Closer Look at Notable 2027s in Iowa

We're cruising along with our project to watch as much film as possible this offseason. From that, we're adding evaluations to a lot of student-athlete profiles at Prep Red Zone Iowa, so be sure to check back often.   Here's a closer look at some notable prospects in the state's 2027 Class:    With the Lions graduating their top two quarterbacks from 2024, Fairley looks to take over the starting job this coming season. He shows promise during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19303270/6718510de654f526b4e1426e">sophomore highlight video</a> from the junior varsity. Fairley is a good athlete adept at throwing on the move, stressing defenses with his legs on designed runs and with his escapability. He feels pressure and moves accordingly, seamlessly moving the pocket and buying time. The arm strength is there and the ball placement looks good.     A prospect on both sides of the ball, Fox illustrates his versatility during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19959966/672d47717e6f7b7de76ffc2e">sophomore highlight video</a>. Quickness, agility and athleticism stand out as key traits whether he's mauling defenders as an offensive lineman or disrupting opposing offenses on the D-Line. Fox blocks well in close quarters and reaches defenders on the second level when asked to operate in space. He spent more time on offense than defense in '24, so there's limited footage of him at defensive tackle. The clip at the beginning of his highlights shows him stuffing the run. He lists defensive line as his position on his Hudl page.     There's not much video footage of Fritz on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19493897/kuper-fritz/highlights">Hudl page</a>. What's posted on there leaves the viewer wanting more. He's a high-motor linebacker with a nose for stopping the run lining up in the middle of the second level. Fritz diagnoses what's coming quickly and finds his way to the football. He plays with physicality and is a technically-sound tackler. Another offseason of developing physically and honing his skills could put Fritz on the fast track to varsity success in 2025.     Student-athletes in the eight-player game move on the college rosters all of the time. Even with fewer players on the field, scouts can project their futures with 11 players based on traits shown by Gannon during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/19529539/6718330b2d66f1d889846c4b">sophomore highlight video</a>. He's a powerful runner that defenders find difficult to bring down. Gannon hits the hole hard and runs downhill. He rushed for 447 yards and nine touchdowns, caught four balls for 85 yards and a score, and had 54.0 tackles (45 solo, 10.0 TFL) and 2.5 sacks defensively.     On one of the state's most talented rosters, Goode contributed as a runner and receiver out of the backfield. He also returned a kick among his special teams' contributions. With graduation losses, Goode should see an increased role in 2025. He appears ready for the assignment based on the highlights on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/18244851/devan-goode/highlights">Hudl page</a>. Goode is a versatile running back capable of collecting tough yards between the tackles or chewing up ground with speed and elusiveness. He looks natural catching the ball on short passes or deep throws.     Developing in one of the state's top programs, Grandon looks like a potential breakout prospect in 2025 in the few clips he has posted on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/19627658/izzah-grandon/highlights">Hudl page</a>. Quickness stands out as his top trait. He should be able to keep it while adding mass and strength to a projectable frame. Grandon appears to have long arms and a good idea how to use his hands to his advantage in separating from blocks. As a sophomore, he recorded 22.5 tackles (18 solo, 4.0 TFL) and 3.0 sacks. Expect those statistics to spike this coming season.

We're cruising along with our project to watch as much film as possible this offseason. From that, we're adding evaluations to a lot of student-athlete profiles at Prep Red Zone Iowa, so be sure to check back often.