Class 5A, District 5: Top Offensive, Defensive Standouts
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This past fall, Southeast Polk ruled Class 5A, a run that started by rolling through District 5. The Rams featured some of the best players in the state. And the majority of them have already committed to continue their careers…
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Continue ReadingThis past fall, Southeast Polk ruled Class 5A, a run that started by rolling through District 5.
The Rams featured some of the best players in the state. And the majority of them have already committed to continue their careers at the next level.
But the district had some standouts outside of Jaxon Dailey Jaxon Dailey 6'2" | 205 lbs | QB Southeast Polk | 2022 State IA , Xavier Nwankpa Xavier Nwankpa 6'3" | 190 lbs | DB Southeast Polk | 2022 State IA and the likes from Southeast Polk.
Abu Sama Abu Sama 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Southeast Polk | 2023 State IA – Southeast Polk – RB/DB – 5-11 – 185
One of those is a current Ram, but part of the next wave of senior standouts. As a junior Abu Sama Abu Sama 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Southeast Polk | 2023 State IA ran for 12 touchdowns and 931 yards, numbers that led the team.
Sama averaged over six yards per carry and also flashed his hands with six receptions for 45 yards out of the backfield. The offense loses Titus Christiansen Titus Christiansen 5'10" | 175 lbs | RB Southeast Polk | 2022 State IA , Xavier Nwankpa Xavier Nwankpa 6'3" | 190 lbs | DB Southeast Polk | 2022 State IA and others, leaving Sama to have a big-time senior season.
On defense, Sama plays much bigger than his size. He made 20 tackles and is as sure of stopper as there is. Once he zones in on the ball, the player isn’t going anywhere.
Draven Woods Draven Woods 6'3" | 230 lbs | DL Southeast Polk | 2024 State IA – Southeast Polk – DL – 6-3 – 205
On a defense with a number of senior all-staters, sophomore Draven Woods Draven Woods 6'3" | 230 lbs | DL Southeast Polk | 2024 State IA made quite the impact. He recorded 59.5 tackles, with 51 solo stops, nine sacks and 27.5 tackles for loss.
That is quite a statement from a youngster and rising prospect. He also had a fumble recovery and picked off a pass.
Woods will be the focal point to the defense these next two years, leaving the unit in great hands. Quick off the line, in one-on-one matchups, opposing lineman do not have much of a chance.
Carter Henderson Carter Henderson 6'0" | 195 lbs | RB Linn-Mar | 2023 State IA – Linn-Mar – RB/LB – 6-0 – 190
Linn-Mar had a winning season this past fall, going 7-3 and advancing to the playoffs. A huge part of the offensive attack was junior running back Carter Henderson Carter Henderson 6'0" | 195 lbs | RB Linn-Mar | 2023 State IA .
Henderson racked up 1,180 yards and scored 16 touchdowns, averaging 7.6 yards per carry. He also had 11 receptions for 64 more yards, showing off his dual-threat skills.
Out of the backfield, Henderson has excellent control of his body, using a quick first step to get into the open field. Once there, his speed takes over and allows him to out-run most of the defenders.
Makelle Taylor Makelle Taylor 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Prairie | 2023 State IA – Cedar Rapids Prairie – RB/LB – 6-0 – 175
The focal point to the Cedar Rapids Prairie offense in 2022 will be running back Makelle Taylor Makelle Taylor 5'11" | 180 lbs | RB Prairie | 2023 State IA . Quarterback Brandon Vicko graduates, leaving things to run – literally – through Taylor.
And he is more than capable.
As a junior, Taylor ran for 1,480 yards with 15 touchdowns, hauling in 18 passes for 330 yards and a score. That means he averaged 6.6 yards per rush and over 18 yards per catch.
Taylor is as dangerous an offensive skill player as the state has to offer. Give him a crease, and he’s gone. Vision, quickness, long-range speed; Taylor has it all.