Knutson fits the mold of a hard-nosed, lunchpail performer Pleasant Valley has been known to produce. It led to high-level production during his junior season of 2025, when he paced the Spartans with 54.5 tackles, 36 of which were solo stops. There were 5.5 tackles for loss, a pair of sacks and a forced fumble. He added more value as a special teams’ dynamo. Another offseason of strength and conditioning sets up Knutson for what should be a dynamite senior campaign. He plays fast and physical, flowing well to the football, fighting off blocks and breaking down the ball carrier. Knutson is sticky in coverage, long arms and loose hips aiding him in that endeavor.

Another great piece for the Spartans’ run-defense is ILB Luke Knutson Luke Knutson 6'2" | 213 lbs | LB/ATH Pleasant Valley | 2027 State IA , who has plenty of potential to emerge as a leader for Pleasant Valley entering his junior season. In limited appearances last season, Knutson recorded 14.5 tackles (8 solo), 2 TFLs, and a sack. Knutson showed flashes as a force over the middle, showing solid vision and awareness in deciphering where the play is going, while playing with a quick burst off the line and being able to shoot the interior gaps to force pressure in the back-field, while also covering the middle-hook zones against the pass. Knutson will have a much bigger role for the Spartans in 2025, and he is easily one of the biggest break-out candidates to watch out for in Class 5A Iowa heading into next season.

Knutson made his mark on a veteran defense as a sophomore last season. His campaign included a couple of tackles for loss and a sack. When we pop on his 10th-grade highlight video, Knutson stands out for his quickness and explosion. He gets down hill and to the ball fast. Knutson looks comfortable in coverage, too. Knutson has a frame capable of adding mass and strength without him losing the athleticism that makes him an interesting prospect on which to keep and eye.