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Ranking the top 80 Iowa high school football recruiting prospects in the 2024 class

alyssa hertel, des moines register
·9 min read

Iowa high school football fans, the 2023 season came and went, with seven new state champions named just weeks ago.

Through a dozen weeks of high school football, some of the state’s top talent made it all the way to the title game, while others led their respective teams as far as they could go. Among those top athletes are some of the biggest recruiting names in the entire country.

From Grant Brix to Derek Weisskopf, some players have been at the center of recruiting conversations for months or even years. But even in their final season of high school football, other players made a name for themselves.

And there are even some players who are just beginning to emerge as prospects as seniors.

Based on game film, college interest, conversations with coaches and trainers, and first-hand observations from camps and games, here are the Register’s top 80 — yes, we added 30 names to our preseason list — football recruits in Iowa for the 2024 class.

1. Grant Brix, OT, Logan-Magnolia

Logan-Magnolia's Grant Brix, a Nebraska commit, remains the top prospect in the state of Iowa following the 2023 high school football season.
Logan-Magnolia's Grant Brix, a Nebraska commit, remains the top prospect in the state of Iowa following the 2023 high school football season.

Previous ranking: 1

Height/weight: 6-foot-6, 280 pounds

College: Nebraska

Anchored an offensive line that rushed for 3,424 yards. A relentless protector who has plenty of room to grow his game.

2. Cody Fox, OL, East Buchanan

East Buchanan offensive lineman Cody Fox will be playing football at Iowa following his high school graduation.
East Buchanan offensive lineman Cody Fox will be playing football at Iowa following his high school graduation.

Previous ranking: 2

Height/weight: 6-4, 275

College: Iowa

A smaller-class menace whose teammates rushed for over 3,300 yards this season. Solid skillset on both offense and defense.

3. Derek Weisskopf, LB, Williamsburg

Williamsburg safety Derek Weisskopf (12) led Williamsburg to the state championship as a senior.
Williamsburg safety Derek Weisskopf (12) led Williamsburg to the state championship as a senior.

Previous ranking: 3

Height/weight: 6-3, 200

College: Iowa

One-man wrecking crew who dominates in every sport he plays. Strong, shifty and has a football IQ that backs up a ton of natural talent.

4. Cam Buffington, LB, Winfield-Mt. Union

Winfield-Mount Union’s Cam Buffington, right, will be a Hawkeye after his high school days are over.
Winfield-Mount Union’s Cam Buffington, right, will be a Hawkeye after his high school days are over.

Previous ranking: 4

Height/weight: 6-3, 200

College: Iowa

Two-way player who collected 1,362 rushing yards, 613 receiving yards, and 106.5 total tackles. A no-nonsense defender who makes interceptions look as easy as tackles.

5. Preston Ries, ATH, Monticello

Monticello's Preston Ries is one of the top in-state 2024 recruits and is committed to Iowa football.
Monticello's Preston Ries is one of the top in-state 2024 recruits and is committed to Iowa football.

Previous ranking: 8

Height/weight: 6-2, 205

College: Iowa

Strong, relentless and the hardest-hitting player on the field. It’s no joke to say he did everything for his team, on both offense and defense.

6. Drew Campbell, Edge, Cedar Falls

Cedar Falls defensive end Drew Campbell remains at the No. 6 spot in our rankings.
Cedar Falls defensive end Drew Campbell remains at the No. 6 spot in our rankings.

Previous ranking: 6

Height/weight: 6-4, 225

College: Iowa

Quick off the line and not afraid to put himself on the line to stop a play. Carries that same work ethic on offense, as well.

7. Brevin Doll, RB, ADM

ADM's Brevin Doll spent most of his senior season sidelined with an injury.
ADM's Brevin Doll spent most of his senior season sidelined with an injury.

Previous ranking: 5

Height/weight: 6-1, 190

College: Iowa

Spent most of the season sidelined with an injury, but don’t let that discount how well he outruns opponents and shakes off tackles.

