Welcome to the newest 2006 Preseason feature called Top Underclassmen to
Watch this fall.
You'll notice that this new feature is made available ONLY to you the IowaPreps.com Premium subscriber and this important early information is
intended to stay here and only here. No other Rivals ticket subscribers will
have access to this information...only members of the IowaPreps.com Off the
Record Forum.
I'm planning to release at least one new Underclassmen to Watch every day
from now till Kickoff 2006.
If your aware of a deserving Underclassmen to Watch this coming fall, by all
means make sure and have that player fill out the Top Player Survey today.
Name: [/URL]
Joe Johnson
School:
West Des Moines Valley
Position:
Running Back
Height:
5-foot-9
Weight:
190 pounds
Background:
The name Joe Johnson has been echoed around the state throughout the past year
for a number of reasons. In the line of Jason Scales and Zac Sandvig, many
are expecting huge things out of Johnson. The two running backs before him
are currently on scholarship at Iowa State and were among the top five players
in their respective classes. Johnson will be splitting time with a senior
this year (How much time has not been determined at this point) but with Sandvig
gone, will get a chance to showcase his skills. In the only game he really
had a chance to run, Johnson did not disappoint as he tore apart the Ames High
defense.
The Future:
Johnson must prove that he has what it takes to be the next great back at
Valley. Although he has received the early hype, he must show this season
that he can produce on a consistent basis. And considering that Johnson is
a junior, he will already be ahead of players in his class because he has
already had a season of varsity experience. Plus it helps that he has
played in front of 10,000 fans during a variety of games last fall.
Recruiting-wise:
It still is a question mark if Johnson will be an in-state recruit or more.
He doesn't currently have any offers but he did impress the Iowa coaching staff
enough at their summer camp to be brought up to the senior level. That
shows something about his ability. He has been attending the Hawkeye camp
for a few years now and with his family routing for the Hawkeyes, it could be
interesting in his recruiting. Iowa State seems to have a pipeline going
at Valley (Jason Scales, Zac Sandvig, Brian Carlson, etc.) but growing up
following a school always makes it tough to turn down.
Quotes:
"He is going to be pretty good. Had it not been for the fact that he
was behind an All State running back this year, he would have played for almost
anybody. The one game he got into it was Ames. On the third snap,
Zac (Sandvig) rolled his ankle so we threw Joe in there and he scored five
touchdowns and gained 160 yards."
-West Des Moines Valley head football coach Gary Swenson
Video:
Joe Johnson
Highlights 1
Joe Johnson
Highlights 2
Name: [/URL]
Jake McDonough
School:
West Des Moines Valley
Position:
Defensive End
Height:
6-foot-5
Weight:
225 pounds
Background:
McDonough was moved up to the varsity level at the end of his freshman year and
that helped prepare him for last season. He split time starting with a
senior for most of the year but this should be his time to take over at
defensive end. If the defense can play to the usual State championship
level at Valley, McDonough will have to step up his game. And with All
State end Patrick Neal now graduated, it will be important for this junior to
show his skills.
The Future:
With a huge frame at 6-foot-5 and nearly 225 pounds of all muscle, McDonough
definitely has something that college coaches are looking for. But he
really must exert himself on the field and become a force. He has received
interest from the in-state schools and they will be keeping an eye on his
progress this fall.
Recruiting-wise:
If McDonough can continue to fill out and become more aggressive, there is no
doubt that all of the in-state programs will go after him. He plays for
one of the best programs in the state and although the Tigers normally do not
have that many top flight recruits, the combination of Johnson and McDonough
could end their careers with a lot of recruiting attention.
Quotes:
"I think athleticism, size, range, and he has a big wing span.
He had a little adjustment there with the big bodies but seemed to handle it
well as he got more reps against our guys who were good. He is one of
those potential guys but that doesn't mean much. We think he is pretty
good but he has to prove it next fall."
-West Des Moines Valley head football coach Gary Swenson on his main
strengths
Name: [/URL]
James Ferentz
School:
Iowa City High
Position:
Offensive Lineman
Height:
6-foot-2
Weight:
240 pounds
Background:
With his dad Kirk the head coach at Iowa and brother Brian formerly a Hawkeye
lineman, it is obvious that James has great bloodlines. As a sophomore, he
started along the offensive line and also saw playing time on defense. He
spent the winter wrestling at 215 pounds and was able to make it to the State
tournament. Ferentz has a lot to improve on but there are a lot of
positives in his game
The Future:
Anyone who follows football across the State knows that this kid has some
serious talent. In just his sophomore year, Ferentz started on one of the
best Class 4A teams in the State and wrestled at the State tournament. It
is obvious that if he continues to work hard, the sky is the limit.
