The new two-way playing stud on the block for Clear Lake, Maddon McIntire Maddon McIntire 6'0" | 170 lbs | WR/DB Clear Lake | 2029 IA left Ames with a scholarship offer this week. A perfect example of how a freshman can impact the varsity level at a smaller school, McIntire was a key part of the Lions 10-win season this last fall. Finishing the year with 14 receptions for 222 yards and three touchdowns, plus 11.5 tackles on defense, one can see the route to stardom and playing P4 ball after his first year on the field with the Lions.

With sharp, quick movements plus the ability to break tackles in the intermediate and short passing game, plus the long strides to out-pace the defense down the field for deep shot touchdowns, receiver would make sense at the next level for McIntire. However, as a defensive back, he shows good closing speed and the ability to make open-field tackles.

I first caught McIntire in action during the Back2Ballin seven-on-seven tournament in Cedar Falls last spring. He impressed me with his athleticism and potential on both sides of the ball. I wondered what he might do as a freshman at Clear Lake. He answered that question emphatically, catching 14 balls for 222 yards and three touchdowns for a team that was ranked No. 1 in Class 3A for much of the season before losing to eventual champion Nevada in the state quarterfinals. He carried three times for 35 yards and returned his lone kick for 29 yards. He also contributed 11.5 tackles (7 solo). When viewing his ninth-grade highlight video, we see a advanced player from a physical and technical standpoint. The first clip shows him running a crisp route and beating his defender deep with speed. Later, we see him win contested catches and make people miss in space.