Summer means the offseason, for some.
But for others, it’s a chance to improve in athletics and get the attention of college coaches. Whether that be through attending prospect camps, distributing film or hitting the gym, some athletes view the offseason as a a season of growth.
From Luke Brewer to Axel Ramazani, several high school football players seized the opportunity to rise in the recruiting rankings. The Des Moines Register spoke to some of those athletes to hear their perspectives about why they think they rose in the recruiting world.
Here are some of Iowa’s top rising recruits in football.
Names are listed in alphabetical order by last name. Offers listed are current as of Aug. 1 at 10 a.m.
Landon Blum, So., Woodbine
Blum is representing his small town of Woodbine, on the football field and the basketball court.
When he wasn’t pulling in offers from Iowa, Iowa State and Kansas State this summer, Blum competed in club basketball with ETG on the Prep Hoops circuit. He’d consider playing basketball in college if an offer came up for the 6-foot-5 sophomore, but right now, it’s all about football.
It was a summer of development for Blum, who focused on route running and mobility. But several parts of his game stuck out to college coaches.
“They really like my character, my grades and my potential,” Blum said of the three schools, all recruiting him at receiver right now. “I’m pretty big for my age, and I’m athletic for 6-5.”
Luke Brewer, So., Norwalk
Another sophomore on this list and for good reason. Brewer grabbed a few offers in the offseason, including ones from Iowa and…Georgia.
That’s nothing to blink at, especially since the 6-foot-4 tight end posted limited stats on a talented Norwalk team in his freshman season.
“When I got the Iowa State offer, I kind of anticipated that it might start picking up,” Brewer said. The Cyclones offered Brewer first, back in October 2023.
“But I had no idea that it would get this big. I’m just staying levelheaded and really appreciating every opportunity.”
It’s easy to see why colleges like Brewer. The size is there, he’s seen as a receiving tight end – who needs to work on his blocking a bit – and he’s a solid route runner. This is what stuck out, though:
Matt Campbell worked one-on-one with Brewer quite a bit at prospect camp this summer. What did Brewer do after?
“The next day, we had a team meeting, and I took what I learned and just talked to the younger kids in our program,” Brewer said. “Just taking what he said and applying it to the high school team to make everyone better, not just me.”
Jaxx DeJean, So., OABCIG
Most Iowa football fans should recognize this player’s last name, at least.
Make no mistake, though, the youngest DeJean brother is making a name for himself. He earned offers from Iowa and Kansas State this summer, and more are certainly on the way for the 6-foot-4 athlete.
DeJean didn’t expect to pick up the offers this early in his recruitment. He attended camp just to stay in football mode between the high school football offseason and the months without 7-on-7 football.
But colleges saw something in DeJean. Differing from his brother, Cooper, Iowa and Kansas State both see DeJean as a tight end.
“They just liked my film,” DeJean said. “And where I’m at at such a young age, how I could develop. I’ve definitely learned a lot about blocking, which I’ve needed to develop to play at the college level.”
Evan Jacobson, Jr., Waukee
If this is about recruiting jumps, look no further than Jacobson.
The 6-foot-7 tight end collected close to 20 offers, including scholarship opportunities with Florida State, LSU, Miami and Penn State. Iowa State was the first team to offer Jacobson back in March.
Jacobson shared that picking up his ranking – now a 4-star – from 247Sports played a large role in his recruiting rise. That, and getting his tape out to college coaches across the country.
There is a lot for college coaches to like about Jacobson.
“Obviously, being 6-7, 220, having the frame I have, along with my athletic ability and speed,” Jacobson said.
He emphasized that there is still a lot of room for growth in his game, but Jacobson is thankful for every opportunity.
“Every offer is a blessing and I’m super grateful for all of them,” Jacobson said. “There’s always more work to be done.”
Alex Manske, Sr., Algona
Sure, Manske committed to Iowa State in February. But being bumped up to a 4-star ranking and competing in the Elite 11 finals, an exclusive camp comprised of 20 of the best high school quarterbacks in the nation, means that Manske’s recruiting stock rose over the last few months.
“Being able to throw against the best guys in the country and see how you compare against them was definitely an amazing experience,” Manske said.
Knowledge was the most beneficial takeaway from Elite 11 for Manske, who took every opportunity to absorb the advice coming from the lineup of speakers. The experience also challenged Manske’s loyalty. Even though he said he had some coaches texting him after the event, Iowa State fans don’t need to worry.
“I’m pretty locked in with Iowa State, and I don’t really see that changing,” Manske said.
Even as a…
The Des Moines Register