Recruiting-wise:
If he doesn't end up at Iowa, I would be shocked. Let me emphasize
shocked.
Quotes:
"He did a hell of a job as a sophomore and there is no question he is going
to be one of the top players in the state his senior year. His work ethic
is excellent and he is a wrestler as well. This year he wrestled at 215
and the thing is when you are a sophomore, that is a tough assignment because
you are going up against a lot of juniors and seniors. He battles and has
taken some lumps along the way. That is very valuable experience for him
and shows his attitude. I feel fortunate that I'll have him for two years.
He will be as good an offensive lineman as there is in the state. His
technique is good and he is a student of the game. It is not because his
dad is a coach, he loves the game. Put those together with his work ethic
and that leads to good things.
-Iowa City High head football coach Dan Sabers
Name: [/URL]
Eric Wright
School:
Iowa City High
Position:
Athlete
Height:
6-foot
Weight:
165 pounds
Background:
Wright was brought up to the varsity level as a sophomore but didn't play as
much as the coaching staff had hoped. With a solid group of seniors last
year, the Little Hawks only used Wright in spot situations and at the end of
games. But considering that most of those players are now graduated, look
for this junior to play much more on both sides of the ball.
The Future:
Wright must prove this fall how bad he wants to get on the field but he
definitely has talent. If he can work hard and impress the coaching staff,
don't be shocked to this standout to be the number one receiver for quarterback
Jon Gilmore. And considering that Gilmore has a canon, Wright could get a
lot of balls thrown his way.
Recruiting-wise:
It is a question mark what side of the ball Wright will end up on by the time
everything is said and done. College coaches know about him but like said
above, he must prove how bad he wants to succeed with football this year.
Quotes:
"Eric is an outstanding wide receiver/defensive for us. He got better
as the year went on and I think this year he'll have a much better understanding
of what we need from him. His strong suit will be that he is a tough
defensive back. He started to play a lot more as the season went on.
He will be a go-to type receiver. He won't be explosive as Ben (Evans) but
he is shifty and a good runner. He should be one of our top wide receivers
and defensive backs."
-Iowa City High head football coach Dan Sabers
Name: [/URL]
Willie Argo
School:
Iowa City High
Position:
Athlete
Height:
6-foot-1
Weight:
205 pounds
Background:
The way Argo's sophomore year played out was almost surreal. During the
fall, he was named All State while leading the Knights in touchdowns as they
made their first appearance ever in the Class 4A semifinals. In the
winter, he made the State tournament at 189 pounds before bowing out early.
And he finished that up this summer by helping Assumption to the Class 2A State
baseball title and he earned Elite All State honors along the way. Not
bad.
The Future:
One of the biggest questions on the football this year is can Argo accomplish
what he did last year with an inexperienced offensive line? The Knights
had one of the lines in the state and a number of those players have graduated.
Argo will also spend time at linebacker and don't be shocked to see him fight
for Elite All State honors this fall.
Recruiting-wise:
It really just depends. Argo has shown the potential to play Division I
football and baseball. He does have a lot of time to make a decision but
during the last update from this site, Argo appeared to be leaning towards
baseball. Time will tell.
Video:
Willie Argo
Highlights 1
Willie Argo
Highlights 2
Willie Argo
Highlights 3
Name: [/URL]
Nate King
School:
West Delaware
Position:
Lineman
Height:
6-foot-3
Weight:
315 pounds
Background:
Last fall, King stepped up at defensive tackle and was impressive on the middle
for the Hawks all year. Although his lateral quickness must improve, he
ate up a lot of space and made it difficult for teams to run in the middle.
King was the perfect fit on the inside for the West Delaware defense with the
athletes that they had at linebacker.
The Future:
King has dropped 15 pounds since last year and hopes to play this season around
310 pounds. That weight loss will add to his quickness and stamina, two
areas that will make him all that much more dangerous. King also will see
time on the offensive side of things and will likely be playing center for the
Hawks.
Recruiting-wise:
Time will tell what side of the ball King plays at the college level but he
could have the ability at center or defensive tackle. Don't be surprised
to see him to continue to drop weight to help with his ability on the field.
If he continues to work hard, this junior has a very bright future ahead of him.
Quotes:
"Nathan is a rarity that I'd start a lineman as a sophomore. But he
stepped in there at defensive tackle and was a kid we had to have on the field
because of his presence. He is a run stopper who needs to improve on
quickness but for that size his agility is good."
