5 Players who Out-Kicked their Ranking Last Season
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As we reflect on last season and look at where players ranked in the Iowa rankings, several players out-played where they were thought to be. Diving into the film, five of them boosted their stock with strong years and will…
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Continue ReadingAs we reflect on last season and look at where players ranked in the Iowa rankings, several players out-played where they were thought to be. Diving into the film, five of them boosted their stock with strong years and will see a boost in rankings.
With speed, strength, and athleticism, these players are destined for big years next season. Let’s dive into what makes these players so special and why they will rise in the Iowa rankings.
Tripp’s size immediately stands out on film. He’s built like a wrecking ball, with a tremendously lower body strength and is ripped in his upper half. Not only that, he’s also a phenomenal athlete who carries his frame well. Tripp hits with a ton of power, exploding downhill and putting his strength to work, driving ball carriers to the dirt and running through them. He can change directions with ease, making him a threat to make a play on the ball carrier or get the ball in the air and disrupt passes. Tripp has great instincts when reading the play, making the right read and flying through running lanes to meet the ball carrier in the hole.
Highlights
As an outside linebacker, Hildring is used extensively in coverage and on the boundary to prevent outside runs. As a coverage backer, he’s great at mirroring the receiver and staying in phase throughout the route. Hildring is instinctive as he reads the quarterback’s eyes and breaks on the pass to make a play on the receiver. He has excellent hands for a linebacker and is constantly threatening to create a turnover. As a run defender, Hildring is a strong tackler and does a terrific job sealing the edge. He’s explosive downhill and has great speed to catch the ball carrier. Hildring can get moving from sideline to sideline to cut down the angle the ball carrier is taking.
Max Dickinson Max Dickinson OL Ankeny Centennial | 2025 State IA
Max Dickinson Max Dickinson OL Ankeny Centennial | 2025 State IA
Dickinson is a strong, athletic guard who showed he can be a versatile asset on the offensive line. He’s often used as a pulling guard, explosively getting out of his stance and quickly getting to the second level. Dickinson overpowers linebackers, creating wide-open running lanes and space for his ball carriers. He has terrific footwork and hand technique when in pass protection and is constantly looking for work to protect his quarterback. Dickinson’s hand technique is a huge plus to his game, and when he gets his vice grips on you, he controls the rep from start to finish.
Edwards has the ideal size and strength you want from a center. He easily overpowers interior defensive linemen by using various techniques, keeping a strong base and a phenomenal anchor. Edwards is tremendously quick out of his stance, getting his snap hand up immediately and locking onto defenders. He has a mean, aggressive play style, finishing his blocks to the whistle. Edwards takes his man out of the play, opening up running lanes on the interior and in pass protection, he provides stout protection for his quarterback.
Highlights
Beckett Bakker Beckett Bakker 5'11" | 185 lbs | QB Waukee | 2026 State IA
Beckett Bakker Beckett Bakker 5'11" | 185 lbs | QB Waukee | 2026 State IA
Bakker is a phenomenal athlete with a well-rounded toolset at the quarterback position. He possesses the speed to break off a massive run if plays break down or on designed QB-keepers. He moves well in the pocket, creating space to deliver a strong pass. He has decent arm strength that helps him push the ball deep and fit passes into tight windows. Bakker is great at escaping pressure and using his legs to pick up yardage when plays break down. His snappy throwing motion allows him to get the pass out of his hands quickly, delivering the ball with accuracy and velocity. Bakker is a tough runner who isn’t afraid of contact. He’ll lower his shoulder to initiate contact and can absorb hits in the pocket while delivering accurate passes to his receivers.