SSI Football: 2025 Names To Know Prior To Kickoff!

Here are some key players in NW Iowa that are set up for big season's. You can coach X's and O's but you can't teach athleticism and experience. These dudes thrive under the Friday night lights!

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In order to have a real shot at getting deep into playoff competition it's always nice when you have a two year starter at QB. Senior QB Cal Jepsen 5-11(170) of the Black Raiders will be a rare three-year starter at the 5A level this fall as he will look to add to his already amazing stat line. The Black Raiders return OC Bob Goodvin who has been a mentor for Jepsen who has passed for (4,703) and (43) touchdowns in his first two years as a starter. The HUDL film shows Jepsen's ability to read coverages and delivers good ball placement so his receiver can make a catch in tight windows. Jepsen shows good decision making and the ability to make a play when needed in clutch situations. I look for Jepsen to have an outstanding senior season and lead the Black Raiders deep into the playoffs. Jepsen is an excellent baseball player trying to help lead the Black Raiders to the State Tournament to be held right here in Sioux City. You can follow Jepsen on X: @caljepsen

Another NW Iowa player that needs no introduction is OABCIG junior WR/CB Jaxx DeJean 6-4 (220) playmaker that is now growing into his frame. DeJean hauled in (57) passes for (620) yards and (10) touchdowns as just a sophomore. DeJean is currently listed by On3.com as a 4-star TE in the country. DeJean holds current offers from Iowa, Kansas State, Michigan, UNLV and UAB. DeJean projects as a TE or possibly Safety at the next level. DeJean is a 4-sport athlete that also excels on the basketball court, baseball field and track and field. In watching HUDL film Dejean shows his athleticism and the ability to run after the catch. The ability to use his body to out physical defenders from the TE/WR position makes him a real weapon on offense. The Falcons of head coach Larry Allen return some solid experience on both sides of the football in what should be an exciting season for OABCIG. DeJean is the younger brother of Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl Champion Cooper DeJean and brother Beckett DeJean who plays for U.S.D. You can follow DeJean on X: @JaxxDejean35

As we inch closer to kickoff you will begin to understand why I am so high on the Black Raiders. Junior TE/OLB/S Kason Clayborne 6-3 (210) is another two year starter at the varsity level and has a very intriguing skill set on offense and defense. Clayborne scratched the surface at TE last season but will likely have a more prominent role this fall. Clayborne does much of his damage on the defensive side of the football where he racked up (40.5) tackles on defense and (2) TFL. Clayborne can project on either side of the football in college due to his athletic ability and a great football IQ. Clayborne has good bloodlines as he has one brother Deion who played CB at Morningside University along with Kobe Clayborne a current DT at South Dakota State. The HUDL film shows how Clayborne diagnosis plays from the secondary and does a great job in run support. Clayborne can also measure a guy up and pack a punch with the tackle. Clayborne currently holds an offer from North Dakota State and is receiving interest from several other name brand programs. Definite D-1 prospect and also excels at baseball. You can follow Clayborne on X: @KasonClayborne