Paulsen was another big riser in the latest Prep Redzone Iowa Class of 2027 rankings. The Central DeWitt senior moved up 51 spots to No. 18. Paulsen posted 39.5 tackles, 29 of which were of the solo variety. The University of Illinois pledge piled up 17.0 tackles for loss with 5.0 sacks and forced a fumble. Paulsen is an exciting mix of present production at the prep level with a high ceiling for the future. He’s an excellent athlete with a projectable frame. His agility and power provide him with positional flexibility. Paulsen shines during 11th-grade highlight video. The physicality and speed as a lineman create matchup nightmares for the opposition. There’s strength and active hands. He slips blocks and smoothly separates from them.

Central DeWitt rebounded from a 1-8 campaign in 2025 to the postseason last fall. Paulsen was a big reason for the turnaround. The junior posted 39.5 tackles, 29 of which were of the solo varsiety. He piled up 17.0 tackles for loss with 5.0 sacks. The Illinois commitment also forced a fumble. Paulsen is an outstanding athlete with a projectable frame. His agility and power also would make him a worthwhile prospect on offense at the next level. Paulsen shines during 11th-grade highlight video. The physicality and speed as a lineman creates matchup nightmares for the opposition. There’s strength and active hands. He slips blocks and smoothly separates from them. Paulsen is poised for an impactful final run through the prep ranks.

One of the hottest commodities on the recruiting trail the last few months, EDGE Ryan Paulsen Ryan Paulsen 6'4" | 225 lbs | EDGE/TE Central DeWitt | 2027 State IA has most recently added offers from Iowa State and Nebraska.

At 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, Paulsen’s frame is immediatley eye-catching. With overwhelming size from the outside for Central Dewitt, Paulsen possesses nasty swim and rip-through moves that are backed by his length and raw power. Throw in a high-motor and a mean-streak that propels him after ball-carriers in the backfield, and Paulsen is physical specimen that looks like a freak compared to the competition in eastern Iowa. As a junior, he put together 39.5 tackles, 17 tackles-for-loss and five sacks for the Sabers last season, with the potential to top those numbers as a senior this fall.

Paulsen also holds offers from Illinois, Minnesota, West Virginia, Missouri, Kansas and others.

Paulsen played a leading role in helping the Sabers reach the postseason after coming off of a 1-8 year. The junior delivered 39.5 tackles, 29 of which were solo stops. He racked up 17.0 tackles for loss with 5.0 sacks. He also forced a fumble. His work on the offensive line gives him a path to a future at the next level on that side of the ball, too. We can witness how Paulsen gets the job done when viewing his 11th-grade highlight video. During it, the physical and fast lineman creates matchup problems with his combination of strength and quickness. He uses his hands well to avoid blocks and in separating from them. As an offensive tackle, athleticism and agility with a projectable frame could lead to a fine future there.