2024 Prep Redzone Iowa Class 3A All-State Team

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Class 3A boasted one of the best classes of football talent that we've seen across Iowa this season. Several of these players that we've watched were ranked among the top overall recruits among our rankings this season, including a couple of names whose value skyrocketed heading into their respective classes. Today, we picked the top players among this impressive field that round out the 2024 season as part of Prep Redzone's All-State team for Class 3A Iowa!</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>First-Team Offense:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>QB:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1516961' first='Grant' last='Hocker'], SR, Williamsburg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Finally getting his opportunity to start in his senior season, Hocker exploded onto the scene in 2024, throwing for 2326 yards, and his 39 touchdowns were tied for the most by a QB in Iowa this season, proving to work in perfect tune under center for one of the best passing offenses in Class 3A right now. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>RB:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1238514' first='Kasen' last='Thomas'], JR, Bishop Heelan</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas emerged in 2024 as the heart and soul of the Crusaders' offense. Thomas led all Class-3A RBs in rushing yards with 1841 while scoring 26 touchdowns, averaging a whopping 9.2 yards per carry. Thomas will continue to be relied upon heavily entering his senior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Anthony Eaton, SR, Nevada</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Eaton powered Nevada's offense in 2024 as a reliable workhorse for the Cubs' offense. Eaton ran for 1801 yards, and his 28 touchdowns on the ground led all Class-3A RBs. Eaton's best game may have been his first of the year, rushing for 206 yards and 5 touchdowns against West Marshall.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Weston Trapp, SR, Creston</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After being handed the starting reins at RB in 2024, Trapp fulfilled his duty as the centerpiece of Creston's run-game. Trapp ran for 1693 yards and 18 touchdowns, averaging 8.4 yards per carry, while adding a team-high 332 receiving yards on 29 catches and 4 touchdowns. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>WR:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='848057' first='Rayce' last='Heitman'], SR, Williamsburg</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top target in Williamsburg's explosive passing attack, Heitman caught 61 passes for 1073 yards, and his 20 touchdown catches were more than any receiver in Iowa for the 2024 season. His strong efforts were awarded, as the #2 ranked WR in Iowa for the class of 2024 will be playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes moving forward. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='252312' first='Brady' last='Kurt'], SR, Independence</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kurt's steady progression culminated with a stellar senior campaign for the top WR/LB prospect. Kurt caught 83 passes for 1084 yards and 11 touchdowns as he helped Independence reach the state quarterfinals. Kurt ended up committing last month to South Dakota State.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>TE:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='245592' first='Jozef' last='Reisz'], SR, Harlan Community</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The big-bodied athlete was a versatile asset for Harlan playing at both TE and WR in a variety of different positions. Reisz proved to be a dangerous threat, racking up 1034 yards on just 50 catches and 11 touchdowns. Reisz has 3 D1 offers currently, and whichever program picks him up could benefit from his size and his ability to play at each spot of the receiving game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OL:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1279735' first='Alex' last='Wilson'], SR, Sergeant Bluff-Luton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wilson paved the way for a rushing offense that finished with the third most total rushing yards in all of Iowa last season, guiding the Warriors to a state semifinal appearance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1406628' first='Garrett' last='Stringer'], SR, Nevada</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A potent blind-side blocker for the Cubs, Stringer's presence was vital for a well-rounded offense that averaged 32.6 points per game as they reached the state quarterfinal in 2024.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1299925' first='Carter' last='Holmes'], SR, Benton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holmes was a team captain in his senior campaign as the unquestioned leader of the Bobcats' offensive line. Holmes held down both Tackle positions as he guided Benton back to the playoffs in 2024. Holmes will now be headed to play for South Dakota.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1360745' first='Grant' last='Wilson'], SR, Solon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Despite his stout size, Wilson was a force at Center for Solon, paving the way as the Spartans' ranked 5th in Class 3A last season in total offensive yards. Wilson helped the offense amass 2000+ passing yards and 2000+ rushing yards for the first time since 2019. