The type of corner who just has a knack for getting his hand(s) on the ball, Neil James Neil James 6'1" | 170 lbs | DB Iowa City West | 2027 State IA does an excellent job of keeping his eyes in the right spot between the quarterback and the receiver in zone coverage. Watching the QB’s eyes and maintaining a healthy distance between he and his coverage assignment, James uses his self-reported 4.51 40-yard dash speed to close in on receivers and break up passes on his side of the field. He’s not one to give up on a play, either, chasing down a running back or a receiver from the other side of the field to bring them down or push them out of bounds before reaching the endzone.

A fluid athlete that also utilizes his length and power to get a hand on the ball or make contact with the targeted receiver, James’ physical tools are there for him to take a step and play corner at the FCS level at the least.

I first noticed James during the Back2Ballin 7-on-7 tournament during April in Cedar Falls. He was slinging it as a quarterback, and doing so quite well. He saw a few end-of-game snaps for the Trojans in 2024. This fall, the junior has switched sides of the ball, lining up at cornerback. The move has proved beneficial for he and West. James leads the team with seven pass breakups heading into postseason play. He’s picked off a pass, which he housed from 29 yards out, and produced 11.0 tackles, five of which were of the solo variety. James brings plenty to the table. Physically, he’s tall with long arms and a frame that can comfortably add mass. James is fluid when back pedaling and switching directions. Monitor him as a corner but keep open the possibility of him growing into a safety, where his skills would play up even more.

Not a huge factor on either side of the ball last season for the Trojans, Neil James Neil James 6'1" | 170 lbs | DB Iowa City West | 2027 State IA will be relied on both as a corner and as a wide receiver this fall for West. He made two difficult catches across the middle in 11-on-11 work at the end of practice, one reaching far behind him and hauling in a difficult catch for a first down.

Defensively, James will be expected to start at the opposite corner of AJ Hodge, and, chances are, his side of the field will be attacked over and over again. If James can lock down his assignment, the West defense could be lethal in 2025.

I caught James in action during the 2025 Back 2 Ballin 7-on-7 tournament in Cedar Falls. His arm strength and easy throwing motion stood out right away. He played consistently well throughout the weekend. I made a point of looking up his 10th-grade highlight video after that. On it, he confirms those aforementioned strengths, operating effectively in pads for the sophomore team. James shows a good touch in putting the ball in the right places. He throws his receivers into open space. When defenses get spread out, he’s capable of taking off and chewing up yardage with his legs.