Stock Surging: Iowa’s C/O 2023 Rising Skill Part VI
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…
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Continue ReadingThere 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.
Cohen Kamaus, Lisbon, hudl, Twitter
QB, 5’8, 140
It is impressive to watch Kamaus running the I-Formation triple with such maturity and decisiveness at his age. Knowing when to give, keep, or pitch can be very challenging in the midst of a play. Kamaus displays very proficient running ability when attacking the B and C gaps when keys take him there. He works well off of blocks and cuts into space. He has plenty of agility and burst to get the job done on the ground. Kamaus is just as capable through the air, which gives a big second dimension to his offense. Kamaus has really nice touch on deep passes and does a good job of throwing his vertical routes open and away from coverage. He can also fire the ball in with well-timed passes on breaking routes and has the arm strength to get passes off from uncomfortable positions.
Bryce Rudiger, Wahlert Catholic, hudl, Twitter
QB, 6’0, 180
Rudiger has a big, rocket arm that he emphasizes and takes full advantage of with well-developed throwing mechanics. He is very accurate downfield and drops the ball right in stride with a fitting trajectory. Rudiger is a gunslinger underneath from the pocket or on the move. He is not afraid to attempt to thread the needle and place balls into small windows. Rudiger does an impressive job of targeting Receivers in a way that keeps defenders from being able to make plays on the ball. He is composed against pressure and can quickly scan to see if he can get the ball out. His feet are outstanding, though, and scrambling to the open field is something he excels at. Rudiger is very capable on the ground, especially when running plays like Speed Option and gets daylight.
Joe Zelenovich, Southeast Polk, hudl, Twitter
QB, 6’0, 170
Zelenovich throws the ball really well from the pocket, on the run, and off of play-action. His throwing mechanics remain consistent regardless of the situation he is passing from. Zelenovich delivers a timely ball and it is clear that he understands coverage and when routes will be open. He is a good decision maker who can make the tough throw, but appears to have the maturity to not throw any ill-judged passes. That decision making ability carries over into other parts of his game on plays like RPO and Power Read. Zelenovich is decisive as he identifies keys and reacts accordingly. Adding such dimensions to an offense competently is dangerous and exceedingly hard for a high school defense to defend. There is a lot that Zelenovich does at a high level playing Quarterback.
Boston DeVault, Nodaway Valley, hudl, Twitter
FS, 5’8, 160
DeVault is a ballhawk at Free Safety and fits the mold of the prototype athlete you want at the position. DeVault is fast, physical, and opportunistic. He shows no fear in flying down into the alley or box from depth, tracking a ball carrier, and making a big hit. His angles are locked on and his tackling mechanics are secure and violent. DeVault is a tough, hard nosed Defensive Back who shows off a lot of range and can contribute run support pretty much anywhere on the field. DeVault, in coverage, can play a zone and take away a portion of the field or man someone up when his defense loads the box or brings pressure. He is a superior athlete who puts himself in position to make plays on the ball and can really drop jaws when the ball is in the air. Offenses need to know where number 21 is.
Rylan Barnes, West Hancock, , Twitter
TE, 6’2, 170
Barnes brings a big presence for his offense as a blocker and receiving threat. As a Tight End in an offense built for Running Barnes’ primary job is to win battles with Defensive Linemen and Linebackers. With a large frame and a big attitude he does just that. Barnes really impresses when he gets his hands on the ball. He has a good burst off the snap into routes and runs crisp patterns, especially in traffic, with noticeably good concentration. Barnes can absorb blows as he makes athletic catches and still fight for extra yards. Once he has the ball in his hands he keeps the play alive with top-notch cuts and jukes. He is more than capable of lowering the shoulder, running angry, and fighting for big gains. Barnes has a knack for chipping at the line and then releasing into a route or a screen.
Payten Van Houten, Fremont-Mills, hudl, Twitter
RB, 5’8, 165
Van Houten is a tough as nails, two-way player who puts his hand in the dirt on defense and pounds the rock on offense. It is hard to ignore the toughness and throwback style of play that he approaches the game with. Van Houten makes no business decisions and gets after it; regardless of where he is lining up he will bring the fight to his opponents. As a ball carrier Van Houten plays with excellent leverage and feet that don’t stop churning. He clearly does not fear contact, but plays smart and is capable of avoiding it to gain more yards. Van Houten’s acceleration from the handoff to his gap is impressive and he gets north-south in an instant. He has the ability to make a move, create some space or a lane, and go. His cuts are sharp and with a head of steam is impossible to arm tackle.