Kickoff ’26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 5A Group 5

<!-- 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><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-5-group-1/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 5 Group 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-5-group-2/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 5 Group 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-5-group-3/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 5 Group 3</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-5-group-4/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 5A Group 4</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-5-group-6/?itm_source=parsely-api">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 5A Group 6</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>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.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1609271"],"_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-6a6387564bb5e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Stecker is bigger, stronger and faster than most of his opponents at this level. That's why he'll challenge himself in college by competing in Power 4 football with the Iowa Hawkeyes. The rangy linebacker covers a lot of territory. Another offseason of development could spell big trouble for the teams on Bettendorf's 2026 schedule. He can wreck game plans with his ability to chase the quarterback, stuff the run and stick with guys in coverage. It allows the Bulldogs to play aggressive defense with the talent they put around their star. His future in college is bright, but before beginning that quest, Stecker will be putting a bright bow on a wonderful prep career.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1584432"],"_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-6a638a30b834f"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Hanks is unusually athletic with a large dose of physicality. That helps him disrupt the proceedings of opposing offenses on a regular basis. What attracted colleges to him was a projectable frame and notable ceiling. The next step on that journey happens this season in Cedar Falls, where he'll be playing free with a Utah State commitment in the bank. An offseason of training will have Hanks prepared for a memorable senior year, when the Tigers should be a formidable group. For his part, Hanks shuts down a lot of turf with a all-around skill set designed to bow up against the rush and run with pass catchers in coverage. Long arms create small windows for quarterbacks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["617066"],"_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-6a638bdabc226"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kalolero rushed for 1,027 yards (6.5 YPC) and six touchdowns, adding 19 receptions for 200 yards and a score as a Jefferson junior in 2025. He was named the J-Hawk MVP, earned all-district recognition and was academic all-conference. Kalolero looks natural running the ball, patiently waiting for holes to hit and then getting downhill in a hurry. Vision helps him exploit soft spots in the defense. He's a strong route runner with sure hands, adding more to the defense's plate. Grand View offered him an opportunity to play college football in early May. He ran a 4.53-second 40-yard dash at Iowa State's camp last month. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2101641"],"_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-6a638e1e5bc48"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Klotz broke out as a Hempstead sophomore in 2025, delivering 43.0 tackles, 34 of which were solo stops. The versatile athlete intercepted a pass and chipped in a half tackle for loss. He contributed on offense with five catches for 47 yards and two touchdowns. It was an impressive performance by a sophomore at the Class 5A level, and his 10th-grade&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/22796474/69098e4b8a6d07a6003968ce">highlight video</a>&nbsp;hints at a high ceiling and another step forward this year. Klotz's potential as a safety is undeniable. He covers receivers and gets downhill in a hurry against the run. Klotz should be stronger and fast as a junior, not good news for guys lining up on the other side.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1700035"],"_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-6a6390d1ec2cb"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Sandiford recorded 31.5 tackles in 2025, ranking among Dubuque Senior's leaders. Sixteen of the stops were solo, and 8.5 tackles for loss, a sack and a fumble recovery spoke to his big-play making abilities. They were on display during his&nbsp;<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20033112/6902a0600d2241dbb09473bd">11th-grade highlight video</a>. The Rams utilize his athleticism, speed and toughness by moving him around the formation. He's fast to the football whether he's coming down against the run or closing in coverage. Sandiford gets off of blocks well and flows to the football. He's fluid in coverage, flipping his hips and keeping his eyes where they need to be. Sandiford is poised for a big senior campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1207826"],"_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-6a63921de08e6"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Some love for the O-Line in searching for X-Factors across the state, Clausen is beyond worthy of the recognition. He's worked hard on building himself into a Power 4 football player, which was confirmed with a commitment to Minnesota, a program known for developing guys at the position. Clausen fits perfectly there as a prospect with plenty of room to grow before reaching a sizable ceiling. Before he embarks on his Gopher adventure, the physical and athletic blocker looks to lead the Prairie Hawks to great heights for a senior season to remember. A key component on what should be a salty Prairie offensive front, Clausen is set up for a dominant final campaign. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->