the solo variety, as a Des Moines East junior in 2025. He also forced a fumble and recovered a fumble. Williams impresses during the clips on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22704975/Lance-Williams/highlights">Hudl page</a> showing him in action last fall. A bit undersized on the interior of the defensive line, Williams beats opponents with strength. He sheds blocks with active hands and understands how to absorb them when needed. Williams is fast and agile in close spaces and out in the open. His speed in a straight line is notable. He wins a lot of matchups early on by getting off of the ball quickly and pushing into the gaps. Williams operates well in East's 4-3 front, but has the necessary skills to line up at end in a 3-4. Special teams' contributions also can be expected on the next level.     One of several new additions to the City High program this offseason, Miller is a clock-controlling back that complements well what is expected to be a salty offensive line and stingy defense. Regina leaned on Miller heavily in reaching the state championship game last year and the Little Hawks hope to ride the dynamic back to a turnaround after last year's struggles. Miller is a patient runner with keen vision that allows him to flow with the play while blocks are setting up. He uses what the defense gives him, but can take it to the house when he hits the crease. A good receiver out of the backfield and a willing and able blocker, it's a complete running back package that has Power 4 schools vying for his services.     Ross was a tackling machine for Norwalk last season, recording 54.0 stops, 51 of which were of the solo varierty. He also proved disruptive to opposing offenses, registering 7.0 tackles for loss and picking off a pair of passes. Listed as a linebacker and free safety, Ross displays an aptitude for performing at both positions during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19508570/69042d218b3e5d221471f17e">11th-grade highlight video</a>. Norwalk lines him up far outside at linebacker and also uses him as a at slot corner. His reads and reactions are quick. He flies to the football against the rush and easily flows into coverage. Ross is smooth changing directions and closes quickly on the ball when thrown in his area. A reliable tackler, Ross breaks down the ball carrier and arrives using the proper angles. He should be a contributor on special teams early in his college career.     Morgan was a first-team all-district pick as a sophomore and followed it up with more honors a year ago. His senior campaign in Ottumwa is setting up to be very impactful. He's a space eater on the defensive front, where he produced 17 solo tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery as a junior disrupter. Morgan mixes power and athleticism in finding consistent success. Consider that he intercepted a pair of passes as a defensive lineman in 2025 when recognizing a unique skill set. The potential for even more emanates from the <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19096012/697a79ffab2e0b613d52c85c">junior highlight video</a> from start to finish. Morgan operates with active and violent hands well. He fires off of the snap, overwhelming offensive linemen tasked with getting in front of him.     Wilson made a seemless transition from Des Moines East to Southeast Polk last season, which led to an offer from Northern Iowa and a Panther commitment on June 27. The big kid up front will be playing with peace of mind in 2026 with his college decision made. That's bad news for Ram opponents. Wilson is a rare combination of excellent size, strength and agility that is still coming together. Each stage of the development process has brought with it more impactful results. Another offseason of conditioning, added explosiveness and improved technique very well could help Wilson become one of the state's best offensive lineman. He wasn't far off last year.     On a roster as loaded with talent as any in the state, Vinyard is a rising star just beginning to scratch the surface of his immense upisde. The Iowa State commitment is a ball of athleticism and physicality built to dominate on the prep level and packed with potential for a very bright future on the Power 4 level. As it were, Vinyard paced all Class 5A tight ends in receptions (40) last season for a team with a lot of mouths to feed in the air attack. He racked up 464 yards of catches and hauled in three touchdowns. With his starting quarterback returning and some key losses at receiver, Vinyard could become an even bigger part of the offense. Beyond his pass-catching skills, the senior is a willing and able blocker. With another offseason of strength and conditioning, that area of his game can be expected to take another step forward in 2026.

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