Who’s left? Iowa’s top remaining uncommitted 2018 football recruits

Chris Cuellar
The Des Moines Register

The final week of the 2016-17 college football recruiting calendar has arrived and the state’s 2018 class already feels set.

Eight of the top 10 rated high school recruits in Iowa have announced verbal commitments. Iowa and Iowa State can claim two in-state players each.

Senior Trey Mosley (6) had four rushing touchdowns and three receiving touchdowns for Fort Dodge last season.

The only nationally-covered intrigue comes from the state’s consensus No. 1 prospect: Dowling Catholic defensive end John Waggoner. The coveted four-star prospect considering the Hawkeyes and Cyclones among his pile of impressive Power 5 offers.

So what’s left?

Besides the anticipation of Waggoner’s commitment, recruiting attention turns to the rest of Iowa’s uncommitted rising seniors. Plenty of Division I — Football Bowl Subdivision and Football Championship Subdivision — and lower level college prospects remain, and it’s a surefire bet that more rise with strong showings on the field this fall.

Here’s a quick, current glance at the state’s top uncommitted 2018 recruits who may have flown under the radar into the NCAA’s 2017-18 calendar.

Nolan Potter, offensive line, Cedar Rapids Washington

The two-star teammate of Miami of Ohio offensive line commit Andrew Todd has gained steam since making camp and combine appearances this offseason. Potter is 6-foot-6, up around 260 pounds, and was the starting right tackle for a 10-2 team last fall. He started the 2016 season at 230 pounds, but added bulk to a basketball player frame and holds FBS offers from Northern Illinois, Toledo and Central Florida. FCS schools are also interested in the high-upside big man.

Ben Subbert, tight end, Williamsburg

Williamsburg defensive end Ben Subbert (45) and linebacker Tucker Stanerson (44) celebrate Subbert's touchdown after a blocked field goal attempt in the third quarter at West Liberty High School on Friday, October 7, 2016.

An explosive tight end and defensive end for a Class 3A playoff team, Subbert is 6-4, 230 pounds, and has a scholarship offer from Northern Illinois to join his FCS suitors. Subbert had 12 catches for 187 yards and two scores as a junior, mostly making his name as a strong downfield blocker and tough defensive end, where he recorded 43.5 tackles and nine sacks. With good hands and an ability to shed blockers, Subbert has drawn interest from Iowa and Iowa State.

Jordan Hook, offensive/defensive line, Grundy Center

Rivals projects the 6-4, 270-pound tackle on the defensive side of the ball, but Hook’s run-blocking for Grundy Center’s 2,000-yard back Bryce Flater proved he can finish plays going both ways. Northern Iowa, Illinois State, South Dakota State and Western Illinois have all offered the physical road-grader who planted pancakes from the left and right side in 2016. Like Subbert, Iowa and Iowa State are keeping an eye on Hook’s development.

John Schmidt, running back, Dowling Catholic

Perhaps the most mysterious prospect in the state, Schmidt is rated as a three-star running back by 247 Sports, good for No. 6 in the class, even though he has yet to take a varsity snap with the Maroons. The 5-8, 200-pound senior moved south from Sartell-St. Stephen in Minnesota with reported Power 5 interest. But with only three games of film as a junior in Minnesota’s Class 5A and no full-speed snaps with Iowa’s reigning 4A champs, he’ll need to showcase his skills this season to gain offers from the FCS programs he visited in the spring.

Jaivonn Willis, athlete, Washington

Willis is a do-it-all player for the Demons but a wait-and-see prospect for D-I programs. Camping and working out as a wide receiver in the offseason, the 6-3, 195-pound athlete was Washington’s backup quarterback in 2016. That resulted in a statistical drop from his sophomore year — 54 catches for 796 yards and 10 touchdowns — but his ball skills and size advantage on the edge haven’t gone anywhere. Willis’ lone early offer is from Quincy University.

Logan Klemp, linebacker, South Hamilton

The top rusher, receiver and tackler for South Hamilton last season is a 6-3, 210-pound linebacker prospect. Klemp showed good vision and closing speed in the open field, and finished 2016 with 52 tackles and five sacks. FCS (Cornell, North Dakota, South Dakota State) and D-II (Minnesota State) offers have come, but spring visits with Iowa and Iowa State’s staffs show the multi-sport athlete may have FBS upside.

Tariq Brown, wide receiver, Valley

Valley High School's Tariq Brown (1) grabs a touchdown pass in the end zone ahead of Johnston's Blake Murray (30) in the second quarter Friday, Sept. 16, 2016, during their game in Johnston.

The Cyclones have been interested in the 6-foot, 180-pound speedster, but offers likely hinge on his development and consistency as a senior with the West Des Moines powerhouse. Brown has shown flashes of talent and averaged 18 yards per catch, scoring seven touchdowns on just 15 receptions. He should be the top target now, and has track and field honors to back up his big play ability.

Matt Fagan, offensive line, Council Bluffs St. Albert

A late-bloomer from a small school, Fagan has turned into an intriguing D-I prospect at 6-5 and 260 pounds. He is a solid basketball player who began his varsity football career as a 210-pound freshman, and his good feet and smart angles have followed him into his current frame. Fagan played both offensive tackle spots in St. Albert’s UNI-Dome run last season and holds an offer from South Dakota. Interest from Iowa, ISU and North Dakota State resulted in spring visits.

Jaden Snyder, athlete, West Lyon

The younger brother of Hawkeye defensive back Brandon Snyder does not leave the field. A dual-threat quarterback and capable cornerback for West Lyon, Jaden’s best chance at college football may come through his leg. Snyder has handled the team’s kicking duties since his freshman year, making 10 of 16 field goals and 126 of 132 PATs in his career. The 6-1, 190-pound multi-sport standout also averaged 41.7 yards per punt in 2016.

Trey Mosley, wide receiver, Fort Dodge

Mosley is a natural slot receiver whose speed and elusiveness have overshadowed a lack of size to some FCS and D-II coaches. Operating at 5-8 and 175 pounds in a spread offense, Mosley needs moves, and he has them. North Dakota State, South Dakota, Western Illinois and Northwest Missouri State are all interested in a prospect who averaged better than 100 yards per game last season and averaged more than 12 yards per touch — rushing and receiving — as a sophomore.