Committed to the University of South Dakota this summer, Mason Claus Mason Claus 6'2" | 195 lbs | LB Keokuk | 2026 State IA is back to lead the Keokuk defense in 2025 after posting 79.5 tackles last season. He racked up more than 11 tackles a game, only playing in seven contests during his junior campaign. A fluid mover that shoots gaps well, Claus possesses more speed than the average linebacker, bursting through opposing offensive lines for tackles before plays even get started. Surely a film junkie, it appears at times that Claus knows what play is coming before the ball is even snapped.

Clauss gives Keokuk coach Marvin McNutt a versatile defender capable of taking over games. South Dakota saw it, offered a scholarship and gained a commitment from the senior. Production was not an issue in 2024, when he delivered 51 solo tackles, 11.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks despite an injury limiting him to seven games. Claus also caught 22 passes for 372 yards and four touchdowns, which speaks to his diverse set of skills. You see that when watching his junior highlight video. Claus’ quickness and explosion in pursuit sticks out right away. He moves well laterally and can run with pass catchers. Claus has a frame capable of adding mass while keeping the athleticism.

While Keokuk has struggled in the last few seasons, they have a gem on their team in Mason Claus Mason Claus 6'2" | 195 lbs | LB Keokuk | 2026 State IA , who plays at both LB and WR for Keokuk. Claus finished on the defensive side with 79.5 tackles (51 solo), 11 TFLs, and 3.5 sacks in 2024, an impressive stat-line despite missing the last 2 games of the year due to injury. Playing at MLB, Claus does a great job at finding space and shooting the gap through the middle of the line, showing explosive speed and sharp pursuit angles in getting to the ball-carrier behind the line. Claus currently has 5 D1 offers, and he’s bound to receive much more attention by the end of this season.

Mason Claus Mason Claus 6'2" | 195 lbs | LB Keokuk | 2026 State IA has been generating buzz in Keokuk as a surging LB prospect, and Claus did a great job in helping the defense hold off Fairfield in week 4. Claus finished the game with 14 tackles and 1 TFL. Claus has been the most sure tackler on Keokuk’s defense, and watching Claus maneuver into the backfield shows how much he’s improve on his tecnhique this season. Claus can burst into the backfield to close down the run behind the line, and he does a great job moving laterally, keeping his stance low and balanced. With 49.5 tackles through 4 games, Claus is tied with Tate Wood Tate Wood 6'0" | 205 lbs | LB Independence | 2025 State IA for 2nd in the entire state in total tackles to start the year, and it doesn’t seem that there are any signs of slowing down for Claus.