Set to take over for multi-year starter and state champion gunslinger, Brock Badding — and being the younger brother of newly committed Iowa Hawkeye, Brayton Alford — Taylen Alford Taylen Alford 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB/ATH Kuemper Catholic | 2028 State IA has some big shoes to fill at Kuemper Catholic.

In some of his reps on JV and varsity, Alford shows some encouraging things as a passer. With touch on throws, especially deep shots, Alford looks the part of a varsity QB with his ability to hit receivers in stride for scores. Also able to connect with pass-catchers in the corner of the endzone with over-the-shoulder placement, it will be interesting to see how much Alford continues to develop as the presumed starter for the Knights this fall.

Alford did not see much varsity time this year, backing up the Class 2A Player of the Year Brock Badding Brock Badding 6'3" | 185 lbs | QB Kuemper Catholic | 2026 State IA , but when called on, he made the most of his opportunity. When 1st Team All-State running back Jarin Hoffman Jarin Hoffman 5'8" | 190 lbs | RB Kuemper Catholic | 2027 State IA was out with an injury, Alford stepped in as the RB, and the State Champion Knights did not miss a beat. Taylen had 159 yards on 39 carries and a TD in the playoff win vs OABCIG. Alford projects as a dual-threat QB, giving the Knights a run/pass option next year.

(@Taylen_Alford)

Sophomore QB Taylen Alford Taylen Alford 6'2" | 180 lbs | QB/ATH Kuemper Catholic | 2028 State IA has long been on our radar since showing off his polished arm talent the summer before his freshman season. Although we don’t have a ton of tape from last fall, we have had several opportunities to watch Taylen operate in person. Taylen had a strong 7v7 season, leading an explosive Carroll Chargers offense. What has stood out about Taylen’s game is his anticipation with his throws, showing his trust in his receivers by placing the ball in the perfect spot. Alford can throw long, short, and even into tight coverage with top-tier accuracy. Taylen should continue to gain more traction on the recruiting circuit as he continues to grow and fine-tune the nuances of being a QB. Big season coming up for Alford as he battles for Kuemper’s starting spot.

Alford operated on the Knights’ junior varsity as a freshman in 2024. He continued to sharpen his game. Alford is accomplished in 7-on-7 ball and developing in preparation for his time on the varsity. A good athlete, Alford could easily help Kuemper at other positions if he doesn’t win the starting quarterback competition in the fall. Alford spins a nice ball with touch on it. He hits his receivers in stride, giving them a leg up on defenders for yards after the catch. His arm strength is good and so his his ability to throw accurately on the run. Alford also stresses defenses with his running ability complementing his passing acumen.