Here are the 2018 All-Iowa Football Player of the Year Finalists: Cedar Rapids Xavier's Quinn Schulte, Lewis Central's Max Duggan and Cedar Falls' Jack Campbell. Cody Goodwin, cgoodwin2@dmreg.com
Iowa's crop of 2019 football talent was one of this state's better recruiting classes in recent memory.
It features national-level recruits at the top. It boasts a deep pool of Group of Five, FCS and Division II prospects, too.
With the early signing period starting Wednesday, the Register ranked the top 20 football prospects in Iowa's 2019 recruiting class. Based on observations and conversations with coaches and recruiting contacts throughout the year, here's what we came up with:
1. Max Duggan, Lewis Central
QB: 6-foot-2, 190 pounds
College choice: TCU
Entering this high school season, Duggan was considered one of the country's best quarterback prospects, based mostly on performances at elite camps. He proved evaluators right with his senior-year performance. Duggan racked up 3,353 total yards and 49 touchdowns while leading Lewis Central to its first UNI-Dome berth.
2. Ezra Miller, Ridge View
OL: 6-7, 315
College choice: Iowa
Miller might just be the most nimble 315-pounder you'll see, and he was a tremendous lead blocker at the second level for Ridge View. He consistently dominated high school competition, and he backed up his recruiting stock with strong performances at camps throughout the country.
3. Tyler Endres, Norwalk
OL: 6-6, 310
College choice: Iowa
Yes, Endres is quick, powerful and smart bulldozer on the football field. But his 15.1 points and 8.8 rebounds per game for Norwalk's basketball team this year show how he's a light-footed athlete contained in a Power Five lineman's body.
![Cedar Falls's Logan Wolf (17) breaks up a pass intended for Dowling Catholic's Jack Lyman (13) during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls takes a 13-7 lead into halftime.]()
1 of 39![Cedar Falls's Sam Gary (19) runs in for a touchdown to put the Tigers up 6-0 during their class 4A state championship football game against Dowling Catholic on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls takes a 13-7 lead into halftime.]()
2 of 39![Cedar Falls fans cheer after a touchdown to put the Tigers up 6-0 during their class 4A state championship football game against Dowling Catholic on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls takes a 13-7 lead into halftime.]()
3 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Jayson Murray (2) rushes during their class 4A state championship football game against Cedar Falls on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls takes a 13-7 lead into halftime.]()
4 of 39![Cedar Falls's Cael Loecher (8) runs the ball during their class 4A state championship football game against Dowling Catholic on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls takes a 13-7 lead into halftime.]()
5 of 39![Cedar Falls's Jackson Frericks (10) is tackled by Dowling Catholic's Ashton Brown (10) during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls takes a 13-7 lead into halftime.]()
6 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Matt Stilwill (17) is chased by Cedar Falls's Austin Cross (41) during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls takes a 13-7 lead into halftime.]()
7 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Andrew Lentsch (89) is hit by Cedar Falls's Jack Campbell (46) during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls takes a 13-7 lead into halftime.]()
8 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Collin Cook (5) catches a pass during their class 4A state championship football game against Cedar Falls on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls takes a 13-7 lead into halftime.]()
9 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Jack Lyman (13) catches a pass in the end zone over Cedar Falls's Logan Hoag (35) to make the score 13-6 during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls takes a 13-7 lead into halftime.]()
10 of 39![Dowling Catholic celebrates their 22-16 win over Cedar Falls during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls.]()
11 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Connor Jackman (7) intercepts a pass to seal the win for Dowling Catholic, 22-16 over Cedar Falls during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls.]()
12 of 39![The Dowling Catholic coaching staff including head coach Tom Wilson, center, celebrate their teams 22-16 win over Cedar Falls during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls.]()
13 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Teagan Johnson (31) is hoisted by Dowling Catholic's Alex Kirton (55) after Johnson ran in for a touchdown making the score 13-16 during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Dowling Catholic would go on to defeat Cedar Falls 22-16 and win their sixth state title.]()
14 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Teagan Johnson (31) is hoisted by Dowling Catholic's Alex Kirton (55) after Johnson ran in for a touchdown making the score 13-16 during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Dowling Catholic would go on to defeat Cedar Falls 22-16 and win their sixth state title.]()
15 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Alex Kirton (55) leads the Maroons out of their tunnel before their class 4A state championship football game against Cedar Falls on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls takes a 13-7 lead into halftime.]()
16 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Jesse Alger (79) talks to the rest of the Dowling Catholic team before their class 4A state championship football game against Cedar Falls on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls takes a 13-7 lead into halftime.]()
