PRZ Iowa | New to the Scene | Part 8

August 26th feels like it is forever away and then some. It may not seem like it, but the season will be here before you know it. There are plenty of household names that everyone has on their board and will be keeping a close eye on, but there is also plenty of lesser known or undiscovered talent that could make 2022 their year. These athletes have already done some very impressive things on the field, have shown flashes of serious ability, or dominated the underclassman scene that make them legitimate breakout candidates and names on the rise. Get to know these guys now before the season is here as they are sure to make plenty of noise and become known across the state. [player_tooltip player_id="300112" first="Conner" last="Allen"], DB, Nevada, C/O 2023, 5’11 175, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/video/3/13232235/619ee9bb9680fb0ac0aa368a">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/CAllen23_">Twitter</a> Nevada will need to reload at some key positions this fall if they want to be able to sustain or build on last year’s success. A direction they could realistically go to address some holes on defense and replace productivity is incoming Senior [player_tooltip player_id="300112" first="Conner" last="Allen"]. Allen put together some impressive film that shows signs he will be prepared to contribute at the Varsity level and his skill set suggests that he would do really well as a Strong Safety in the Cubs’ single-high schemes. Allen has shown that he can play the alley, apex, and be a factor against both the run and pass. One play that really illustrates this was when he was rolled down to the field and their opponent ran a lead toss right at him; the offense motioned a wide receiver in and both the H back and Running Back came right at him to block the edge. Allen did an excellent job of attacking the outside shoulder of the first blocker to force the play to stretch and rip through as things went lateral to make a tackle. It takes a lot of discipline to stay gap sound, use appropriate technique, and not try to cheat inside to get around a block. Jacob Perales, OL, Clinton, C/O 2024, 6’4 315, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/14942340/Jacob-Perales">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/jacobperales16">Twitter</a> Perales looks to have exceptional mobility and body control for a young man his size; he has quite a foundation to build on and, as technique is developed, he could become a very sought after recruit. What stands out most about his game as a complement to high-level athleticism is the temperament he brings to the position. Perales is violent and takes advantage of every opportunity he can to throw his weight around and make his presence felt. There is nothing passive about the way he executes his job every down. On one play the Right Tackle hit a down block on a 3 technique, drove him ten yards, and buried him. The way he exploded out of his stance and got a ton of movement on another large player in the trenches was impressive. As Perales’ leverage overtook his opponent’s he finished the play with authority. Another snap that showcases his ability was on a screen. He baited his opponents up field, hinged and waited for them, and as soon as the ball was thrown and defenders tried to retrace he was waiting there to pummel them, which is exactly what he did. Jacob Schipper, OL, Iowa Falls-Alden, C/O 2023, 6’2 210, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/profile/13524856/Jacob-Schipper/highlights">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/JacobSchipper18">Twitter</a> Schipper is one of the more athletic blockers you will find on film in Iowa and, despite the Cadets’ playoff loss to eventual State Champion Southeast Valley, he put some very impressive ability on film against what was likely the classifications best front seven that featured some premier players. If you want to recruit a high upside Offensive Lineman that has the skill set to play an interior position look no further, Schipper is that guy. On one play from Left Tackle in that game he was left uncovered, so immediately climbed to the near Linebacker. He did so with noticeably excellent speed and precision. From the angle he took to the way maintained posture and ran his feet to compliment his punch, the play was highlight reel worthy. On another play in that game, that showcased how well he moves, Schipper cut off the Defensive End across from him to get him out of his gap, had the speed to then cut off and run over the backside Linebacker. His size will force him to move inside at the next level, but there is no doubt he could find a home and thrive there. Zion Shaw, DB, Iowa City West, C/O 2024, 5’8 170, <a href="https://www.hudl.com/video/3/14833519/617f33a3578e990efc148a02">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Zion_da_beast">Twitter</a> It appears that the pipeline at Iowa City West is becoming pretty strong as evidenced by some of the impressive young players who are starting to make an impact at the Varsity level. One player who falls into that category that you should keep tabs on is Zion Shaw. As a Sophomore he showed that he has the speed to be sticky in coverage and is not afraid to step up and lower the boom on ball carriers against outside runs. Shaw took snaps at Corner, but based on the way he hits the Trojans might want to think about finding him a spot where he can have more consistent opportunities to help defend the run. On one clip he lined up in the boundary and slowly crept towards the ball pre snap; once the play started he exploded into the backfield on a perfectly timed blitz against a toss that came right at him. Shaw destroyed the ball carrier and got there so quickly it seemed that his opponent didn’t know what had hit him. Shaw also demonstrated that he can bring similar physicality on offense as a lead blocker. He does well against the pass, but the way he hits is big time. [player_tooltip player_id="320725" first="Jalen" last="Trudeau"], ATH, Waukee NW, C/O 2023, 5’11 200, <a href="http://www.hudl.com/v/2FY2yy">hudl</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/J_Trudeau4">Twitter</a> Waukee Northwest has an established defense and will look to build an offense to match heading into 2022. One player that could be part of that equation is [player_tooltip player_id="320725" first="Jalen" last="Trudeau"] who shows a lot of promise as a tough Slot Receiver and could fill the role of a player who runs routes in high traffic areas and receives a big share of targets. Trudeau made an impact as a Special Teams standout a season ago. There are several clips on his highlights that show him fearlessly running downfield on kickoffs and making impressive tackles. It is obvious that he has the grit and courage to run routes where there is likely to be a lot of contact. Trudeau’s film also contains proof that he is a very good route runner who knows how to operate and get open within such parts of the field. Recent posts from what he has done this off-season with Level Up 7 on 7 support this and show that he is ready to take those skills to the field on Friday nights. He seems that he has what it takes to contribute in each phase of the game and only time will tell, but it seems certain that his is a name to know this fall.