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.

A previously unknown prospect to me, I couldn’t leave Kingston Stadium on Friday night without remembering sophomore linebacker, Gabe Blanshan Gabe Blanshan 6'3" | 210 lbs | LB/TE Urbandale | 2028 State IA .

A big body with long arms already looking the part of a high-level linebacker in just his second year of high school ball, Blanshan led Urbandale in tackles in Cedar Rapids, posting 10.5, including eight solo. His ability to read and react, plus his frame make him a play waiting to happen. Whether it’s reading the QB’s eyes, jumping up and swatting down a pass at the line, recognizing a screen and dipping around would-be blockers for a tackle or patiently waiting for a play to develop before taking off after ball-carriers, Blanshan is a tackling machine.

With 42.5 tackles through four games this season, he may not be on college radars just yet, but if he keeps up this level of production, he will be soon enough.

I came across Blanshan’s freshman highlights from 2024 during this past offseason. Impressed with his advanced game and potential as a ninth-grader, he was tabbed as one to watch this year. So far, so good for the J-Hawk sophomore. Blanshan had collected 32.0 tackles (27 solo, 1.0 TFL). He forced and recovered a fumble as well. Watching his highlights from the season-opener against Dallas Center-Grimes, he looks to have taken steps forward with recognition and physicality. His height, long arms and speed from sideline to sideline make him a modern-day inside linebacker capable of stuffing the run or sticking with tight ends/receivers in coverage. Blanshan is an exciting prospect just scratching the surface of what he can become.

Blanshan only scratched the surface of his sizable upside during his freshman campaign last season. He contributed 19.0 tackles (14 solo, 3.0 TFL) and a sack on the varsity. When we check out his ninth-grade highlight video, Blanshan flashes his high ceiling. Working on the inside of the second level, he diagnoses plays quickly and flies to the football. Blanshan operates under control with balance within the defensive scheme. There’s discipline at a young age, which is usually a good sign for the future.