Okay, we’ve got to throw one 2028 in here.

Jayden Stephens Jayden Stephens 6'0" | 185 lbs | WR/DB Waverlyshell Rock | 2028 State IA , who picked up offers from both Iowa and Iowa State following his freshman campaign, was re-offered by Jimmy Rogers’ staff in Ames last week. An explosive receiver with natural bend and athleticism, Stephens has a rare burst that allows him to find a hole and fire through it, catch a ball on a slant and take it to the endzone and suddenness as a route-runner that makes him a nearly impossible cover. He’s the type of athlete that only comes around once in a long time at places like Waverly-Shell Rock, and the type receiver that could play in the slot or on the outside at the next level. That, and he can compete to be a returner or gunner on special teams. With sub-11 100-meter track speed and a near 23-foot long jump PR, Stephens’ quickness and explosion is evident on the track, too.

With camp season right around the corner, one has to think that Stpehens will begin to get more and more attention, especially assuming he’s able to make it through his junior campaign 100% healthy after missing the majority of his sophomore season.

Back for the first time this season after missing the first five games due to injury, Jayden Stephens Jayden Stephens 6'0" | 185 lbs | WR/DB Waverlyshell Rock | 2028 State IA returned to the field on Friday night.

One can tell the first time he or she sees Stephens catch a pass and run that he’s different athletically. A bouncy runner, the sophomore is explosive in the open field and possesses a burst that earned him offers from Iowa and Iowa State this summer on the camp circuit.

Though I didn’t get to see much of him on Friday, Stephens showed off playmaking ability as a ball-carrier on jet-sweeps, sticky hands, the capability to catch a swing or a screen pass and make a big play and that athleticism that only few prospects possess. He may only have offers from the in-state programs now, but, assuming he gets back out on the camp circuit again this summer, that will likely change.

Stephens saw his recruitment kick up a notch in June when he camped at Iowa and Iowa State, earning scholarship offers from both. The versatile athlete followed up a freshman season on the gridiron that saw him deliver 14 solo tackles and an interception with an eye-opening track season. The speed helped him average 22.7 yards on 11 carries and two scores, 24.9 yards on nine receptions with a pair of scores, and 26.0 yards on 11 kick returns. We have Stephens as our top DB in ’28, but his skill sets plays well at a lot of spots. In addition to his natural gifts, the youngster plays hard and physical with a mature understanding of the game. Stephens is big time.