Stecker is bigger, stronger and faster than most of his opponents at this level. That’s why he’ll challenge himself in college by competing in Power 4 football with the Iowa Hawkeyes. The rangy linebacker covers a lot of territory. Another offseason of development could spell big trouble for the teams on Bettendorf’s 2026 schedule. He can wreck game plans with his ability to chase the quarterback, stuff the run and stick with guys in coverage. It allows the Bulldogs to play aggressive defense with the talent they put around their star. His future in college is bright, but before beginning that quest, Stecker will be putting a bright bow on a wonderful prep career.

A stout defender that immediately stood out as a prospect Seth Wallace and Iowa would love, the Hawkeye commit is a future Mike linebacker in Iowa City. Long and tough as nails, Stecker racks up tackles on tackles for Bettendorf as just the latest stud linebacker to come out of the eastern Iowa program.

A read-and-react backer that put up 77 tackles last season for the Bulldogs, Stecker has some upside as a pass-catcher or a runner, that could certainly add to his value for Bettendorf during his senior campaign. If he’s one of the players in the state that racks up 100+ tackles, plus grabs some passes or handles some of the offensive load on the ground, he’ll be a name that could easily fit into the conversation for this award.

One of the premiere linebacker prospects in the state and in the Midwest, Gavin Stecker Gavin Stecker 6'3" | 215 lbs | LB Bettendorf | 2027 State IA showed why he has offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State and Minnesota on Friday night. Supposedly putting up just 12 tackles according to Bound, it sure looked like the No. 2 LB in Iowa had quite a few more than that against Prairie — probably closer to 20.

With Iowa LBs coach, Seth Wallace in attendance, Stecker was around the ball on every play, showing off his strength as a backer on one particular play early in the game. When meeting a Prairie running back in the B-gap on third and short, Stecker stoned the ball-carrier and stopped him in his tracks for no gain. Still slight of frame but with a high football IQ and nose for the football, Stecker’s upside is massive.