Coenen remained the No. 23 prospect in Iowa’s 2028 recruiting class when the rankings were recently updated. He’s a big reason why Woodbine found itself in the eight-player state title game last year. The junior was listed as the fourth-ranked receiver, a position he played quite well last year. His frame is filling out, however. A progression to tight end, where his speed and agility would play up even more, also is in play. Defensive end could be a consideration on the next level, too. The bottom line is that Coenen has Power 4 potential as an explosive athlete with a projectable frame and a high ceiling.

Not many prospects entering their third year of high school football could be as lucky as Ayden Coenen Ayden Coenen 6'5" | 205 lbs | WR Woodbine | 2028 State IA . Sharing the field with Penn State commit, Landon Blum Landon Blum 6'4" | 190 lbs | WR Woodbine | 2027 State IA , Coenen was able to share some of the lime light with the star wideout last season through the Tigers run to the 8-man state championship game.

Sure, Blum provided the majority of the stats as a pass-catcher, but Coenen was able to see how a player like Blum operates as a receiver. With some similar physical tools to Blum (like standing at 6-foot-5 and 200-plus pounds as a high school sophomore), Coenen had the opportunity to learn a lot from a prospect like the future Nittany Lion, and he gets another year to practice and play with him.

With a wide catch radius, bounding strides in the open field and the ability to manhandle his way open against smaller DBs, Coenen grabbed 11 receptions for 213 yards and five scores last season. He’ll look to be option No. 2 next year, and he’ll likely benefit from the amount of attention Blum gets every play.

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The Woodbine Tigers have been an underrated place to look for great college prospects, with sophomore Ayden Coenen Ayden Coenen 6'5" | 205 lbs | WR Woodbine | 2028 State IA looking like the next man up. Ayden broke onto the scene as a freshman after hauling in 28 receptions for 287 yards and five touchdowns, which were good for second on the team. Right off the bat, Ayden possesses next-level size at 6’4″, 190 pounds, with ideal length that gives him a QB-friendly catch radius. Ayden’s size and strength make him a reliable target who is willing to cross the middle of the field and can hold on to catches while fighting through contact. Excellent red-zone threat. He can also use his long stride and quick acceleration to stretch defenses vertically. Coenen clearly takes the “no block, no rock” saying seriously, as he is more than willing to drive his nose into a defender’s chest and drive them out of the play with a perimeter block.

Coenen is like Lemuel Gulliver playing at the eight-player level. That’s only a slight exaggeration. Witness it for yourself when watching his freshman highlight video. With his size and speed, he’s a tough matchup in the passing game. He can go by or over most defenders, and is particularly effective in the red zone . Coenen also contributes as a physical blocker in his team’s rushing attack. His frame and athleticism could work on defense. They’re also a possibility he’ll grow into a tight end, where his talents would play up even more than at receiver.