-West Delaware head football coach Doug Winkowitsch
Video:
Nate King
Highlights 1
Name:[/URL]
BJ Hermsen
School:
West Delaware
Position:
Quarterback
Height:
6-foot-5
Weight:
205 pounds
Background:
Hermsen is just going into his junior year and has already established himself
as easily one of the top athletes in the entire State. He quarterbacked
his team to the State championship game, led the basketball team in scoring, and
earned first team All State honors on the baseball diamond. That list is
impressive for an athlete at any age, let alone a sophomore.
The Future:
Like Argo, Hermsen will eventually have to decide what sport he wants to play at
the college level. He has three solid options right now but what has been
said is that baseball is his best sport. Time will tell but he is one of
the best quarterbacks returning in the State. For being so young, he had a
great deal of poise on the football field and will likely only be better this
season. And with his running back and fullback now at college, look for
Hermsen to get a chance to showcase his arm more often.
Recruiting-wise:
Hermsen has the ability to play college in the three sports that I mentioned
above and is just a fantastic athlete. With his size, he could be a very
ideal Division I quarterback and the most highly recruited quarterback in-state
since Austen Arnaud. But baseball also is a serious option and time will
tell.
Video:
B.J.
Hermsen Highlights 1
Name:[/URL]
Jordan Cotton
School:
Mount Pleasant
Position:
Wide Receiver
Height:
6-foot
Weight:
145 pounds
Background:
Although he doesn't have any varsity experience, this sophomore has a bright
future ahead of him. He has proven to be one of the top athletes in his
age group in his age group. Although that doesn't necessarily mean it will
translate to the varsity level, the skills are there for Cotton to be one of the
top football players in the Class of 2009. The bloodlines are good as well
with his father being a former Iowa Hawkeye.
The Future:
With a 40-yard dash that has been timed at 4.62, the future is bright for
Cotton. But it really all depends on his work ethic and his development at
the varsity level. He was the only freshman on a relay team for Mount
Pleasant that took home the 4X200 State title in Class 3A.
Recruiting-wise:
A coach at the Iowa football camp had some high praise for this sophomore and
talked about how bright of a future he has. And if he can continue to
stand out in his class, I would expect it hard for any college outside of Iowa
City to reel him in if he is at that high of a level.
This post was edited on 8/29 8:21 PM by LukeFeddersenif(GetAdminCookie() != 0) {document.write(' (Revisions[/URL])');}
Watch this fall.
You'll notice that this new feature is made available ONLY to you the IowaPreps.com Premium subscriber and this important early information is
intended to stay here and only here. No other Rivals ticket subscribers will
have access to this information...only members of the IowaPreps.com Off the
Record Forum.
I'm planning to release at least one new Underclassmen to Watch every day
from now till Kickoff 2006.
If your aware of a deserving Underclassmen to Watch this coming fall, by all
means make sure and have that player fill out the Top Player Survey today.
Name: [/URL]
Joe Johnson
School:
West Des Moines Valley
Position:
Running Back
Height:
5-foot-9
Weight:
190 pounds
Background:
The name Joe Johnson has been echoed around the state throughout the past year
for a number of reasons. In the line of Jason Scales and Zac Sandvig, many
are expecting huge things out of Johnson. The two running backs before him
are currently on scholarship at Iowa State and were among the top five players
in their respective classes. Johnson will be splitting time with a senior
this year (How much time has not been determined at this point) but with Sandvig
gone, will get a chance to showcase his skills. In the only game he really
had a chance to run, Johnson did not disappoint as he tore apart the Ames High
defense.
The Future:
Johnson must prove that he has what it takes to be the next great back at
Valley. Although he has received the early hype, he must show this season
that he can produce on a consistent basis. And considering that Johnson is
a junior, he will already be ahead of players in his class because he has
already had a season of varsity experience. Plus it helps that he has
played in front of 10,000 fans during a variety of games last fall.
Recruiting-wise:
It still is a question mark if Johnson will be an in-state recruit or more.
He doesn't currently have any offers but he did impress the Iowa coaching staff
enough at their summer camp to be brought up to the senior level. That
shows something about his ability. He has been attending the Hawkeye camp
for a few years now and with his family routing for the Hawkeyes, it could be
interesting in his recruiting. Iowa State seems to have a pipeline going
at Valley (Jason Scales, Zac Sandvig, Brian Carlson, etc.) but growing up
following a school always makes it tough to turn down.
Quotes:
"He is going to be pretty good. Had it not been for the fact that he
was behind an All State running back this year, he would have played for almost
anybody. The one game he got into it was Ames. On the third snap,
Zac (Sandvig) rolled his ankle so we threw Joe in there and he scored five
touchdowns and gained 160 yards."
