Rounding Up TE, RB in PRZIA ’29 Rankings Update

<!-- 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-district-6/">Kickoff '26: Class 4A 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-3a-district-6/">Kickoff '26: Class 3A X-Factors</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Iowa kicked off its rankings updates by dropping a new rundown for the Class of 2029, which you can check out&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/iowa-high-school-football-2029-class-player-rankings/"><strong>HERE</strong></a>. It was the second iteration in ranking this group and the first time there were numbers next to player names. The initial installment was a Watch List.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We provided an overview of the new rankings, which you can read&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/closer-look-at-new-prz-iowa-2029-rankings-update/"><strong>HERE</strong></a>. One of the biggest takeaways was it being so early in the football development process for all of these guys. That said, student-athletes that stand out early in their prep careers often stay on a positive trajectory and high in future ratings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In conjunction with the '29 update, I wanted to offer more insight into what we see from these individuals. A good way to attack it is by breaking them up by position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Previous Installments:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/examining-o-linemen-in-29-przia-rankings-update/"><strong>OL</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/quarterback-confidential-from-przia-29-update/"><strong>QB</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/diving-into-the-d-line-in-przia-2029-rankings-update/"><strong>DL</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/receivers-reign-in-new-przia-29-rankings-update/"><strong>WR</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/closer-look-at-lb-db-ath-in-przia-29-rankings-update/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/closer-look-at-lb-db-ath-in-przia-29-rankings-update/">LB, DB, ATH</a></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next up is a collection of guys at tight end and running back.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2101498"],"_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-6a832727f1a8b"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Phillips is ranked as the No. 6 overall prospect in Iowa's 2029 Class according to Prep Redzone. We have him as the top-ranked tight end, knowing that positions can evolve with three years of high school remaining. No matter where he ends up, Phillips will bring an unusual combination of size and ability to the spot. There's a bunch of speed, agility and athleticism in a projectable 6-foot-6 frame. It's the makings of an impactful performer at tight end. Perhaps he develops into an offensive tackle. The skills also would work along the defensive line. It should be exciting to see how the next step of his development unfolds this fall. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2138184"],"_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-6a83283112cef"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ankeny stacks up well with other programs around the state whenit comes to developing college prospects. The Hawks annually graduate talent to the next level. Wendel is on that track, as he shows during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23904928/68f6625522713eea383e47c7" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23904928/68f6625522713eea383e47c7">freshman highlight video</a> from 2025. It reveals a well-rounded tight end, especially for his age. Wendel is a willing and able blocker, and should take a step forward in that area after another offseason of training. He has a chance to be an impactful performer in that part of the game. Coaches line him up in-line, wide and at H-Back. He reaches blocks and runs crisp routes from all of them. The ceiling is high as are the odds for a breakout season in 2026.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2120871"],"_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-6a8329e25db84"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Samuels turns up in the recent Prep Redzone rankings release as the No. 28 player overall in Iowa's 2029 Class. The MOC-Floyd Valley sophomore is listed third at tight end, where he most certainly could develop into an impactful force. There's also a chance that happens on defense thanks to the high-end athleticism in a projectable frame. We should get a clearer picture what the path to college football might be positionally this season following another offseason of training. There's agility and speed. He played basketball and ran sprints in track as a ninth-grader last year. Expect Samuels to take a significant step forward on the gridiron this fall for the Dutchmen.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1865568"],"_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-6a8329e25dbbc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Paye popped off the film when watching highlight video from 2025 on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23368183/Will-Paye/highlights" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/profile/23368183/Will-Paye/highlights">Hudl page</a>. Developing on the lower levels in one of the state's top programs at molding talent for the next level, he could impact future varsity games as a running back. It's an attractive collection of traits. Keen vision, patience and burst work to create a natural talent with upside as a ball carrier. There's also a path to prominence as a menacing linebacker. He gets downhill fast, separates from blocks and flies to the football, arriving with intent and sound tackling technique. Keep an eye on Paye's progress this fall as he continues rising up the ranks. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1953540"],"_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-6a8329e25dbf2"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">I'm writing about Niegsch for a Prep Redzone Iowa rankings update that lists the Gilbert sophomore as a running back and linebacker. He's packed with potential at both spots. This evaluation is included in a positional breakdown at running back. When watching his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20091912/690905e5b1092d8c7e32f519" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20091912/690905e5b1092d8c7e32f519">highlight video on offense</a>, we see a ball carrier that surveys the field well and flows with the play. Sharp cuts, patience, burst and vision lead to positive results and big-play ability. His <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20091912/68d2bd6dab2f611abc70494b" data-type="link" data-id="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/20091912/68d2bd6dab2f611abc70494b">defensive highlight video</a> reveals a versatile linebacker capable of running guys down sideline to sideline or sticking with pass catchers in coverage. The Tigers have a knack for developing this type of athlete, and Niegsch is one to watch this season and beyond.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->