Kickoff ’26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 4A District 4

<!-- 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-6/">Kickoff '26: Class 5A X-Factors</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-4a-group-1/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 4A District 1</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-4a-district-2/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 4A District 2</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-4a-district-3/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-4a-district-3/">Kickoff '26: X-Factors for Each Team in Class 4A District 3</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 identifying X-factors for as many teams across the state as possible.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1621055"],"_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-6a749c444356d"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Seals impressed as a receiver and a returner when watching him compete last season against Newton, one of the top teams in Class 4A. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23127865/69947ddcca1ce9b4ef4b0cd3" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23127865/69947ddcca1ce9b4ef4b0cd3">junior highlight video</a> confirms it being a common occurrence throughout the campaign. He led the Clippers in receptions and ranked second among them in receiving yards and touchdown catches. Seals then won a state championship in the 110-meter high hurdles and qualified for the state track meet in four events. Iowa State, Texas Tech and others are involved with him in that sport. While he might end up running track in college, his football skills make him a two-sport prospect. There's potential in the secondary as well as at receiver. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1204515"],"_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-6a749e5b2910a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The top-ranked player in Iowa's 2027 Class, according to Prep Redzone Iowa, Slagle is a menacing combination of fury derived from unusual athleticism and agility wrapped into a massive frame. And there's room to grow, which is exciting for Iowa State fans and not good news for this year's opponents. Slagle committed to the Cyclones, de-committed after the coaching change, and then recommitted to the new staff. Before he arrives him Ames, he'll continue overwhelming fellow preps. Bull rusher or speed guy, Slagle is too big and fast to get around. Once he locks opponents up, he often rides them out for the rest of the play. The footwork and hand placement are excellent. Slagle is poised for a memorable senior campaign with a Tiger team capable of making some noise.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2167007"],"_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-6a74a2f62f7f1"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">During a 2025 season without a win at Oskaloosa, Kennedy provided hope that better days were ahead. The junior stood out on both sides of the line of scrimmage on the Class 4A level. As an offensive lineman, he led Oskaloosa with five pancake blocks. Kennedy recorded 20.5 tackles, 10 of which were solo stops. The active and athletic front man collected 2.0 tackles for loss, forced a fumble and recovered a fumble. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/18316043/69193702930670c0e479e5f5">11th-grade highlight video</a> reveals how he gets the job done. The inside man on a three-player D-Line, Kennedy soaks up blocks and controls with power. Active hands and quickness also aid in disengaging for tackles when the play comes his way. Kennedy is fast off of the ball, moves well laterally and has his eyes on the target. All of the assets that lead to success on defense do the same for him on offense. He wins battles in close with force and also is light on his feet in pass pro.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1644914"],"_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-6a74a5b31fbe3"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Van Maanen very much possesses the makeup of the linebackers Iowa has become fond of recruiting. They're long-limbed athletes that can run. There's room to build on projectable frames and hopefully emerge like Jack Campbell on the other end. A standout on an excellent Pella defense in 2025, Van Maanen registered an absurd 92.5 tackles, 82 of which were solo stops in earning first-team all-state honors as a junior. He piled up 23.5 tackles for loss and a pair of sacks. If you're looking for a glimpse into what the Hawkeyes and other colleges like about Van Maanen, check out his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16398691/6932575655262ab8c7b90564" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/16398691/6932575655262ab8c7b90564">11th-grade highlight video</a>. He stands out for his feel for the game and flow to the football. Van Maanen often reads and reacts at a speed faster than others around him. He's about to be a big problem again for folks on the Dutch schedule.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1677050"],"_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-6a74a91aac9c8"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Dreyer proved disruptive as a Marion junior in 2025, when he racked up 7.0 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks as a junior. Colleges noticed the production and, more importantly, the potential for a lot more with his athleticism and projectable frame. After visiting Iowa a couple of times, Northern Iowa and elsewhere, Dreyer committed to FCS national runner-up Illinois State in April. The explosive athlete with burgeoning power puts his talents on display during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19915244/69327449af641c02818fa89b" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19915244/69327449af641c02818fa89b">11th-grade highlight video</a>. He's a handful coming off of either edge in the four-person front, benefiting from speed and active hands. He understands angles and leverage, using them to his advantage. Dreyer will keep rising as he adds moves to his toolbox and becomes stronger. For now, he has plenty to contend with folks on the prep level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1366537"],"_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-6a74aabfc5f96"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Newton gave eventual unbeaten state champion Xavier one of its toughest fights of the season in the semifinals. The Cardinals boasted talent up and down the roster that contributed to the memorable run. Hansen was chief among them. He rushed for 1,337 yards (8.1 YPC) and 18 touchdowns, and added 15 catches for 216 yards and another score. Iowa State's previous staff offered Hansen a scholarship. The new Cyclone coaches re-offered, and he committed to the program in early March. Hansen is an excellent athlete with speed. His projectable frame gives him room to film out in a college strength program, where he'll add power to his smooth running style. Hansen glides with long strides after using keen vision and burst to jet through creases. He runs crisp routes and has potential to be a dangerous pass catcher out of the backfield. He also packs potential to stand out on defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->