-West Des Moines Valley head football coach Gary Swenson
Video:
Joe Johnson
Highlights 1
Joe Johnson
Highlights 2
Name: [/URL]
Jake McDonough
School:
West Des Moines Valley
Position:
Defensive End
Height:
6-foot-5
Weight:
225 pounds
Background:
McDonough was moved up to the varsity level at the end of his freshman year and
that helped prepare him for last season. He split time starting with a
senior for most of the year but this should be his time to take over at
defensive end. If the defense can play to the usual State championship
level at Valley, McDonough will have to step up his game. And with All
State end Patrick Neal now graduated, it will be important for this junior to
show his skills.
The Future:
With a huge frame at 6-foot-5 and nearly 225 pounds of all muscle, McDonough
definitely has something that college coaches are looking for. But he
really must exert himself on the field and become a force. He has received
interest from the in-state schools and they will be keeping an eye on his
progress this fall.
Recruiting-wise:
If McDonough can continue to fill out and become more aggressive, there is no
doubt that all of the in-state programs will go after him. He plays for
one of the best programs in the state and although the Tigers normally do not
have that many top flight recruits, the combination of Johnson and McDonough
could end their careers with a lot of recruiting attention.
Quotes:
"I think athleticism, size, range, and he has a big wing span.
He had a little adjustment there with the big bodies but seemed to handle it
well as he got more reps against our guys who were good. He is one of
those potential guys but that doesn't mean much. We think he is pretty
good but he has to prove it next fall."
-West Des Moines Valley head football coach Gary Swenson on his main
strengths
Name: [/URL]
James Ferentz
School:
Iowa City High
Position:
Offensive Lineman
Height:
6-foot-2
Weight:
240 pounds
Background:
With his dad Kirk the head coach at Iowa and brother Brian formerly a Hawkeye
lineman, it is obvious that James has great bloodlines. As a sophomore, he
started along the offensive line and also saw playing time on defense. He
spent the winter wrestling at 215 pounds and was able to make it to the State
tournament. Ferentz has a lot to improve on but there are a lot of
positives in his game
The Future:
Anyone who follows football across the State knows that this kid has some
serious talent. In just his sophomore year, Ferentz started on one of the
best Class 4A teams in the State and wrestled at the State tournament. It
is obvious that if he continues to work hard, the sky is the limit.
Recruiting-wise:
If he doesn't end up at Iowa, I would be shocked. Let me emphasize
shocked.
Quotes:
"He did a hell of a job as a sophomore and there is no question he is going
to be one of the top players in the state his senior year. His work ethic
is excellent and he is a wrestler as well. This year he wrestled at 215
and the thing is when you are a sophomore, that is a tough assignment because
you are going up against a lot of juniors and seniors. He battles and has
taken some lumps along the way. That is very valuable experience for him
and shows his attitude. I feel fortunate that I'll have him for two years.
He will be as good an offensive lineman as there is in the state. His
technique is good and he is a student of the game. It is not because his
dad is a coach, he loves the game. Put those together with his work ethic
and that leads to good things.
-Iowa City High head football coach Dan Sabers
Name: [/URL]
Eric Wright
School:
Iowa City High
Position:
Athlete
Height:
6-foot
Weight:
165 pounds
Background:
Wright was brought up to the varsity level as a sophomore but didn't play as
much as the coaching staff had hoped. With a solid group of seniors last
year, the Little Hawks only used Wright in spot situations and at the end of
games. But considering that most of those players are now graduated, look
for this junior to play much more on both sides of the ball.
The Future:
Wright must prove this fall how bad he wants to get on the field but he
definitely has talent. If he can work hard and impress the coaching staff,
don't be shocked to this standout to be the number one receiver for quarterback
Jon Gilmore. And considering that Gilmore has a canon, Wright could get a
lot of balls thrown his way.
Recruiting-wise:
It is a question mark what side of the ball Wright will end up on by the time
everything is said and done. College coaches know about him but like said
above, he must prove how bad he wants to succeed with football this year.
Quotes:
"Eric is an outstanding wide receiver/defensive for us. He got better
as the year went on and I think this year he'll have a much better understanding
of what we need from him. His strong suit will be that he is a tough
defensive back. He started to play a lot more as the season went on.
He will be a go-to type receiver. He won't be explosive as Ben (Evans) but
he is shifty and a good runner. He should be one of our top wide receivers
and defensive backs."
