Another effective DB and playmaker for Cedar Rapids Prairie, Max Schwieger Max Schwieger 5'11" | 180 lbs | DB/WR Prairie | 2026 State IA posted a pass-breakup while defending Bettendorf’s best receiver, that would have converted a third and long. He also grabbed an interception in the endzone after Bettendorf recovered a Prairie fumble deep in their own territory. Though Prairie didn’t come out victorious, they wouldn’t have had a shot late in the game if it weren’t for Schwieger’s heroics.

A key defensive back last season that’s entering his third year as a starter, Max Schwieger Max Schwieger 5'11" | 180 lbs | DB/WR Prairie | 2026 State IA served as more of a versatile playmaker on the back end for Prairie last year. With a total of 25.5 tackles, including 6.5 tackles-for-loss and three sacks, Schwieger is used as a Swiss army knife for the defense.

He’ll look to make a leap in offensive production this season after posting just three catches for 23 yards last year. On Thursday, he made more of an impact as a receiver with the first-team offense in 7-on-7, making a finger tip catch on a deep ball from junior quarterback, Cael Kongshaug Cael Kongshaug 6'3" | 215 lbs | QB Prairie | 2027 State IA . If he shows up like that for the offense this season, Kongshaug will have a myriad of weapons to find in the passing game.

I watched Schwieger operate in person when I scouted Prairie’s early-season contest against eventual Class 5A champion Southeast Polk. He stood out as an active defender that loves playing the game and the physicality that comes with that. Schwieger registered 25.5 tackles (18 solo, 6.0 TFL) with three sacks and a fumble recovery. He also contributed on offense and special teams, which speaks to his explosiveness and athleticism. We witness it when we view his junior highlight video. Schwieger gets downhill in a hurry with bad intentions upon arrival at the ball. He can line up across the formation and exploit mismatches. Schwieger runs well and can change directions quickly, which aids him in pursuing in space and also in coverage.

A versatile athlete, Schwieger is a prospect as a defensive back but also could fit at receiver for some programs. As we can witness on his junior highlight video, Schwieger delivers when lining up in different spots around the formation. He looks comfortable coming off the edge, sets up in the slot and can lock up in coverage underneath or deep pass patterns. He gets off of blocks well when lined up in the box or at end, which allows him to disengage and take down the ball carrier. Schwieger recorded 25.5 tackles in 2024. He posted 18 solo stops, 6.0 tackles for loss and 3.0 sacks. He contributed three catches for 23 yards as a receiver.