8. Jacob Simpson, TE, Johnston

Johnston senior tight end and Minnesota football commit Jacob Simpson helped lead the Dragons to the UNI-Dome for the first time in program history in 2022.
Johnston senior tight end and Minnesota football commit Jacob Simpson helped lead the Dragons to the UNI-Dome for the first time in program history in 2022.

Previous ranking: 7

Height/weight: 6-5, 210

College: Minnesota

Long stride, solid stretch and great catching abilities which make him a dangerous offensive option, even while he was limited in coverage this season.

9. Reece Vander Zee, WR, Central Lyon

Central Lyon-George/Little Rock quarterback Reece Vander Zee (2) shot up recruiting boards this summer and excelled as a senior.
Central Lyon-George/Little Rock quarterback Reece Vander Zee (2) shot up recruiting boards this summer and excelled as a senior.

Previous ranking: 9

Height/weight: 6-5, 190

College: Iowa

Took on a new role for Central Lyon and excelled, leading the Lions back to the state title game. Great size, great speed, and great ability to make tough plays look easy.

10. Connor Moberly, QB, Southeast Polk

Southeast Polk quarterback Connor Moberly (5) led the Rams to a third-straight state title.
Southeast Polk quarterback Connor Moberly (5) led the Rams to a third-straight state title.

Previous ranking: 10

Height/weight: 6-4, 195

College: Iowa State

Won three state championships at Southeast Polk, starting in two of those years. Confidence grows with every game played.

11. Kyle Rakers, OL, Dowling Catholic

Dowling's Kyle Rakers (55) will play football at Kansas State next season.
Dowling's Kyle Rakers (55) will play football at Kansas State next season.

Previous ranking: 11

Height/weight: 6-4, 280

College: Kansas State

Doesn’t make it easy to get to his quarterback and was a large part of Dowling’s success in the ground game. Strong, large and shifts well between offense and defense.

12. Keaton Roskop, TE, Linn-Mar

Previous ranking: 12

Height/weight: 6-3, 215

College: Iowa State

Sidelined nearly all season with an ACL injury, but he’s still a speedy and shifty tight end who separated himself from the pack.

13. Titus Cram, ATH, Bondurant-Farrar

Bondurant-Farrar's Titus Cram is one of the most exciting players to watch in Iowa high school football.
Bondurant-Farrar's Titus Cram is one of the most exciting players to watch in Iowa high school football.

Previous ranking: 14

Height/weight: 6-0, 210

College: UNI

Recorded crazy numbers thanks to his superb speed and ability to shrug off defenders. Did a bit of everything before getting injured late in the season.

14. Carson Bruhn, TE, Sioux Center

Previous ranking: 13

Height/weight: 6-6, 230

College: Kansas

Successful on both offense and defense. Throws blocks, isn’t afraid to help on the line and uses his size to separate himself from defenders.

15. Jake Peters, OL, Cedar Falls

Cedar Falls senior offensive lineman Jake Peters (71) will play college football for Nebraska.
Cedar Falls senior offensive lineman Jake Peters (71) will play college football for Nebraska.

Previous ranking: 16

Height/weight: 6-3, 265

College: Nebraska

Moves well, pushes opponents for several yards and is agile enough to follow the play and make big tackles.

16. Drew Miller, P, Mediapolis

Mediapolis punter Drew Miller will play at Georgia next season.
Mediapolis punter Drew Miller will play at Georgia next season.

Previous ranking: 15

Height/weight: 6-2, 195

College: Georgia

One of the best punters in the nation, who also took on the role of quarterback this season. Solid distance, hangtime and consistency thanks to his incredibly strong leg.

17. Ty Cozad, RB, Muscatine

Previous ranking: 21

Height/weight: 5-11, 195

College: Lindenwood

Speed is the first word that comes to mind, and it’s helped him rush for thousands of yards in his high school career.

18. Graham Eben, S, Central Lyon

Central Lyon-George/Little Rock's Graham Eben (11) will be a walk-on for the Hawkeyes next year.
Central Lyon-George/Little Rock's Graham Eben (11) will be a walk-on for the Hawkeyes next year.

