Clayborne is one of the state’s top players regardless of position. He also boasts one of its highest upsides, presenting 2026 prep opponents being in a precarious position trying to deal with him. The Minnesota pledge stresses defenses as an athletic, physical tight end that caught 27 balls for 302 yards and six scores a year ago. Of his 51.0 tackles, 35 were solo stops. Clayborne posted 10.5 tackles for loss, a sack, an interception and a fumble recovery as a menacing linebacker haunting opponents from sideline to sideline. In many ways, Clayborne is too fast and physical for the level. His future in Minneapolis is an exciting one.

A Power 4 recruit with offers from the likes of Arizona, Michigan State, Minnesota, Purdue and others, Kason Clayborne Kason Clayborne 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB/TE Sioux City East | 2027 State IA is one of the better linebackers the state has to offer. A violent, fluid athlete that pursues ball-carriers from sideline-to-sideline, possesses a strong base that he uses to explode through tackles, along with using his long frame to rush quarterbacks off-the-edge, Clayborne has the physical tools and smarts to rack up major stats for the Sioux City East defense.

Putting together 51 tackles, 10.5 tackles-for-loss (TFLs) and an interception, Clayborne is a versatile weapons defensively. Pair his numbers as a receiver, where he grabbed 27 receptions for 302 yards and six scores, and the two-way prospect has the potential to do enough on both sides to take home the award next season.

(@KasonClayborne)

Sioux City East’s Kason Clayborne Kason Clayborne 6'3" | 220 lbs | LB/TE Sioux City East | 2027 State IA is one of the more interesting prospects in the 2027 cycle, with a skillset that could see him playing at several spots on defense. Kason posted solid production as a sophomore with 40 tackles, two TFLs, a sack, and a defensive touchdown. I can see Kason projecting well to play in an outside linebacker or box safety type of role where he can use his strong 6’3″, 210-pound frame to provide an extra body in run support. Kason’s biggest asset is his versatility, which enables him to do everything from rushing the edge and stopping the run to dropping back and playing in space. He shows the ability to break down blocks at the line of scrimmage and on the perimeter so that he can spill into the backfield to pursue the ball carrier. Kason’s range was also impressive to watch, showing that he can make plays even when coming from the backside of the play. Intense motor and physical at the point of contact. Kason has already earned an impressive list of offers, coming from North Dakota State, South Dakota State, and Sacramento State. Won’t be long before more big-time programs come knocking for Kason!