Back after finishing second overall in 4A and fifth overall in all classes in tackles, Nate Warner Nate Warner 6'1" | 200 lbs | LB/ATH Pella | 2026 State IA returns to the second-level of the Pella defense after posting 109.5 tackles during his junior campaign.

Fresh off a commitment to Division II Central Missouri, Warner will look to match those same gaudy numbers of his junior year this season. A gap-filler as the middle linebacker in the Pella defense, Warner knows where he’s supposed to be and when he’s supposed to be there. Similar to a Jay Higgins type at Iowa, Warner won’t jump off the charts in terms of the physical size or numbers he puts up in testing, he just makes plays. His ability read-and-react is at a whole different level than most linebackers his age, as once he recognizes what offenses are trying to do, he fires after the ball carrier and makes the stop, rarely missing open-field tackles.

Blocking three punts last season on special teams, Warner is a do-it-all player, too, which will be of benefit to him when seeking snaps early on with the Mules.

Nate Warner Nate Warner 6'1" | 200 lbs | LB/ATH Pella | 2026 State IA blossomed as one of the top LBs in the state during the 2024 season, culminating with him winning All-District Defensive MVP honors. His 109.5 total tackles in 2024 ranked 5th among all defenders in Iowa. Warner also had 10.5 TFLs, a sack, a fumble recovery, and a pick returned for a touchdown during the season. Warner has been a menace in the run-game, doing a great job at closing down space quickly and is almost guaranteed to bring down the ball-carrier when in his vicinity. Warner’s testing numbers should be noted considerably, running a 4.56 40, posting a 37″ vertical, and 375 lb max squat, displaying D1 Power 5 numbers, which combined with his play on the field should warrant him as a priority target for recruiting heading into his senior year.

I scouted Warner in person during Pella’s Class 4A semifinal win at the UNI-Dome in November. He impressed with his feel for the game and high motor. His junior highlight video reveals the explosiveness that helped him rack up 109.5 tackles (89 solo, 10.5 TFL) with a Pick-6. Warner plays with balance and moves well laterally. He’s a sure-handed tackler and does a nice job breaking down the target. As productive as he’s been, there’s still plenty of room for him to grow as a player. He’ll impress coaches at college camps.