17 of 39![Dowling Catholic and Cedar Falls line up for the national anthem before their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Dowling Catholic would go on to win 22-16.]()
18 of 39![Cedar Falls's Sam Gary (19) rushes during their class 4A state championship football game against Dowling Catholic on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls takes a 13-7 lead into halftime.]()
19 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Matt Stilwill (17) runs the ball during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls takes a 13-7 lead into halftime.]()
20 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Connor Ibach (26) is pushed out of bounds by Cedar Falls's Logan Wolf (17) during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls takes a 13-7 lead into halftime.]()
21 of 39![Cedar Falls's Jack Campbell (46) celebrates a bit hit with Cedar Falls's Ben Sernett (11) during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls takes a 13-7 lead into halftime.]()
22 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Collin Cook (5) jumps over a defender during their class 4A state championship football game against Cedar Falls on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls takes a 13-7 lead into halftime.]()
23 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Collin Cook (5) is tackled during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Cedar Falls takes a 13-7 lead into halftime.]()
24 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Zach Watters (4) runs the ball during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Dowling Catholic would go on to defeat Cedar Falls 22-16 and win their sixth state title.]()
25 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Teagan Johnson (31) runs into the end zone to make the score 13-16 during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Dowling Catholic would go on to defeat Cedar Falls 22-16 and win their sixth state title.]()
26 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Teagan Johnson (31) celebrates his touchdown making the score 13-16 during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Dowling Catholic would go on to defeat Cedar Falls 22-16 and win their sixth state title.]()
27 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Teagan Johnson (31) jumps into the end zone to make the score 20-16 during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Dowling Catholic would go on to defeat Cedar Falls 22-16 and win their sixth state title.]()
28 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Collin Cook (5) catches a ball in the end zone for a two point conversion making the score 22-16 during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Dowling Catholic would go on to defeat Cedar Falls 22-16 and win their sixth state title.]()
29 of 39![Cedar Falls players watch as Dowling Catholic celebrates its 22-16 victory to win the class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls.]()
30 of 39![Dowling Catholic head coach Tom Wilson calls for a time out during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Dowling Catholic would go on to defeat Cedar Falls 22-16 and win their sixth state title.]()
31 of 39![Dowling coach Jim Williams stands on the sidelines during the Maroons class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls. Dowling Catholic would go on to defeat Cedar Falls 22-16 and win their sixth state title.]()
32 of 39![Dowling Catholic players celebrate their 22-16 victory over Cedar Falls to win the class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls.]()
33 of 39![The Dowling Catholic coaching staff including head coach Tom Wilson, center, celebrate their teams 22-16 win over Cedar Falls during their class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls.]()
34 of 39![Dowling Catholic players and coaches celebrate their 22-16 victory over Cedar Falls to win the class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls.]()
35 of 39![Dowling Catholic's Quentin Wellmaker (9) cheers on the crowd after the Maroon's defeated Cedar Falls 22-16 to win the class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls.]()
36 of 39![Cedar Falls head coach Brad Remmert comforts Cedar Falls's Logan Wolf (17) after they lost their class 4A state championship football game to Dowling Catholic 16-22 on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls.]()
37 of 39![Dowling Catholic head coach Tom Wilson gets out of the way as his players jump to get their state championship trophy after defeating Cedar Falls 22-16 on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls.]()
38 of 39![Dowling Catholic celebrates its 22-16 victory over Cedar Falls to win the class 4A state championship football game on Friday, Nov. 16, 2018, in Cedar Falls.]()
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4. Jack Campbell, Cedar Falls
LB: 6-5, 215
College choice: Iowa
Campbell seemed to be at the heart of every big Cedar Falls defensive play this year. That's not luck or coincidence. It's speed, vision, power and anticipation combining to form a linebacker with major upside — especially when you consider his 6-5 frame can support more weight. He's the best tackler in the state.
5. Mosai Newsom, Waverly Shell-Rock
DE: 6-4, 250
College choice: Nebraska
When Newsom was on his game, you'd be hard-pressed to find a more disruptive Iowa lineman. Also an excellent basketball player, he has a wide frame and can pass rush off the edge. But he's better at going through his man with power and technique, so he's a good fit for Nebraska's 3-4 defense.
6. Darien Porter, Bettendorf
WR: 6-4, 170
College choice: Iowa State
Porter's numbers weren't eye-popping, but he's not a high-level prospect based on production. It's based on his considerable potential. He's a 6-4 track star who could run the 200-meter competitively in college. Combine that with a yawning wing span and good ball skills, and you've got a high-level Power Five prospect.
