The engine that makes the Norwalk offense go with an Iowa commit at wide receiver ( Eli Robbins Eli Robbins 6'0" | 195 lbs | ATH Norwalk | 2026 State IA ) and previously the No. 1 player in the state’s class of 2027 before reclassifying to 2026 ( Luke Brewer Luke Brewer 6'5" | 220 lbs | TE Norwalk | 2026 State IA ), James Hatlevig James Hatlevig 6'5" | 200 lbs | QB Norwalk | 2026 State IA has taken full advantage of the weapons at his disposal through the air this season for the Warriors.

So far this year, Hatlevig has completed 117-of-202 passes for 1,453 yards and 19 touchdowns to just two interceptions. Though the Warriors started the season 0-3 after moving up to 5A, he has led his team to four straight victories as Norwalk looks to fight for a playoff spot over the next two weeks of the regular season.

I received my first in-person look at Hatlevig during Week 5 at Iowa City High. He completed 23 of 33 pass attempts for 235 yards and four touchdowns without any turnovers. Hatlevig has the classic pocket passer’s frame with a big arm and durability. He’s not a statute, however. Athleticism and mobility allow him to pick up yards with his legs when there’s an opening or keep the play alive off schedule when pressure arrives. Hatlevig operates with poise, gets through progressions at a good rate and possesses instincts for the position. A bonus for colleges is there being room for growth physically and in skill development. It definitely feels like he should be receiving more attention on the recruiting trail.

In his first year as the starter under Center for the Warriors’ varsity offense, James Hatlevig James Hatlevig 6'5" | 200 lbs | QB Norwalk | 2026 State IA had no problems finding a rhythm leading the passing game. Hatlevig threw for 1614 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 6 picks. Hatlevig was not afraid to sling the ball down the field, showcasing his strong arm and release on multiple occasions as he chucked a lot of deep balls, hitting his targets on the long ball often. Hatlevig is a tall presence in the pocket, holding the physical potential to match the prototype for D1-level QBs, and he showcased impressive range and placement on his throws, making him one of the most exciting QB names in Iowa right now. If Hatlevig can find a bit more consistency on his accuracy, Hatlevig could further bolster his status as a well-rounded QB that should become one of the most pursued names of this next recruiting class.

Norwalk’s James Hatlevig James Hatlevig 6'5" | 200 lbs | QB Norwalk | 2026 State IA has been a riser on my board this spring after strong performances at the PRZ and UW River Falls camps. James flashed a high ceiling as a junior when he threw for 1,614 yards, 18 touchdowns, a 58% completion rate, and a 140.1 QBR. Hatlevig stands out immediately with his prototypical size at 6’5″ and 200 pounds, with room to continue adding mass to his frame. He’s able to stand tall in the pocket and deliver quick strikes to all levels of the field with his strong arm. One thing that really stands out from James’ tape is that he might have the best deep ball in this cycle, with great distance, air time, and placement, making him a threat to strike from anywhere. From watching his tape to when I saw him a few weeks ago, it seems like James has been hard at work to fine-tune some of his mechanics, looking sharper already going into his senior year. James received his first offer a month ago from Waldorf, and I think he will be a player who will blow up once more teams catch on.

(@Jameshatlevig08)

Norwalk’s James Hatlevig James Hatlevig 6'5" | 200 lbs | QB Norwalk | 2026 State IA is another player who’s physical traits hooked us in and his play kept our attention. James is a taller QB with prototypical measurements at 6’5″, 200 pounds. Hatlevig’s size allows him to stand tall in the pocket as he surveys the field, moving through his progression. James might’ve had two-three of the best deep passes I saw all day Sunday, putting his arm strength and deep-ball accuracy on full display. Hatlevig showed that he can rip throws with solid velocity into tight spaces and has the anticipation and timing to throw to a spot on the field and letting his receiver go get it. Solid mechanics with a quick release. Looking forward to seeing more from James this offseason.

Taking the reins as the starting QB for Norwalk in 2024, James Hatlevig James Hatlevig 6'5" | 200 lbs | QB Norwalk | 2026 State IA fit comfortably in the Warrior’s offense and delivered strong results in his first year. Hatlevig threw for 1614 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 6 picks. Hatlevig is a true pocket passer, delivering with some of the best placement, velocity, and depth on passes that I’ve seen all season, and he plays with calm poise, maintaining his progressions, and being able to find his receiver as the pressure gets to him. Hatlevig certainly deserves a lot more attention as one of the most underrated QB prospects in Iowa heading into the 2025 season.