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1586534' first='Josef' last='Briesemeister'], SR, Mount Vernon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Working with a new QB under center in 2024, Briesemeister helped QB [player_tooltip player_id='1581287' first='Kellen' last='Haverback'] find a groove quickly. Holding the Right Tackle position, Briesemeister proved to be a critical cog as Mount Vernon finished with the third best passing offense in Class 3A last season en route to a state semifinal appearance.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>First-Team Defense</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DL:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Kael Riniker, SR, Mount Vernon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Riniker led a defense that had by-far the strongest front in all of Iowa, recording a whopping 28 TFLs and 15 sacks to go with 45.5 total tackles. Riniker also stood out with 3 TFLs and 2 sacks in the loss to Humboldt in the state semifinal round. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1279984' first='Nova' last='Lane'], SR, Mount Vernon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mount Vernon led the state with 68 total sacks in 2024, with the next closest team having 28.5 less sacks than the Mustangs. Lane was another major contributor to that unit, recording 40.5 tackles, 23 TFLs, 10 sacks, and a fumble recovery. He recorded 2.5 TFLs and a fumble recovery in the Mustangs' upset win over Algona in the state quarterfinal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='847937' first='Thomas' last='Meyer'], SR, Clear Lake</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meyer is the #1 ranked TE in Iowa for the Class of 25', but he also made a significant impact on the defensive line in 2024, recording 34 tackles, 20.5 TFLs, and 5 sacks to wrap up his high school career. Meyer will be representing the Iowa Hawkeyes going forward that could succeed at either role at TE or DE on a physical unit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1197447' first='Broedy' last='Hendricks'], SO, Humboldt</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>After seeing extensive playing time as a freshman, Hendricks saw exponential growth in his play as a sophomore. Hendricks finished with 66 tackles, 16.5 TFLs, 5 sacks, and a fumble recovery. Hendricks should see his stock swiftly rise heading into his junior season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LB:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1406617' first='Tate' last='Wood'], SR, Independence</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wood has been a spectacular leader for the Mustangs' defense, and he was all over the field once again in 2024. Leading all Class-3A defenders with 124 tackles, Wood added 12.5 TFLs, a sack, and a fumble recovery, capping off his high school career with his second straight season with 100+ tackles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1241540' first='Jaxon' last='Anderson'], JR, Mount Vernon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Playing behind the best defensive-line in Iowa last season, Anderson got plenty of opportunities to generate pressure on the QB, and he didn't disappoint. Anderson recorded 70 tackles, 14 TFLs, 8 sacks, 3 fumble recoveries, and an interception returned for a touchdown in 2024. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1286448' first='Michael' last='Bormann'], SR, Wahlert Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bormann shined as the lead RB for Wahlert Catholic as he recorded his second straight 1000 yard rushing season, but his leadership on the defense ensure the Golden Eagles to have the best scoring defense in Class 3A, allowing just 8.5 points per game. Bormann recorded 95 tackles, 22.5 TFLs, 3 sacks, and a fumble recovery for the unit. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DB:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1421471' first='Gavin' last='Warren'], JR, Sergeant Bluff-Luton</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Warren led a strong secondary unit that aided the Warriors' defense which allowed just 13.8 points per game. Warren recorded 31 tackles and 6 interceptions in his junior season as he led the Warriors to their first double-digit winning season since 2019. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1840915' first='Christopher' last='Meyer'], JR, Independence</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Meyer led a secondary that led Class-3A during the 2024 season with 16 interceptions. Playing at the Free Safety position, Meyer recorded 6 of those interceptions to go with 45.5 total tackles. One of those picks came during the Mustangs' comeback victory against Williamsburg in the first round of the playoffs. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Luke Welbes, SR, Wahlert Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Another key figure of Wahlert Catholic's dominant defense, Welbes led the Golden Eagles' secondary as they almost completely shut down their opponents throughout the season. Welbes recorded 45.5 tackles and 5 interceptions, with one returned to the house. Welbes also had an interception during the Golden Eagles' rout over Humboldt in the state championship. