With the College Football Spring Football window upon us, there is no better time to look ahead to this fall and what teams have returning to their rosters. Here are some of my thoughts on the SC East Black Raiders.
A deeper dive can be found at prepredzone.com and click on the Iowa map. The Black Raider Profile will appear this Wednesday 4/10 on Prep RedZone Iowa.
PRESENTED BY:
Head Coach: Mike Winklepleck
2023 Record: 5-5 (Playoff Qualifier)
Key Departure: WR Richard Stewart (820) Rec Yards (6) TD
The make-up of the Black Raiders roster last fall had a heavy dose of sophomores and juniors who performed very well. The strength of the 2024 version of the Black Raiders will be experience taken from 2023. There are some really nice pieces coming back on both sides of the football which should make for an exciting season.
In looking over the 2024 roster here are some key notes on who I believe to be impact players.
Junior QB: Cal Jepsen
Passing Yards: (2,330)
Touchdowns: (19)
QBR: (126.7)
Analysis: Jepsen burst on the scene last fall for the Black Raiders and put together an incredible sophomore season under the direction of OC Bob Goodvin. Jepsen was injured in the state playoffs versus Dowling Catholic and is rehabbing and recovering from off-season surgery and should be ready for the upcoming baseball season where he excels as well. If you have not seen Jepsen play he has a really good feel for the game and is mobile and keeps his eyes downfield where he can hurt defenses. Allow me to show you what I am looking at thanks to HUDL an official partner of Prep RedZone! https://www.hudl.com/profile/18413977/cal-jepsen
Senior RB: Myles Wegher
Rushing Yards: (632) & (9) TD's
Receiving Yards: (330) & (3) TD's
Analysis: Wegher has really good blood lines with a deep family history of success out of the backfield at the collegiate and NFL levels. Wegher is a real weapon because he can rush the football, but excels in the receiving game out of the backfield. The vision he runs with is evident on the film. If there is a backside hole Wegher will find it and shows great patience allowing his linemen to set up blocks. If Wegher can stay healthy he is on the verge of a huge senior season. Check out the film courtesy of HUDL! https://www.hudl.com/profile/16205276/Myles-Wegher
Sophomore ATH: Kason Clayborne
Total Tackles: (42)
Analysis: One of the most talented 2027 kids in the state of Iowa. Clayborne was featured at safety last fall and did a really good job as a freshman. I listed him as an athlete because I truly feel he could play almost 4-5 different positions on the field and he continues to grow and add strength. Clayborne has an older brother who was a CB in college and current brother DE/DT Kobe Clayborne now playing at South Dakota State. Clayborne will be a household name on the football field this fall and will have a hand in the Black Raiders success.
Rising Prospects:
Junior LB Jake Breyfogle: Team leader in tackles as a sophomore with (52.5); (1) fumble recovery and (1) INT. Good inside-out speed and pursuit to the football.
Junior DT Colin Pittenger: Concluded sophomore campaign with (40.5) tackles and (6) TFL. Very good technician inside and understands leverage and hand placement.