Previous ranking: 24

Height/weight: 6-1, 190

College: Iowa (walk-on)

There is something in the water at Central Lyon. Bit of a ball magnet…which isn’t good for opposing offenses. Stepped into a larger role this season with ease.

19. Braylon Jenkins, OL, West Des Moines Valley

Previous ranking: unranked

Height/weight: 6-4, 285

College: Wyoming

A pillar of consistency on the offensive line as Valley dealt with injury after injury this season.

20. DJ Vonnahme, ATH, Kuemper Catholic

Previous ranking: 17

Height/weight: 6-4, 205

College: Iowa (walk-on)

Brick wall on defense. Major playmaker on offense.

21. Garret Rutledge, OT, Lewis Central

Lewis Central's Garret Rutledge played on both sides of the ball in high school. He'll focus on the OL when he plays at the next level.
Lewis Central's Garret Rutledge played on both sides of the ball in high school. He'll focus on the OL when he plays at the next level.

Previous ranking: 18

Height/weight: 6-5, 295

Offers: Army, Fordham, Illinois State, Maine, North Dakota State, UNI, South Dakota, South Dakota State

Patient, creates gaps for his offense and is relentless without being ruthless.

22. Parker Thomas, OL, Sheldon

Previous ranking: 20

Height/weight: 6-4, 275

Offers: Army, UNI

Don’t try to get to his quarterback, it won’t end well if Sheldon is protecting him.

23. Will Stobbe, OL, Waukee

Will Stobbe of Waukee will head off to play for North Dakota next season.
Will Stobbe of Waukee will head off to play for North Dakota next season.

Previous ranking: 22

Height/weight: 6-3, 235

College: North Dakota

Gives the offense time and space to make plays, and goes head-to-head well with some of the best in the state.

24. Augustine Sleh, LB, Des Moines North

Previous ranking: 19

Height/weight: 6-3, 200

College: Northern Illinois

Takes down guys twice his size when needed and brings a growing football IQ to the game. Lots of room for development.

25. Parker Getter, OT, Glenwood

Previous ranking: 23

Height/weight: 6-6, 295

College: Southern Illinois

Steadfast, strong and agile on top of it all. Moves well to make plays.

26. Dayne Mauk, LB, Dallas Center-Grimes

Previous ranking: 25

Height/weight: 6-3, 215

Offers: Lindenwood, St. Thomas

Good size, good speed and will do whatever it takes to take down opponents.

27. Elijah Porter, RB, Ankeny Centennial

Ankeny Centennial's Elijah Porter helped power the Jags to the state semifinals.
Ankeny Centennial's Elijah Porter helped power the Jags to the state semifinals.

Previous ranking: 28

Height/weight: 5-11, 170

College: Northern Illinois

Strong, speedy and finds a way to turn nothing into something.

28. Abram Edwards, TE, Winfield-Mt. Union

Previous ranking: 30

Height/weight: 6-5, 230

College: Army

Recruited on offense, but a beast on defense too, with nearly a dozen sacks and several turnovers.

29. Sam Kueter, DE, Iowa City High

Iowa City High's Sam Kueter (10) had a big senior season, going from unraked to top-30 in our list.
Iowa City High's Sam Kueter (10) had a big senior season, going from unraked to top-30 in our list.

Previous ranking: unranked

Height/weight: 6-4, 210

Offers: UNI

Quick off the line and gets after it on every play. Doesn’t know how to quit, and that, coupled with physicality, is a problem for opponents.

30. Will Leifker, TE, Dowling Catholic

Dowling Catholic's Will Leifker (5) became a more well-rounded wideout as a senior.
Dowling Catholic's Will Leifker (5) became a more well-rounded wideout as a senior.

Previous ranking: 31

Height/weight: 6-3, 220

Offers: Lindenwood, South Dakota, St. Thomas

Solid speed, great hands and improved his blocking abilities as part of a run-heavy offense.

