Stock Surging: Iowa’s C/O 2023 Rising Skill Part I
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There are many names in Iowa’s class of 2023 that need to be on your radar. Take a look below to see what made them stand out as underclassmen. These skill position players made a big splash during their Sophomore campaigns. The sky’s the limit with the tools they possess and there is no slowing down their ascent.
Devionne West Jr, Bishop Heelan, hudl, Twitter
RB, 5’8, 200
West is a complete, every down back and does way more than just tote the rock at an elite level. He has excellent hands out of the backfield and his pass protection is mature. West’s vast abilities allow for an open offensive playbook. In the ground game West is very patient behind zone and power schemes; he allows gaps to open and pullers to get to targets before bursting into space. West has a powerful, low center of gravity and unparalleled body control. When defenders can’t be avoided between the tackles he barrels right through them. Defenders ricochet off of him as he stays square moving downhill. West’s subtle, shifty movements make it very difficult for defenders to line him up. He is nimble in space and can break away from pursuing tacklers.
Alex Mota, Marion, hudl, Twitter
ATH, 6’1, 175
It seems to be pretty clear that there is nothing Mota can’t do. He plays on both sides of the ball and executes everything at the highest level. As a Quarterback he makes good decisions while reading coverage, has a strong arm, and delivers an accurate ball. He is precise on vertical routes and underneath crossing and timing patterns. Mota makes good decisions while reading in the mesh and is especially impressive on designed runs. He is faster than anyone else on the field, his cuts and changes of direction are as smooth as can be, and he will run right through a defender if there are no other options. Mota looks right at home when running routes on trick plays too. Mota is just as much of a factor on the other side of the ball. He is a ballhawk in coverage and a hammer against the run.
Peyton Rottinghaus Peyton Rottinghaus 6'0" | 180 lbs | QB Urbandale | 2023 State IA , Urbandale, hudl, Twitter
QB, 5’11, 165
Rottinghaus has evolved throwing mechanics; it is plain to see that he differentiates his release when he is in the pocket versus on the run or what kind of route he is throwing. Rottinghaus can put the ball on a line and fire it in a tight window or put air under the ball and throw it to a spot. His decision making is on point and compliments his physical abilities perfectly. It is impressive to see how decisive he is when dropping back and is especially skilled at attacking zones. Rottinghaus diagnoses pre-snap and knows where defenders are going to be. When protection breaks down he is calm and collected. He can sense where defenders are and has footwork to evade opponents or extend plays and get creative. Rottinghaus is also dangerous with his legs and can gash a defense on the ground.
Javion Jondle Javion Jondle 6'2" | 180 lbs | WR Fort Dodge | 2023 State IA , Fort Dodge, hudl, Twitter
WR, 6’2, 180
It doesn’t matter how much depth Defensive Backs can get at the snap, Jondle is going to get behind coverage. He has threatening speed and explodes off the line of scrimmage into vertical routes. The way Jondle rapidly accelerates often puts opponents in compromised positions and he ends up wide open as he stretches the field. He adjusts incredible well to the ball; there isn’t much he can’t run under. Jondle is also incredibly coordinated and has top notch field awareness. This makes him very dangerous in the red zone and on the sideline. He will go up and get it over defenders and come down with his feet in bounds. Jondle has a big catch radius and strong hands. He is also a big threat underneath; he gets lost in zones on crossing patterns and stops on a dime to get wide open on hitches
Dillon Ranck Dillon Ranck 6'3" | 190 lbs | WR Norwalk Highschool | 2023 State IA , Norwalk, hudl, Twitter
WR, 6’3, 180
Ranck dominates coverage in routes that get him changing direction. He is talented at getting opponents in man coverage to open to a side, outleverage them, and cut across their face to get open. Ranck knows how to attack zones too, especially underneath, and will adjust routes or sit to keep defenders at bay. When making catches Ranck positions himself well to keep Defensive Backs from being able to make plays. He is focused on the ball and unafraid of contact in high traffic areas of the field. Ranck adjusts to poorly thrown balls with elite athleticism and makes tough catches. He is elusive with the ball in his hands; he maintains speed through cuts and has excellent start-stop ability to make opponents miss. Ranck is gritty and fights to pick up big yards after the catch.
Braetyn Couse, Council Bluffs Jefferson, hudl, Twitter
CB, 6’3, 165
Couse is a very rangy Corner who is versatile in coverage. He can press Wide Receivers at the line of scrimmage and match their steps to stay with them as they try to get into their routes. Couse is excellent at disrupting the timing of plays and route concepts. He has the speed and mobility to stick with opponents, even through changes of direction; he reacts instantaneously. Couse also impresses when in zones. He picks up opponents as soon as they threaten and carries them. Quarterbacks who think they have open targets often look silly as Couse closes down when the ball is in the air, especially on deep routes, for interceptions, breakups, or hits. Couse displays rare physicality as a Corner. He uses violent strikes to get off of blocks and shows no hesitation when tackling.