I’m glad I checked Valenta’s Prep Redzone profile page to see when we last evaluated the talented 2027 Athlete from Dallas-Center Grimes. It had been a year. It’s a good time for an update of one of the state’s most interesting prospects in the class. He’s a legit college recruit on both sides of the ball, one that would be a special teams’ asset no matter where he lines up on offense or defense. That’s because Valenta is gifted athletically with a good feel for the game and the desire to get better. It’s good news for programs at the next lebel looking to tap into the considerable potential. As a junior last fall, he earned second-team all-state honors at defensive utility and was first-team all-district at linebacker. A team captain, he recorded 46.0 tackles, 34 of which were solo stops. He posted 7.0 tackles for loss, a pair of sacks and a couple of interceptions, including a Pick-6. Valenta also caught 25 passes for 280 yards and four touchdowns. His 11th-grade highlight video reveals evidence as to why Northern Iowa and Drake have offered scholarships. He’s a big-play maker thanks to speed and toughness. It could project at linebacker or safety on defense with receiver and tight end possibilities on offense.

Valenta has video highlights posted of him playing defense and offense on his Hudl page. Colleges will be open to considering both sides of the ball with him being a high-end athlete capable of developing at several positions. Valenta caught 47 passes for 460 yards and four touchdowns. On defense, he delivered 32 solo tackles and 4.0 tackles for loss. His speed stands out and helps him succeed no matter where he lines up. He runs crisp routes with good hands. Valenta is a versatile defender that can stick in coverage or crash down on the run. Overall, he’s a physical football player.

DC-G boasts a duo of younger receivers with play-making ability. Valenta and Hudson Heidgerken Hudson Heidgerken 5'9" | 155 lbs | WR Dallas Center-Grimes | 2026 State IA already are established targets for the Mustangs. While Heidgerken is beginning his junior campaign, Valenta is coming off a freshman season that saw him catch 18 passes for 185 and a touchdown on the varsity. His ninth-grade video highlights show us a receiver that lines up at multiple spots with a good feel for running various routes. And he has plenty of time to sharpen those skills and work on his speed. He also includes blocking clips, absolutely always a good sign for a receiver. DC-G will have a new starting quarterback this fall, so it will be interesting to see how an already-experienced Valenta can help that guy settle in.