Putting up some crazy numbers and leading Okoboji in tackles last season, Jerron Heller Jerron Heller 6'4" | 200 lbs | LB/TE Okoboji | 2027 IA totaled 80 tackles, plus 13.5 tackles-for-loss. A Swiss Army Knife type of player, Heller did a little bit of everything for the Pioneer defense to put up those kinds of stats.

Dropping back in coverage as a linebacker and a corner, blitzing off the edge, playing contain along with all the other responsibilities he undertook for Okoboji, one can see the serious potential in a prospect like Heller. Rangy, a surefire tackler, fast and aggressive, Heller has all the tools he needs to be super successful for a program like South Dakota State.

Production was no problem for Heller in 2025. The Okoboji junior piled up 80.0 tackles, 61 of which were solo stops. He collected 13.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, a pair of forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, an interception and a pass defended. He caught 21 passes for 151 yards and a couple of touchdowns, and added a two-point conversion. All of that led to first-team all-state honors from the Des Moines Register and defensive player of the year honors in his district. A hurdler, Heller reports running the 40-yard dash in 4.59 seconds and the 100 in 11.4. He reports a 6-9 wingspan and a 35-inch vertical leap. The athleticism shines through during his 11th-grade highlight video. It makes him a versatile linebacker capable of delivering in the box or when lining up in the slot against a tight end or receiver. Heller’s long strides help him eat up real estate whether flying to a tackle, sticking in coverage or making plays when the ball is thrown his way. He’s definitely worthy of more attention along the recruiting trail.