Closer Look at LB, DB, ATH in PRZIA ’29 Rankings Update

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><em>Get 30% off your first billing cycle with code:&nbsp;howe30&nbsp;in the coupon code area</em></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/07/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-5-group-6/">Kickoff '26: Class 5A X-Factors</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-4a-district-6/">Kickoff '26: Class 4A X-Factors</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/kickoff-26-x-factors-for-each-team-in-class-3a-district-6/">Kickoff '26: Class 3A X-Factors</a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Prep Redzone Iowa kicked off its rankings updates by dropping a new rundown for the Class of 2029, which you can check out&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/iowa/rankings/iowa-high-school-football-2029-class-player-rankings/"><strong>HERE</strong></a>. It was the second iteration in ranking this group and the first time there were numbers next to player names. The initial installment was a Watch List.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We provided an overview of the new rankings, which you can read&nbsp;<a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/closer-look-at-new-prz-iowa-2029-rankings-update/"><strong>HERE</strong></a>. One of the biggest takeaways was it being so early in the football development process for all of these guys. That said, student-athletes that stand out early in their prep careers often stay on a positive trajectory and high in future ratings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In conjunction with the '29 update, I wanted to offer more insight into what we see from these individuals. A good way to attack it is by breaking them up by position.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Previous Installments:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/examining-o-linemen-in-29-przia-rankings-update/"><strong>OL</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/quarterback-confidential-from-przia-29-update/"><strong>QB</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/diving-into-the-d-line-in-przia-2029-rankings-update/"><strong>DL</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><a href="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/receivers-reign-in-new-przia-29-rankings-update/" data-type="link" data-id="https://prepredzone.com/2026/08/receivers-reign-in-new-przia-29-rankings-update/"><strong>WR</strong></a></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Next up is a collection of guys at linebacker, defensive back and athlete, often interchangeable positions at this standpoint.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1743306"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a825f952c674"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Toe is ranked as the top Athlete in Iowa's 2029 Class, according to the latest Prep Redzone update. The Waukee Northwest product is the No. 9 player overall in the cycle. Much of the rating is attached to potential based on speed, athleticism and explosion. He's a powerful, quick-twitch athlete that could develop at multiple positions in high school. Colleges will be attracted to his versatility and ability to mold him. There's a path to success as a running back, receiver or defensive back. An impact on special teams seems likely. He's receiving attention from Iowa and Iowa State already, and is poised for a season that could have more suitors checking in.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2111604"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a82625c0c3dc"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Prep Redzone Iowa has listed Lester as the No. 1 linebacker in the state's 2029 Class in its most recent update. The son of University of Iowa offensive coordinator Tim Lester is the 26th-ranked player overall in the cycle. I saw the Liberty sophomore at the Back2Ballin 7on7 tournament this spring in Cedar Falls. A path to future success at linebacker was visible but the possibility of being a defensive back or weapon with the ball in his hands also shined through. Lester runs well sideline to sideline and in the straight line on defense. He creates easy speed and changes directions smoothly. Opportunities opened up with the Lightning's graduation losses. Lester is very capable of making the most of the situation.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1707641"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a82625c0c422"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Prairie boasted a strong senior class and veteran varsity roster in 2025, resulting in Schwieger developing on the non-varsity level as a freshman. With graduation losses, doors to playing time are open for guys returning. Schwieger has a chance to walk through with another offseason of development. F<a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/24868790/691238e4b961307c3427bdb4"><strong>ilm on his Hudl page</strong></a>&nbsp;reveals excellent growth last fall and the potential for a sizable step forward during his sophomore season. He's explosive athlete with a chance to develop into a big-play receiver. Schwieger is shifty in space with plenty of burst. Those traits, along with easily changing directions could lead to success at defensive back. He's one to watch as a potential breakout this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1665297"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a82625c0c44a"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Despite graduation losses, the Prairie pipeline continues churning out talent heading into the 2026 season. The group includes Clay, who could force is way into the lineup as a sophomore. The ability to impact the action in all three phases gives him a chance to find a way to contribute. He laid the foundation for the ascent while operating on the lower levels of the program last year. Clay appeared to develop nicely, when viewing his <a href="https://x.com/Jahlil_Clay3/status/1985516635336106051?s=20">highlight tape</a>. Clay reported totaling 16 touchdowns, 1200 all-purpose yards and four interceptions in eight games. He's a big-play waiting to happen on both sides of the ball and special teams. Clay visited Iowa and Iowa State last season. If you're looking for a 2026 breakout, Clay makes an excellent choice.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["1657932"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a82625c0c47e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Shield served notice to West Liberty opponents last season that he was going to be a pain in their neck for years to come. The freshman totaled 23.0 tackles with 4.0 stops for loss, 4.0 sacks and a fumble recovery. He added 87 rushing yards and 21 receiving yards. Shield was just scratching the surface of what he could become. Expect an impactful leap forward in 2026 with varsity experience under his belt and an offseason of development. His a projectable frame should continue adding strength and power to go with plenty of athleticism and speed. Shield can contribute in three phases as a sophomore with a chance to break games open in any of those areas. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->