Finishing second in total tackles (97) and solo tackles (81) in all of 5A and leading your class state-wide in the same statistics is not an easy feat. To do it as a sophomore is telling of just how important Gabe Blanshan Gabe Blanshan 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB/TE Urbandale | 2028 State IA was to the Urbandale defense this fall, and just how good he could be by the end of his high school career.

Blanshan isn’t the most athletic and likely won’t blow anyone away with superb track times, but his high-motor, play recognition, instincts and physical tools make him a tackling machine. That, and his willingness to put his face through a ball-carrier’s chest doesn’t hurt, either.

In zone coverage, he reads the quarterback’s eyes well and breaks on the ball when it’s thrown or the QB decides to keep it. He’s also an excellent open-field tackler.

Finishing second in total tackles (97) and solo tackles (81) in all of 5A and leading your class state-wide in the same statistics is not an easy feat. To do it as a sophomore is telling of just how important Gabe Blanshan Gabe Blanshan 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB/TE Urbandale | 2028 State IA was to the Urbandale defense this fall, and just how good he could be by the end of his high school career.

Blanshan isn’t the most athletic and likely won’t blow anyone away with superb track times, but his high-motor, play recognition, instincts and physical tools make him a tackling machine. That, and his willingness to put his face through a ball-carrier’s chest doesn’t hurt, either.

In zone coverage, he reads the quarterback’s eyes well and breaks on the ball when it’s thrown or the QB decides to keep it. He’s also an excellent open-field tackler.