Iowa’s C/O 2024 Future Household Names Part 1
Maybe you already know these young men; pretty soon everyone will. Contributing to your varsity team, or definitively standing out on younger levels, upon entering high school to any degree is not a common occurrence. These athletes got the job…
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Continue ReadingMaybe you already know these young men; pretty soon everyone will. Contributing to your varsity team, or definitively standing out on younger levels, upon entering high school to any degree is not a common occurrence. These athletes got the job done and laid a very strong foundation to build on the next few years. They have the physical tools, instincts, and football IQ. Look for them to be major names in recruiting by the time they are upperclassmen.
Noah Keefer, Knoxville, hudl, Twitter
QB, 6’0, 145
Keefer shows a lot of maturity and knowledge of the Quarterback position for his age. He can set up in the pocket and throw on the run with clean mechanics. What stands out most is how accurate he is under pressure. Keefer keeps his eyes downfield as pass rushers close in and steps into his throws to deliver flawless passes. There is a lot of poise visible in his every down approach when it comes to scanning the field and identifying open Receivers. Keefer makes good decisions and it is clear he knows his progressions on different route combinations. He can hit checkdowns and is also more than capable of escaping defenders in the backfield and scrambling for big gains. Keefer already has an impressive toolbox and a very high ceiling.
Brady McDonald, Independence, hudl, Twitter
TE, 6’2, 210
McDonald’s build and physical maturity make it hard to believe he is only a Freshman. He has a big frame that is already filled out and what impresses most is how coordinated and athletic he is. McDonald is fearless running routes over and across the middle of the field. He shows a lot of focus and concentration as he runs through those high traffic zones; he can take a lot of contact while making catches. McDonald absorbs and deflects defenders to create opportunities after the catch. With the ball in his hands he shows no hesitation and attacks those who get in his way. McDonald is a tough and angry ball carrier. He has top-notch acceleration, speed, and agility. McDonald is just as physical when blocking and is an asset on the line.
Cam Buffington, Winfield-Mt. Union, hudl, Twitter
RB, 6’2, 190
Buffington is a very decisive young ball carrier who hits his lanes, makes a move, and finds daylight. He possesses the size and physicality to get downhill with a head of steam instantly behind power schemes. He also demonstrates that he can be patient and nimble on slower developing plays. Buffington cuts quite well off of blocks with noticeably good field vision. Buffington can pick up yards the tough, old-fashioned way; he has long, powerful strides that are hard to tackle. He can also make you pay with some impressive speed outside. Buffington is a threat out of the backfield making catches and winning matchups against slower, less athletic opponents. His high-end natural abilities will certainly pave the way for a big future.
Payton Jacobe, ACGC, hudl, Twitter
DL, 6’1, 220
Jacobe spends a lot of time in the opponent’s backfield; he is quick off the ball, gets hands on to separate, and disengages to make plays. He is a big, physical presence in the middle of the defensive line, especially for his age, and plays technically sound football. Jacobe has shown a well-developed understanding of the position by doing things like following pulls, replacing the body when disengaging, and staying tight and active through his pass rush lane. There is a present and high level of discipline in his game that will help him become an absolute game wrecker as he continues to grow and gets stronger. Jacobe plays with a motor and consistently pursues. He stays flat as he gets off blocks to keep plays in front of him and takes away space.
Cody Fox Cody Fox 6'4" | 265 lbs | OL East Buchanan | 2024 State IA , East Buchanan, hudl, Twitter
OL, 6’4, 265
Fox is a massive, young offensive lineman who knows how to play within his frame and showcases some impressive technique. He brings a tremendous amount of direct pressure on down and base blocks. At the point of attack Fox gets his hands inside with noticeably excellent posture and pounds his insteps to overwhelm opponents. Fox’s technique is on point and well-developed. The nastiness he plays the position with can’t be taught and there is plenty of it. Fox is laterally quick and capable of reaching opponents and blocking well in space. He also excels on pulls and is fast to his landmark. He digs defenders out and can get to a Linebacker on a play like Dart or lead and kick out the edge on GT. Fox stays attached and resets the line of scrimmage.