A key component for one of the most effective pass-rushers across the 5A conference, Izzah Grandon Izzah Grandon 6'2" | 195 lbs | DL Cedar Falls | 2027 State IA helped steer the Tigers back in the right direction after a somewhat disappointing campaign in 2024. Grandon recorded 64.5 tackles (46 solo), 21.5 TFLs, 9.5 sacks, and 3 forced fumbles in 2025. While certainly undersized as a DE, he certainly doesn’t look like it on tape, showcasing an impressive amount of length and burst off the snap, being able to beat Tackles consistently to the outside shoulder to get around them and into the pocket. An impressive Edge-rusher with a relentless motor that plays well beyond his size, Grandon will undeniably need to bulk up a bit if he wants to make a true case to shine at the next level, but it’s impossible to ignore his impressive play as he will be a returning leader for the Tigers’ defense in 2026.

Terrorizing 5A quarterbacks all season for Cedar Falls, Izzah Grandon Izzah Grandon 6'2" | 195 lbs | DL Cedar Falls | 2027 State IA was one of the most productive defensive linemen in the state’s biggest class this fall.

Grandon is long, violent and disciplined off the edge for the Tigers, using all three of those traits to rack up 64.5 tackles, 21.5 TFLs and 9.5 sacks in 2025. Standing at just 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, Grandon will need some work in the weight room and to get on a meal plan if he’s going to grow to the necessary size to play DE at the next level, but the skills and experience he brings from Cedar Falls is enough to earn him a spot.

I wrote about Grandon back in the spring after seeing him in person last year and watching his 2024 highlights. He’d produced at a high level as a sophomore in one of the state’s top programs. Watching Grandon live during Week 1 this season and catching up on what he’s done since then proved he’s a prospect developing at a great rate, physically and within the game. On a Cedar Falls defense with plenty of playmakers, the junior leads the squad with 11.5 tackles for loss through six games. He added 4.0 sacks and had 28 solo tackles among his 36.5 total stops. Grandon also forced two fumbles. He’s athletic with a burst off the outside. Active hands also help him get off of blocks. Understanding the importance of setting the edge, Grandon operates within the scheme and plays disciplined football.

Developing in one of the state’s top programs, Grandon looks like a potential breakout prospect in 2025 in the few clips he has posted on his Hudl page. Quickness stands out as his top trait. He should be able to keep it while adding mass and strength to a projectable frame. Grandon appears to have long arms and a good idea how to use his hands to his advantage in separating from blocks. As a sophomore, he recorded 22.5 tackles (18 solo, 4.0 TFL) and 3.0 sacks. Expect those statistics to spike this coming season.