31. Braden McShane, LB, New Hampton

Previous ranking: 26

32. Connor Welsch, ATH, Ankeny Centennial

Previous ranking: 27

33. Trent Cakerice, DL, Grundy Center

Previous ranking: unranked

34. Jonah Reiling, OL, Lisbon

Previous ranking: 29

35. Brennen Blegen, OL, Benton

Previous ranking: 32

36. Connor Kayser, LB, Ankeny

Previous ranking: unranked

37. Grant Glausser, RB/DB, Western Dubuque

Previous ranking: 50

38. Aiden Flora, ATH, ADM

Previous ranking: unranked

39. Ben Kampman, DE, Solon

Previous ranking: 34

40. Karson Elwood, WR, Treynor

Previous ranking: unranked

41. Caden Hotz, OL/DL, Waverly-Shell Rock

Previous ranking: 35

42. Devon Akers, WR, Ankeny

Previous ranking: unranked

43. Sam Watts, DE/OL, Linn-Mar

Previous ranking: 39

44. Curtis Witte, WR, Lewis Central

Previous ranking: 43

45. Keegan Nystrom, DL, Waterloo West

Previous ranking: 36

46. Curtis Horras, WR, Dowling Catholic

Previous ranking: 47

47. Owen Thomas, LB/TE, Lewis Central

Previous ranking: 48

48. Jake Leonard, S, Madrid

Previous ranking: 49

49. Apollo Payne, WR, Cedar Rapids Prairie

Previous ranking: unranked

50. Mason Van Der Brink, LB, Southeast Polk

Previous ranking: unranked

51. Cole Marsh, TE, Waverly-Shell Rock

Previous ranking: unranked

52. Chase Lamb, LB, Waukee Northwest

Previous ranking: 40

53. Carson Robbins, WR, Southeast Polk

Previous ranking: unranked

54. Kyler Gerardy, DB, North Scott

Previous ranking: unranked

55. Calvin White, LB, Cedar Rapids Kennedy

Previous ranking: 38

56. Landen Kuennen, OL, Waukee Northwest

Previous ranking: unranked

57. Tono Cornell, Dl, Iowa City High

Previous ranking: 33

58. Jaxon Cherry, RB/LB, Webster City

Previous ranking: 42

59. Dalen Huston, ATH, Johnston

Previous ranking: 41

60. Kaden Amigon, RB, Columbus

Previous ranking: 45

61. AJ Crownover, TE, West Des Moines Valley

Previous ranking: unranked

62. Angelo Jackson, ATH, Assumption

Previous ranking: unranked

63. Isaiah Favors, RB, Bishop Heelan

Previous ranking: unranked

64. Drew Larson, ATH, Iowa City High

Previous ranking: unranked

65. Logan Nemmers, OL, Bishop Garrigan

Previous ranking: unranked

66. Graham Beckman, QB, Iowa City Liberty

Previous ranking: unranked

67. Teague Smith, LB, Fort Madison

Previous ranking: 44

68. Brock Carpenter, WR/CB, Western Dubuque

Previous ranking: 46

69. Brayden Harmon, OL, Southeast Polk

Previous ranking: unranked

70. Lawson Langford, WR/RB, Ankeny Centennial

Previous ranking: unranked

71. Dixon Montgomery, DE, Waukee Northwest

Previous ranking: unranked

72. Dante Hedrington, RB, Atlantic

Previous ranking: 37

73. Logan Bacon, DB, Lake Mills

Previous ranking: unranked

74. Harry Leinen, LB/RB, Waukee Northwest

Previous ranking: unranked

75. CJ Phillip, RB, Southeast Polk

Previous ranking: unranked

76. Zach Smid, RB/LB, Dowling Catholic

Previous ranking: unranked

77. Drew Gerdes, LB, Cedar Falls

Previous ranking: unranked

78. Kannon Bork, TE/DE, Bishop Heelan

Previous ranking: unranked

79. Caleb Garnand, WR/S, Lawton-Bronson

Previous ranking: unranked

80. Tate Woodruff, TE/DE, Dubuque Hempstead

Previous ranking: unranked

Alyssa Hertel is the college sports recruiting reporter for the Des Moines Register. Contact Alyssa at ahertel@dmreg.com or on Twitter @AlyssaHertel.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Recruiting ranking of Iowa high school football's top 80 seniors