7. Jake Remsburg, West Des Moines Valley
OL: 6-6, 300
College choice: Iowa State
Remsburg is a low-risk, fundamentally sound lineman with leadership qualities. He keeps his hips low and remains balanced and comfortable against the quickest of defensive ends.
8. Noah Fenske, New Hampton
OL: 6-5, 255
College choice: Iowa
Iowa became Fenske's first and only Power Five offer last February after seeing him in person at a junior day. He's certainly a well-built athlete who passes the eye test. A two-way high school lineman, Fenske had 22.5 tackles this season as a defensive tackle.
9. Chris Reames, Van Meter
DE: 6-7, 220
College choice: Iowa
Reames is a project, but there's great deal of potential. He looks more like a power forward than a defensive end right now. Iowa is hoping Chris Doyle can work his magic and turn Reames into an end in the mold of Anthony Nelson — who was also 6-7 and 220 in high school and also picked up a late Iowa offer.
10. Logan Wolf, Cedar Falls
WR: 6-4, 185
College choice: Northern Iowa, although Iowa just offered
Wolf had long been a top-level Midwest FCS prospect before Iowa extended an offer last week. The 6-4 prospect is one of the state's very best athletes. In fact, if he sticks with UNI, the Panthers' basketball team will take him as a preferred walk-on. Wolf has spent his springs and summers on the AAU basketball circuit, so he hasn't had as much opportunity to get on the football recruiting map. Beyond his obvious length, his speed and balance stand out, as he's quite difficult to tackle.
11. Coal Flansburg, Solon
LB/FB: 6-1, 235
College choice: Iowa State
Flansburg is just a football dude, plain and simple. Built like a rock, but deceptively quick and crafty. Like most Solon products, Flansburg is a hard-nosed kid who likes hitting people and is fundamentally sound. He can play multiple positions on offense and defense, and feels like a guy who can contribute early on special teams.
12. Cole Mabry, Iowa City West
LB/SS: 6-2, 195
College choice: Army
Mabry is a versatile defender who played just about every position — on offense and defense — for the past two seasons at Iowa City West. It'll be interesting to see where Army plays him. He could be a strong safety or outside linebacker at the next level.
13. Nicholas Kubitz, Dubuque Senior
LB: 6-3, 200
College choice: North Dakota State
An athlete with a quick first step, Kubitz flew all over the field for Dubuque Senior this year en route to 52 tackles — although his best quality right now might be his pass coverage. He picked the Bison over a handful of FCS schools, including UNI and South Dakota State.
14. Nick DeJong, Pella
DL/OL: 6-6, 255
College choice: Iowa (preferred walk-on)
A powerful plug-and-play lineman, DeJong starred as a defensive end at Pella but he'll play offensive line at Iowa. One of the better preferred walk-ons you'll find, DeJong held offers from Air Force, Northern Iowa, NDSU, SDSU and Stephen F. Austin, among others.
15. Matt Barnett, Alburnett
LB: 6-3, 200
College choice: South Dakota State
It feels like there wasn't a position Barnett didn't play for Alburnett. Receiver, running back, safety, cornerback, linebacker. He's just a smart, tough football player with enough athleticism to make him a threat all over the field.
16. Cameron Baker, Council Bluffs Thomas Jefferson
LB/ATH: 6-2, 225
College choice: Northern Iowa
An All-Iowa Elite Team running back as a junior, Baker will likely play linebacker or fullback in college. He isn't the quickest prospect, but he's a powerful and determined runner and tackler.
17. Caleb Lomica, North Polk
LB: 6-4, 205
College choice: Northern Iowa
Another rock-solid athlete, Lomica picked UNI over offers from South Dakota and Central Michigan. He's an intriguing prospect because, while he does have good instincts as a linebacker, he also played defensive end and has a frame that could support the weight needed to play that position in college.
18. Jared Penning, Clear Lake
OL: 6-7, 330
College choice: Northern Iowa
Size obviously stands out with Penning. He overwhelmed most linemen at the high school level. But he showed enough agility — particularly when he'd come off his spot at right guard and be a lead blocker through the left side — to draw offers from UNI, Eastern Michigan, South Dakota, NDSU, SDSU and North Dakota.
19. Anthony Coleman, Johnston
DB: 5-9, 175
College choice: North Dakota State
On paper, you'd think Coleman is too small to play cornerback at the FCS level. But then you watch this kid play in person, and all doubt is gone. His acceleration and speed are noticeable, and they're topped by his defensive instincts and ability to read the quarterback.
