An overlooked playmaker in the class — overlooked to the point that he probably should’ve been included in the 2027s that deserve their first Division I offer (I’ll take the blame for that one) — Jayden Lloyd Jayden Lloyd 5'8" | 155 lbs | ATH Woodbury Central | 2027 IA was one of the top pass-catchers in Class A last fall.

Finishing his junior campaign with the second most receiving yards in Class A and the most returning for next season, Lloyd was a speed demon that few defenses could stop. Leading Woodbury Central in receptions with 49 and yards with 785, Lloyd served as QB, Jackson Verschoor Jackson Verschoor 6'0" | 205 lbs | QB Woodbury Central | 2027 State IA ‘s safety net through the air, and a recruit the Wildcats knew they could go to if they needed a big play. Adding 23.5 tackles and four interceptions on defense, Lloyd’s future may be at defensive back, but his stardom is all over the field for Woodbury Central.

Also a return specialist, Lloyd brought back nine kicks for 158 yards and 14 punts for 286 yards. If he returns a few of those to the house, it’ll be tough to keep him out of the conversation for this award.

A large majority of the Wildcats’ offense will be returning in 2026, making them immediate front-runners in the Class A conference, and among those returning starters being one of the most productive receivers in the conference last season in Jayden Lloyd Jayden Lloyd 5'8" | 155 lbs | ATH Woodbury Central | 2027 IA . Lloyd’s 785 receiving yards ranked 2nd most in the conference on 49 catches (16 YPC) and 3 TDs. Working in the slot, Lloyd’s speed and slippery escape ability suits him well in that role, breaking in and out on his cuts smoothly and showing strong hands. A multi-purpose tool, Lloyd took reps as well in the backfield and adds value as a return specialist, extending Lloyd’s capabilities for the Wildcats, and that all-purpose value could be a difference-maker toward making a push for the state title to round out his high school career.

Lloyd was named an Iowa Football Coaches Association Class A first-team all-state pick as a receiver in 2025. The junior hauled in 49 receptions for 785 yards and three touchdowns for a Woodbury Central team that reached the state quarterfinals. He added 90 yards (5.3 YPC) on the ground and contributed 23.5 tackles, 18 of which were solo stops. Lloyd was credited with a tackle for loss, averaged 20.4 on 14 punt returns and 17.6 yards on nine kick returns, converted two of four field goal attempts, and averaged 35.4 yards on eight punts. That’s a lot of work. His 11th-grade highlight video reveals how he accomplishes contributing in so many areas of the game. Lloyd is fast off of the line and in getting into his routes. Sharp cuts and quickness help him sell routes and put defenders on skates. A handful to tackle in space, Lloyd makes people miss and runs away from them. His skills make him dangerous in the return game, where he’s a threat to take it to the house every time.