I’m not sure where Elser fits positionally at the next level. That’s up to the college smart enough to give him a shot. It could employ him as a slot receiver that runs crisp route, possesses sure hands and can make plays in space. Or, maybe it sees him lining up at safety with the ability to stick with pass catchers or crash down on the run. Either way, you get a kid that can help you on special teams, showing a knack for the tough task of returning punts. Elser has consistently chipped in with key contributions where they’re needed during the last two seasons I’ve watched him. You can get a good sense of his versatility and talents when watching his mid-season highlight video.

The senior captain who’s expected to have a breakout campaign for Iowa City West, Henry Elser Henry Elser 6'1" | 165 lbs | WR Iowa City West | 2026 State IA made his presence known on Friday night at Bates Field. In addition to two receptions for 31 yards offensively, Elser snagged the only turnover of the evening. Reading the City High quarterback’s eyes, Elser faded to the middle of the field, went up and snagged his first interception of the season. With a return of 29 yards, Elser nearly made the play to take it all the way to the endzone.

On the fringes of being a Division I receiver or defensive back, Henry Elser Henry Elser 6'1" | 165 lbs | WR Iowa City West | 2026 State IA will soon visit Drake and St. Thomas, each Pioneer League programs. A long receiver that moves decently well, Elser will be a good fit with either program or at the Division II level. At 6’1″, the height is there to move into an X or Z receiver role, and he’ll need to continue to add weight, as he currently resides around 165 pounds.

Last season, Elser did a little bit of everything, hauling in 25 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns, registering 17.5 tackles and an interception on defense, returning 18 kickoffs for 390 yards and five punts for 57 yards. He will look to fill in on both sides of the ball and be more productive following the departure of Mason Woods, who is headed to Iowa.

Iowa City West’s 2024 receiver room was an embarrassment of riches. It should be pretty well stocked again this season with guys like Elser another year improved. He caught 25 passes for 221 yards with two touchdowns and picked up 18 yards on his lone rushing attempt. Elser also offers scouts a prospect on defense, where he collected 17.5 tackles (14 solo) and picked off a pass. If that wasn’t enough, he averaged 21.7 yards on 18 kick returns and 11.4 on five punt returns. Elser sounds like an interesting recruit and looks like one on his junior highlight video. Working out of the slot, Elser shows a good feel for operating in the middle of the field. He brings the burst valuable in picking up yards there. His quickness in changing directions and acceleration also help on defense and in the return game.