20. Carter Bell, Bettendorf
WR/ATH: 5-10, 170
College choice: South Dakota
Bell was a standout quarterback for Bettendorf, but he'll likely play receiver at South Dakota. He didn't get to showcase his pass-catching skills in high school, but he did well in limited opportunities at college camps last offseason. If his hands and route-running can catch up to his speed and balance, he'll be a valuable slot target.
![Trev Alberts, LB, Cedar Falls Northern University:]()
1 of 45![Tom Altemeier, OL, Newton: All-state pick in 1962.]()
2 of 45![Pat Angerer, LB, Bettendorf: A two-time all-state pick]()
3 of 45![John Arnaud, DB, Sioux City North: All-state pick in]()
4 of 45![Tavian Banks, RB, Bettendorf: A two-time all-state]()
5 of 45![Jordan Bernstine, DB, Des Moines Lincoln: A two-time]()
6 of 45![Jay Berwanger, RB, Dubuque Senior: All-state pick in]()
7 of 45![Marv Cook, WR/TE, West Branch: A two-time all-state]()
8 of 45![Roger Craig, RB, Davenport Central: All-state pick]()
9 of 45![Joel Crisman, OL, Grundy Center: A two-time all-state]()
10 of 45![A.J. Derby, QB, Iowa City High: A two-time all-state]()
11 of 45![Jared DeVries (95), DL, Aplington-Parkersburg: A two-time]()
12 of 45![Randy Duncan, QB, Des Moines Roosevelt: All-state pick]()
13 of 45![Tim Dwight, RB, Iowa City High: A three-time all-state]()
14 of 45![Paul ‘Tiny’ Engebretsen, OL, Chariton: All-state pick]()
15 of 45![George ‘Sonny’ Franck, RB, Davenport High School: All-state]()
16 of 45![Robert Gallery, TE, East Buchanan: All-state pick in]()
17 of 45![Dennis Gibson, LB, Ankeny: All-state pick in 1981.]()
18 of 45![Jerry ‘Boomer’ Groom, OL, Dowling Catholic: All-state]()
19 of 45![John Harty, DL, Sioux City Heelan: All-state pick in]()
20 of 45![Dave Haight, DL, Dyersville Beckman: A two-time all-state]()
21 of 45![Chad Hennings (95), DL, Benton (Van Horne): All-state]()
22 of 45![Josey Jewell, LB, Decorah: A two-time all-state pick]()
23 of 45![Trent Johnson, RB, Dike-New Hartford: A three-time]()
24 of 45![Nate Kaeding, K, Iowa City West: A two-time all-state]()
25 of 45![Aaron Kampman, LB, Aplington-Parkersburg: A two-time]()
26 of 45![Nile Kinnick, RB, Adel: All-state pick in 1933. Led]()
27 of 45![Mike Klinkenborg, LB, Central Lyon: All-state pick]()
28 of 45![Allen Lazard, WR, Urbandale: A three-time all-state]()
29 of 45![Oliver Martin, WR, Iowa City West: A two-time all-state]()
30 of 45![Grant McGraw, WR, Pleasantville: A three-time all-state]()
31 of 45![James Morris, LB, Solon: A three-time all-state pick]()
32 of 45![Jerry Moses, RB, Waterloo East: A two-time all-state]()
33 of 45![Ed Podolak, QB, Atlantic: All-state pick in 1964. Went]()
34 of 45![Ross Pierschbacher, OL, Cedar Falls: A three-time all-state]()
35 of 45![Tom Randall, OL, Mason City: All-state pick in 1973.]()
36 of 45![Bill Reichardt, RB, Iowa City High: All-state pick]()
37 of 45![Reggie Roby, P, Waterloo East: All-state pick in 1978.]()
38 of 45![Bob Saggau, DB, Denison: A two-time all-state pick]()
39 of 45![Tyler Sash, DB, Oskaloosa: A two-time all-state pick]()
40 of 45![James Vandenberg, QB, Keokuk: A two-time all-state]()
41 of 45![Brandon Wegher, RB, Sioux City Heelan: A three-time]()
42 of 45![Casey Wiegmann, OL, Parkersburg: A two-time all-state]()
43 of 45![Kyle Vanden Bosch, DL, West Lyon: A two-time all-state]()
44 of 45![Mike Stensrud, DL, Lake Mills
All-state pick in 1973.]()
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Matthew Bain covers college football and basketball recruiting for the Des Moines Register. He also helps out with Iowa and Iowa State football and basketball coverage for HawkCentral and Cyclone Insider. Contact him at mbain@dmreg.com and follow him on Twitter @MatthewBain_.
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