IA Unranked ATHs to Watch in 2027

Athletes are more difficult to rank within our system. They give plenty of all-purpose value and productivity that could help them translate their success at the next level, though the question remains being where exactly could that role be, and whether some of the more unorthodox talents play well in a more conventional setting. These ATHs are ones that provide that wild-card value that may bring potential high-risk, high-reward value at the next level depending on the fit and who decides to give them a chance. Here are 7 ATHs in Iowa for the Class of 2027 that are deserving of that chance to show their talents at the next level by the end of their senior seasons!    [player_tooltip player_id='1197467' first='Treyvon' last='Herron'] has been a spectacular standout at the 8-man league since emerging in the Rebels' lineup as a freshman. Herron broke out in the backfield in 2025, rushing for 1278 yards and 26 TDs on the ground while adding 264 receiving yards on 19 receptions and 5 TDs. Defensively, he recorded 83.5 tackles, 15 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, 4 FFs, 3 fumble recoveries, 4 PBUs, 4 INTs, and 4 defensive TDs. A versatile puzzle piece who can be lined up in multiple positions both offensively and defensively and excel where needed, Herron has clearly shown to be a X-Factor, with the threat of him scoring practically every time the ball is in his hands. Herron should continue to rock the 8-man league as a senior as one of the conference's most productive players overall.     Mount Pleasant has enjoyed a resurgence over the last 2 seasons after going winless in 2023, and [player_tooltip player_id='1849088' first='Brody' last='Clark'] has emerged as a strong supporting piece for a rejuvenated offense. Clark led the team with 380 receiving yards on 32 receptions and 5 TDs. He added 32.5 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 2 INTs, and 1 defensive TD. Clark possesses solid size and athleticism to compete as a No. 1 WR, with good route-running and strong hands that made him most effective as a possession receiver in short-medium range, though possesses the speed to be able to rack up some big yardage after the catch. Clark will look to help Mount Pleasant to even bigger results to round out his senior campaign.     [player_tooltip player_id='1617688' first='Donovan' last='Holloway'] adds himself as another standout for a unit that has been regaining their competitive status over the last few seasons following a slump. Holloway has made his presence known as a LB/DB hybrid, recording 2nd on the team with 65 tackles to go with 15.5 TFLs, 4 sacks, and a fumble recovery. Holloway intrigues me as a player who could line up as an OLB, ILB, and Nickel defender who can effectively shut down the run, force pressure in the backfield, and being to lock down the perimeters with great sideline-to-sideline range. Holloway brings a lot to the table, and perhaps with more tape on his pass-coverage skills could really boost himself as a well-rounded hybrid defender.     A premier all-purpose talent for the Wildcats, [player_tooltip player_id='1360430' first='Eli' last='Dougherty']'s numbers took a bit of a dip in 2025 with an injury to his starting QB early on, but Dougherty continues to be the primary playmaker on offense and defense. Dougherty led the team with 433 yards on 29 receptions and a TD while recording 15 tackles, 3 INTs, and a defensive TD in the secondary. As the primary placekicker as well, he went 5/6 on FGs with a season long of 35 yards while going 35/38 on Extra Points. Dougherty shows plenty of versatility and skills to play at WR and shut down opposing receivers, with solid length, fluid hip rotation, and great speed to burn defenders as well as close down the gap to minimize gains. He has even garnered attention for his strong leg, receiving camp invites as a Kicker, and he should garner opportunities to play at either of these 3 roles at the next level.     Wilson Riphin brings D1 athleticism to the table, and despite his status as an unranked Athlete has garnered that level of attention from scouts. As a LB/Safety hybrid, Riphin recorded 45 tackles, a TFL, a PBU, and an INT. He also added 5 receptions for 132 yards and a receiving TD as well as 218 kick return yards (18.2 yards per return). Riphin would make for a great overhang defender with his length, being difficult for WRs to block against and able to effectively seal the gaps in the run working outside the box, while also flashing great ball-skills and footwork to effective shut down receivers in the passing game. Riphin remains to be a work in progress, but he's due to start gaining offers very soon with the trajectory he's on.     Unlike the prospects on this list so far, [player_tooltip player_id='2087280' first='Tyler' last='Kneip'] has already made his decision at the next level, committing to play at Dordt just 2 weeks ago. Playing at MLB, Kneip recorded 36.5 tackles, 4 TFLs, and an INT. Not a highly productive MLB, but an effective one who is more than capable of sealing the inside-run while flashing great vision and reads to decipher option-plays and react quickly to where the ball is going, and he is physical at the point of attack, staying low and giving little-to-no room for extra effort from the ball-carrier once they get hit. Dordt got an outstanding pickup in Kneip, and he will look to deliver by guiding ADM to another deep run within the tough 4A conference.     Cedar Falls has generated some great TEs over the last few years, and [player_tooltip player_id='1361286' first='Anthony' last='Pattee'] may be looking to add himself among that coveted list. In a limited role, Pattee caught 6 passes for 93 yards and 3 TDs in 2025. Pattee already boasts great size and athleticism for the position, and could bulk up a bit more to further fit into that position. He flashes impressive speed as a route-runner, being able to attack the seams and flats with confidence and rack up nice yardage after the catch while also being able to provide as a physical run-blocker who can be utilized well as a cheat-motion blocker. Pattee is a surprisingly overlooked TE prospect that should certainly garner serious attention entering his senior season.

Athletes are more difficult to rank within our system. They give plenty of all-purpose value and productivity that could help them translate their success at the next level, though the question remains being where exactly could that role be, and whether some of the more unorthodox talents play well in a more conventional setting. These ATHs are ones that provide that wild-card value that may bring potential high-risk, high-reward value at the next level depending on the fit and who decides to give them a chance. Here are 7 ATHs in Iowa for the Class of 2027 that are deserving of that chance to show their talents at the next level by the end of their senior seasons!