Fason is a freak, in the nicest sense of the word. If he were 6-5 instead of 6-2, Power 4s would be lining up with scholarship offers. As it is, the University of Iowa is getting a steal with this kid accepting a preferred walk-on opportunity. Fason jumped out at me last season when scouting Prairie’s game against four-time defending 5A champion Southeast Polk. He terrorized the Rams at defensive end and tight end. When I watched him in-person again against Iowa City West on Oct. 18, 2025, he still was disrupting the offense from is D-Line spot, but now Fason was running the wildcat and barreling over people with the ball in his hands. He’s an explosive athlete that embraces the game’s physicality. I’m not sure where he’ll end playing on the next level, but he has the tools and makeup to be successful wherever that ends up being.

Freshly committed to Iowa as a PWO defensive lineman in the class of 2026, David Fason David Fason 6'2" | 240 lbs | TE/DL Prairie | 2026 State IA has had quite the last few weeks for the Prairie Hawks. In addition to make his pledge to the Hawkeyes, Fason has already registered 21.5 tackles, 11.5 TFLs (tied second in the state), six sacks (tied for fourth in the state) and has forced five fumbles (state leader).

A unique, physical athlete that plays with violence and a high motor, Fason has gone incredibly under-recruited as one of the top playmakers in the state’s biggest class.

The latest commit in Iowa’s 2026 recruiting class, David Fason David Fason 6'2" | 240 lbs | TE/DL Prairie | 2026 State IA is a uniquely athletic defensive tackle that plays with violence and consistent pursuit of the ball. One of the notable plays he made in front of defensive line coach, Kelvin Bell on Friday night was his pursuit of the ball to the sideline on an outside run, where he made the tackle at the line of scrimmage. A constant playmaker on the defensive interior, Fason totaled seven tackles, including a sack and 3.5 tackles-for-loss (TFLs).

David Fason David Fason 6'2" | 240 lbs | TE/DL Prairie | 2026 State IA is a bit undersized at the DE position, but his tenacity and hard-nosed play makes up for it as he’s been a force to be reckoned with for the Hawks. Fason recorded 40.5 tackles (29 solo), 14.5 TFLs, 4.5 sacks, and 2 fumble recoveries in 2024. At TE, Fason was also the team’s leading receiver with 519 yards on 35 catches and 13 touchdowns. Fason is an explosive edge that does a good job at attacking the inside shoulder, being able to plug up the opponent’s run-game, doing a great job at shedding blockers and showing great form on his tackling ability. Fason could build a bit of weight to fuel his presence on the line, but he’s a rock-solid run-supporting DE who’s will remain to be a vital cog for the Hawks’ defense in 2025.

The “best senior football player in the state” according to head coach Kyle Knock, David Fason David Fason 6'2" | 240 lbs | TE/DL Prairie | 2026 State IA returns after an uber-productive junior campaign for the Prairie Hawks. An athletic, 6’2″ and 240-pound defensive lineman and tight end, Fason posted 35 catches for 519 yards and 13 touchdowns offensively, while adding 40.5 tackles and leading his team in sacks (4.5) and tackles-for-loss (14.5) in 2024.

Ridiculous ball skills and smooth movements as a route-runner make Fason a difficult cover for anyone on the defensive side of the ball, plus his strength and arm-length allow him to create separation at the line of scrimmage, making him an even tougher cover. Defensively, those same traits come in hand when getting after the quarterback and disrupting the run game on the DL.

Though Fason didn’t participate in practice on Thursday (he’s part of the Prairie baseball team that recently qualified for state), he showed off some of those ball skills, snagging a few passes from teammates with one hand, and showing off his 6’9″ wingspan in doing so. With interest from Iowa, UNI and others, Fason may be one big season away from locking up his first — and potentially more — Division I offer.

David Fason David Fason 6'2" | 240 lbs | TE/DL Prairie | 2026 State IA has played impressively on both sides of the ball, and as a TE, he held the mark as Cedar Rapids Prairie’s leading receiver in 2024. Fason caught 35 passes for 519 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading all TEs in Class 5A in each of those receiving categories last year. Fason was a reliable goal-line threat who explodes off the snap, showing a surprising amount of speed to outpace his defenders, and he provides well as a run-blocker. Fason’s ability should generate offers next season at both positions that he plays, and he has the potential to succeed at the next level in either role.

The fastest riser in Kansas City was David Fason

Fason hails from Cedar Rapids Prairie, Iowa so I must admit I was very unfamiliar with David Fason. I was deep into the 1-v-1 portion with the receivers and defensive backs when I kept finding myself turning my head and watching this 6’2 240-pound D-lineman bully offensive lineman on the other side of the field. Thats the definition of turning heads and I wasn’t the only one that noticed, Fason came into the camp with something to prove. He explodes out of his three-point stance with violent intentions that catch offensive lineman off guard. He is a “dancing bear” through and through, he moves extremely well for his already college ready size and I believe he has the flexibility to move up and down the line at will.

On my drive home I kept thinking of how good of a football player Fason was and how much I believe this is just the beginning for this young man.