Scouting Report: West Branch at Durant
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DURANT, Iowa – Class 1A top-ranked West Branch traveled down I-80 Friday night for a matchup here with Durant. The small-school game featured impressive talent from both teams. Here are some guys who stood out: Nolan DeLong IA #59 RB…
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Continue ReadingDURANT, Iowa – Class 1A top-ranked West Branch traveled down I-80 Friday night for a matchup here with Durant. The small-school game featured impressive talent from both teams. Here are some guys who stood out:
Top-ranked West Branch kept DeLong bottled up for most of the night but he showed you can’t hold him down forever when he popped a 72-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. That came after he threw a 17-yard score in the third. DeLong does it all for his team, including punting. He mixes power, speed, vision and feel as a running back. He also could end up at safety in college, as he runs well to the ball and hits hard.
Highlights
Garrett Hollenback
Garrett Hollenback
A multi-sport athlete, Hollenback is playing football for the first time this season. You would not know it from watching him. He diagnosis plays really well and flies to the ball. When he arrives, you can expect physicality. He might end up choosing baseball or basketball for college, but he could play football at the next level and excel.
Hunter Bacorn
Hunter Bacorn
A two-way lineman, Bacorn stands out on both sides of the ball. He moves well for a big kid and understands what he’s doing, whether that’s blocking, rushing the passer or stuffing the run. He owns a frame to add good weight and strength, and his versatility makes him an attractive prospect. He fires off the ball from either trench.
Minnesota State found a gem in this multi-sport athlete. He will be a monster at the Division II level and show D-I’s that they missed the boat on his talent and upside. His physicality stands out on both sides of the ball, and when he gets going downhill, which is often, he’s like a locomotive. He could prosper as a hammer running back at the next level, but I think linebacker is his best spot. He flies to the ball and smashes ball carriers on arrival.
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A transfer from Class 4A Iowa City Liberty, Hughes adds a downfield passing element that nicely complements Henson’s ground pounding. The son of former Iowa linebacker, Matt Hughes, completed 11 of 16 passes this night, showing accuracy short and long. He’s athletic, allowing him to damage defenses with his legs in RPO, on designed runs or when scrambling.
Highlights
Logan Wright
Logan Wright
I’m interested to see how Wright performs at summer camps because he’s popped for me in the two times I’ve seen him this year. Already physical and strong, he can add to his frame without compromising his quickness. He sheds blocks very well on the D-Line, and West Branch often runs his way when he’s at right tackle on offense.