Kelley has been impacting varsity games at Solon since he was a freshman in 2024. He’s done it in all three phases with versatility within each. An all-around athlete with speed and toughness, Kelley can carve up defenses taking the handoff as a running back or when catching passes lined up wide. On defense, he sticks with receivers in coverage and bows up against the run. He’s a threat to break a long one in the return game at any time. Kelley is being under-recruited relative to talent but the guys he goes up against on Friday nights understand his value. He’ll be atop their scouting reports once again in 2026. Solon fans get to appreciate one of the proud program’s top performers in recent memory for one more rodeo.

Maddox Kelley Maddox Kelley 5'10" | 175 lbs | ATH Solon | 2027 State IA has been a star that’s generally been on our radar for his all-purpose ability, as he is easily one of the best all-around athletes in the state. Kelley finished with 702 yards on 50 receptions while his 14 receiving TDs led the conference. Kelley also ran for 371 yards (5.8 YPC) and 12 TDs, added 6 INTs with 2 defensive TDs, and scored a punt return TD over the course of last season. Kelley has been the ultimate X-Factor, showcasing great footwork and lower body strength, while possessing blazing dynamic speed to make it clear that he is a danger to take the ball to the house whenever the ball is in his hands. Kelley recently received his first D1 offer from Drake, impressive noting his performance over the last 2 seasons, Kelley is bound to receive more over the coming months.

Another in-state treceiver with a knack for making plays, Maddox Kelley Maddox Kelley 5'10" | 175 lbs | ATH Solon | 2027 State IA is a player that has earned his stripes in eastern Iowa 3A ball. A playmaker in every sense of the word, Kelley is a two-way star that does it all for the Spartans.

An ATH that doubles as a receiver and a running back, Kelley led Solon in every single receiving statistic, grabbing 50 receptions for 702 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also finished second on the team in rushes (64) and yards (371), but led the Spartans in rushing touchdowns with 12. Not to mention he finished his junior campaign tied for the second-most interceptions in the class with six, including two pick-sixes. Kelley added 41 tackles and forcing a fumble, too.

The type of prospect that just wins and finds a way to help his team when he’s needed the most, Kelley finds the ball in the air, takes off with it on the ground with speed and a fire to reach the endzone and can help a newly-established head coach like Matt Walker in the Pioneer League get things moving. Kelley picked up his first Division I offer from Drake this week.

The definition of a utility, gadget guy for Solon, Maddox Kelley Maddox Kelley 5'10" | 175 lbs | ATH Solon | 2027 State IA did it all for the Spartans last season, leading them to the UNI-Dome after an undefeated regular season. The leading returner in touchdowns in 3A, Kelley scored 29 times last season for the Spartans. That’s more than any quarterback that returns in 2026.

An ATH that doubles as a receiver and a running back, Kelley led Solon in every single receiving statistic, grabbing 50 receptions for 702 yards and 14 touchdowns. He also finished second on the team in rushes (64) and yards (371), but led the Spartans in rushing touchdowns with 12.

He’s finished his junior campaign tied for the second-most interceptions in the class with six, including two pick-sixes. Kelley added 41 tackles and forcing a fumble, to boot.

Oh, can’t forget special teams.

In addition to his output on offense and defense, Kelley returned seven kicks for 128 yards, along with 15 punt returns for 234 yards and a score, including a 60-yard return.

If Kelley is able to match or exceed those numbers during his senior campaign, there may not be anyone else that has a case to be the Cooper DeJean Trophy nominee.

One of the best all-purpose players in the state by far, Maddox Kelley Maddox Kelley 5'10" | 175 lbs | ATH Solon | 2027 State IA ‘s status playing for a higher-ranked conference against tougher competition makes him that much more dangerous as an electric playmaker. Kelley finished with 702 receiving yards on 50 receptions and 14 TDs while adding 371 rushing yards (5.8 YPC) and 12 rushing TDs. Defensively, he added 41 tackles, 6 INTs, and 2 defensive TDs. He also added a punt return TD during the season. Not the biggest or most imposing athlete, but by far the most dynamic on this list, Kelley is a game-changer and multi-purpose facet who stretches the limits of how he’s used at each position he plays at. A standout multi-sport athlete who’s garnered attention for his play in baseball and basketball as well, Kelley should undoubtedly garner attention for an athletic career at the next level with an array of unique offers to be utilize his athleticism.

The 3A leader in receiving touchdowns with 14 off 50 catches for 702 yards, Maddox Kelley Maddox Kelley 5'10" | 175 lbs | ATH Solon | 2027 State IA a gadget guy that can do just about anything an offense needs, the junior steps in and made plays as-needed for the Spartans in whatever capacity they may need. Also finishing as the team’s second-leading rusher with 64 carries for 371 yards and 12 scores, Kelley is as dynamic as they come. He could even play defense at the next level, posting 41 tackles and six interceptions in 2025.