Class 5A All-State LBs: Kueter Leads The Pack
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In the state of Iowa, Ben Kueter Ben Kueter 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Iowa City High | 2023 State IA is a man among boys. Heck, in terms of the United States, Kueter is a man among boys.…
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Continue ReadingIn the state of Iowa, Ben Kueter Ben Kueter 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Iowa City High | 2023 State IA is a man among boys. Heck, in terms of the United States, Kueter is a man among boys.
The future University of Iowa dual football-wrestler was as dominating as ever this past season for Iowa City High.
Kueter led a talented group of linebackers in Class 5A with his performance. Here is a look at the all-state nominees for the group along with the rest of the standouts:
First Team – Ben Kueter Ben Kueter 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Iowa City High | 2023 State IA – Iowa City High – Senior
A special talent, Ben Kueter Ben Kueter 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB Iowa City High | 2023 State IA was in on 93.5 tackles with seven sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss this past fall. The Iowa City High senior had 58 solo stops and recovered a fumble. He also showed his athleticism on a 63-yard kickoff return for a score, caught 18 passes for 250 yards and three TDs, ran for 510 yards and eight touchdowns and threw a 12-yard TD pass.
Oh, and Kueter is also a super-talented wrestler who won a world title and will be seeking a third state wrestling crown soon.
Second Team – Cole Garwood Cole Garwood 6'3" | 215 lbs | LB Urbandale | 2023 State IA – Urbandale – Senior
The Class 5A leader in tackles, Cole Garwood Cole Garwood 6'3" | 215 lbs | LB Urbandale | 2023 State IA was all over the field on nearly every snap for Urbandale this past season. Garwood finished the year with 109 tackles, with 88 being solo stops. He has received a number of offers, but has yet to commit to a school.
Garwood also ended his prep career by scoring a rushing touchdown and catching a pair of passes on offense. He also had an interception and averaged 37 yards on 10 punt attempts.
Third Team – Rusty VanWetzinga Rusty VanWetzinga 6'1" | 210 lbs | RB Pleasant Valley | 2023 IA – Pleasant Valley – Senior
After committing to Southern Illinois, Pleasant Valley’s Rusty VanWetzinga Rusty VanWetzinga 6'1" | 210 lbs | RB Pleasant Valley | 2023 IA opted instead to remain within the borders, accepting a walk-on role to Iowa. And you can see why after watching the film. Not only did VanWetzinga run for 262 yards and eight TDs out of the fullback position – which Iowa uses, remember – he also had 58 tackles with seven for loss and a sack as a linebacker.
Honorable Mention
Draven Woods Draven Woods 6'3" | 230 lbs | DL Southeast Polk | 2024 State IA of Southeast Polk is a name to keep an eye on, as the junior returns following a great season. So will Drew Gerdes of Cedar Falls and Chase Lamb Chase Lamb 6'3" | 205 lbs | LB Waukee Northwest | 2024 State IA from Waukee Northwest. Seniors Cooper Derby Cooper Derby 6'1" | 195 lbs | RB Ottumwa | 2023 IA of Ottumwa, Brady Wavrunek Brady Wavrunek 5'10" | 180 lbs | RB Sioux City East | 2023 State IA of Sioux City East and Ryker Stelling Ryker Stelling 5'11" | 200 lbs | LB Kennedy | 2023 IA of Cedar Rapids Kennedy were other great players.