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>First-Team Special Teams</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>K:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Nathan Schiesl, SR, Wahlert Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The best team from Class 3A last season also boasted the best kicking specialist in the group as well. Schiesl went 7 of 10 on field goals, and was 63 of 66 on extra points as a consistently reliable asset to get points on the board for the Golden Eagles.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>P:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Nathan Schiesl, SR, Wahlert Catholic</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Schiesl ranked at the top of the leaderboard at nearly every stat category for kicking last season in Class 3A. As a Punter, Schiesl held the highest average yards per punt in Class 3A, averaging 42.4 yards per punt on 33 punts. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>KR:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Xander Drake, SR, Creston</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Drake was a decent supporting piece for Creston's offense, but he shined brightly as the primary kick returner for Creston. Drake recorded 513 kick return yards and 2 kick return touchdowns, averaging 28.5 yards per return. Drake will be playing college football for Simpson College in the D3 level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>PR:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1841752' first='Jase' last='Jaspers'], JR, Mount Vernon</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The top WR for Mount Vernon translated his speed and agility in the punt return game. Jaspers recorded 431 punt return yards and a return touchdown in 2024, averaging 16 yards per return. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Second-Team Offense:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>QB: Coen Matson, </strong>SR, Humboldt</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>RB: [player_tooltip player_id='1403008' first='Tyson' last='O'Brien'], </strong>SR, Atlantic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>RB: [player_tooltip player_id='1529009' first='Taidyn' last='Peterson'], </strong>SR, Carroll</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>RB: [player_tooltip player_id='1360709' first='Eddie' last='Johnson'], </strong>SR, Solon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>WR: [player_tooltip player_id='1841752' first='Jase' last='Jaspers'], </strong>JR, Mount Vernon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>WR: [player_tooltip player_id='1649206' first='Chase' last='Flaherty'], </strong>JR, Humboldt</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>TE: [player_tooltip player_id='1280029' first='Keegan' last='Groat'], </strong>SR, Humboldt</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OL: [player_tooltip player_id='1840904' first='Jack' last='Guy'], </strong>JR, Humboldt</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OL: [player_tooltip player_id='1360507' first='Trenton' last='Davies'], </strong>SR, Williamsburg</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OL: [player_tooltip player_id='1286466' first='Henry' last='Bunn'], </strong>SR, Clear Lake</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OL: [player_tooltip player_id='1279871' first='Landyn' last='Lewerke'], </strong>SR, Clear Lake</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>OL: Avery Jacobson, </strong>JR, Sergeant Bluff-Luton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Second-Team Defense:</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DL: [player_tooltip player_id='1278806' first='Ethan' last='Wood'], </strong>SR, Mount Vernon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DL: Joey Funderburk, </strong>SR, Assumption</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DL: [player_tooltip player_id='252334' first='Jack' last='Limbaugh'], </strong>SR, Algona</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DL: Chris Wrage, </strong>SR, Central DeWitt</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LB: Landon Halverson, </strong>SR, Humboldt</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LB: [player_tooltip player_id='1840781' first='Will' last='Welbes'], </strong>JR, Wahlert Catholic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>LB: Landon Thompson, </strong>SR, Algona</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DB: Eli Patterson, </strong>JR, Benton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DB: Dylan LeFebvere, </strong>SR, Benton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>DB: [player_tooltip player_id='1532898' first='Maddox' last='Kelley'], </strong>SO, Solon</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>Second-Team Special Teams</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>K: Dylan Karnes, </strong>SR, Bishop Heelan</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>P: Nolan Schwery, </strong>SR, Harlan Community</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>KR: [player_tooltip player_id='1844903' first='Jaxon' last='Griffith'], </strong>JR, Webster City</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"fontSize":"medium"} --> <p class="has-medium-font-size"><strong>PR: [player_tooltip player_id='1286440' first='Tom' last='Scherr'], </strong>SR, Wahlert Catholic</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->