Film Room: Catching Up with Notable Iowa 2028s

Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code: howe30 in the coupon code area   We made it. During the last few months, Prep Redzone Iowa has updated its 2026-2028 Class rankings and released its initial 2029 Watch List.   More updates will be arriving in the spring as we dig into more film. So, if you haven't yet put together highlights from the 2025 season, there's time to post them before we reevaluate. It will run out quickly, however.   For the recent updates, the focus was on checking out film for guys we hadn't yet evaluated. While doing so, we didn't get to write up fresh evaluations for folks already in the rankings.   Now is a good time to do that as we move towards the next update. Here's a look at members of the 2028 Class:    Baron did it all for Newell-Fonda as a sophomore in 2025. He threw for 251 yards and four touchdowns against just one interception, rushed for 112 yards and four scores, and caught 32 balls for 344 yards and four TDs. On defense, Baron collected 32.0 tackles, 19 of which were solo stops, forced two fumbles, recovered a fumble and picked off a pair of passes. He averaged 13.8 yards on 13 kicks returns, punted and kicked off. When watching Baron's <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23369178/68f415b6f570566c0b07b783">10th-grade highlight video</a>, we witness a well-rounded football player that could have a future at multiple positions. The left-hander flashes upside as a quarterback with a quick release and arm strength allows for fitting the ball in tight windows. Baron also looks natural at receiver and defensive back with speed and quickness to beat opponents. The skill set works well in the return game.     Thomas impacted Waterloo East games in all three phases as a sophomore last fall. He caught 15 passes for 210 yards and two touchdowns, and picked up nine yards on his lone carry. Thomas registered 29.5 tackles, 16 of which were of the solo variety. He posted 1.5 tackles for loss and recovered a fumble. As a return man, he averaged 21.0 yards on six kicks returns and 16.0 on a pair of punt returns. <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23740051/6902217ded2d4d71b149fa7c">Thomas' 10th-grade highlight video </a>reveals a receiver adept at taking short passes and making defenders miss in space. He succeeds with burst, speed and elusiveness. Defensively, the athleticism also stands out as does his fluid back peddle and changing of directions. It's a group of traits that also translates well to special teams.     Buttry performed beyond his years as a Shenandoah sophomore in 2025. He rushed for 385 yards (5.5 YPC) and six touchdowns, and hauled in seven balls for 87 more yards. On defense, Buttry piled up 28.0 tackles with 25 of them being solo stops. He recorded a tackle for loss and recovered a fumble. Buttry averaged 31.0 yards on six kick returns. What we see during the clips on his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/22489477/gabe-buttry/highlights">Hudl page</a> is mostly running back footage. Buttry mixes power and speed in picking up yards. He barrels over defenders, breaks tackles and can get to the edge. It's a set of skills that could work at multiple positions for the next level depending on how he develops from here.     Herlich impacted games as a sophomore on the Pleasant Valley varsity in 2025. That's saying something in one of the state's best programs at developing talent for the next level. Herlich accumulated 28.0 tackles, 15 of which were solo stops. He tallied 3.5 tackles for loss and half a sack. Herlich also recovered a fumble. We can witness how he gets the job done by viewing his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23210138/69039d186f02c708732fde5d">10th-grade highlight video.</a> On it, Herlich shows maturity from a physical and maturity standpoint. He explodes off of the edge on a three-person front with an ability to beat offensive linemen with speed to the outside or with the strength and power to crash down the line. With a resume this accomplished already, Herlich is one to watch heading into next season.     Allen was a notable producer as a 10th-grader on a 5A playoff squad. The talented defensive back accounted for 25.0 tackles, 24 of which he delivered by himself. He also picked off a pair of passes and brought back his only kick return 21 yards. We can see how he finds success while checking out his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23821466/6727f07dda33ac90e3a0d9ef">sophomore highlight video.</a> Allen has a good feel for the cornerback position. Reads and recognition help put him in optimal position as do his smooth back pedaling and change of direction. He breaks quickly on the ball and is strong in run support. Allen also can be an asset on special teams as a returner that will take it to the house.     Murdoch is ranked as the No. 1 signal caller in Iowa's 2028 Class not only for present production but also a sizable ceiling. He completed more than 66 percent of his throws for 2,250 yards and 27 touchdowns against only five interceptions. He flashed athleticism in rushing for 200 yards and four scores, and by shining on defense. He totaled 29.0 tackles, 17 of which were solo stops. He registered 2.0 tackles for loss, picked off six passes and defended three more. Murdoch shines during his <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/23821466/69090d18e506a16ff8f87112">sophomore highlight video.</a> He can make all of the throws with a strong arm. His release is quick as is his ability to get through his progressions. Murdoch puts the ball in advantageous spots for his receivers and can drop it in the bucket. As mentioned, Murdoch's athleticism would allow him to fit at another position on the next level, but there's enough upside at quarterback to keep that development ongoing.

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