-Iowa City High head football coach Dan Sabers
Name: [/URL]
Willie Argo
School:
Iowa City High
Position:
Athlete
Height:
6-foot-1
Weight:
205 pounds
Background:
The way Argo's sophomore year played out was almost surreal. During the
fall, he was named All State while leading the Knights in touchdowns as they
made their first appearance ever in the Class 4A semifinals. In the
winter, he made the State tournament at 189 pounds before bowing out early.
And he finished that up this summer by helping Assumption to the Class 2A State
baseball title and he earned Elite All State honors along the way. Not
bad.
The Future:
One of the biggest questions on the football this year is can Argo accomplish
what he did last year with an inexperienced offensive line? The Knights
had one of the lines in the state and a number of those players have graduated.
Argo will also spend time at linebacker and don't be shocked to see him fight
for Elite All State honors this fall.
Recruiting-wise:
It really just depends. Argo has shown the potential to play Division I
football and baseball. He does have a lot of time to make a decision but
during the last update from this site, Argo appeared to be leaning towards
baseball. Time will tell.
Video:
Willie Argo
Highlights 1
Willie Argo
Highlights 2
Willie Argo
Highlights 3
Name: [/URL]
Nate King
School:
West Delaware
Position:
Lineman
Height:
6-foot-3
Weight:
315 pounds
Background:
Last fall, King stepped up at defensive tackle and was impressive on the middle
for the Hawks all year. Although his lateral quickness must improve, he
ate up a lot of space and made it difficult for teams to run in the middle.
King was the perfect fit on the inside for the West Delaware defense with the
athletes that they had at linebacker.
The Future:
King has dropped 15 pounds since last year and hopes to play this season around
310 pounds. That weight loss will add to his quickness and stamina, two
areas that will make him all that much more dangerous. King also will see
time on the offensive side of things and will likely be playing center for the
Hawks.
Recruiting-wise:
Time will tell what side of the ball King plays at the college level but he
could have the ability at center or defensive tackle. Don't be surprised
to see him to continue to drop weight to help with his ability on the field.
If he continues to work hard, this junior has a very bright future ahead of him.
Quotes:
"Nathan is a rarity that I'd start a lineman as a sophomore. But he
stepped in there at defensive tackle and was a kid we had to have on the field
because of his presence. He is a run stopper who needs to improve on
quickness but for that size his agility is good."
-West Delaware head football coach Doug Winkowitsch
Video:
Nate King
Highlights 1
Name:[/URL]
BJ Hermsen
School:
West Delaware
Position:
Quarterback
Height:
6-foot-5
Weight:
205 pounds
Background:
Hermsen is just going into his junior year and has already established himself
as easily one of the top athletes in the entire State. He quarterbacked
his team to the State championship game, led the basketball team in scoring, and
earned first team All State honors on the baseball diamond. That list is
impressive for an athlete at any age, let alone a sophomore.
The Future:
Like Argo, Hermsen will eventually have to decide what sport he wants to play at
the college level. He has three solid options right now but what has been
said is that baseball is his best sport. Time will tell but he is one of
the best quarterbacks returning in the State. For being so young, he had a
great deal of poise on the football field and will likely only be better this
season. And with his running back and fullback now at college, look for
Hermsen to get a chance to showcase his arm more often.
Recruiting-wise:
Hermsen has the ability to play college in the three sports that I mentioned
above and is just a fantastic athlete. With his size, he could be a very
ideal Division I quarterback and the most highly recruited quarterback in-state
since Austen Arnaud. But baseball also is a serious option and time will
tell.
Video:
B.J.
Hermsen Highlights 1
Name:[/URL]
Jordan Cotton
School:
Mount Pleasant
Position:
Wide Receiver
Height:
6-foot
Weight:
145 pounds
Background:
Although he doesn't have any varsity experience, this sophomore has a bright
future ahead of him. He has proven to be one of the top athletes in his
age group in his age group. Although that doesn't necessarily mean it will
translate to the varsity level, the skills are there for Cotton to be one of the
top football players in the Class of 2009. The bloodlines are good as well
with his father being a former Iowa Hawkeye.
The Future:
With a 40-yard dash that has been timed at 4.62, the future is bright for
Cotton. But it really all depends on his work ethic and his development at
the varsity level. He was the only freshman on a relay team for Mount
Pleasant that took home the 4X200 State title in Class 3A.
Recruiting-wise:
A coach at the Iowa football camp had some high praise for this sophomore and
talked about how bright of a future he has. And if he can continue to
stand out in his class, I would expect it hard for any college outside of Iowa
City to reel him in if he is at that high of a level.
This post was edited on 8/29 8:21 PM by LukeFeddersenif(GetAdminCookie() != 0) {document.write(' (Revisions[/URL])');}
