The Iowa high school football season is nearing kickoff and there are defensive players in the Iowa City area slated for a big season.
Now, it’s your turn to make your voice heard and pick the area’s best playmaker on that side of the ball by voting in our poll. Be sure to read all of our preview coverage of the IHSAA season, which begins on Aug. 28.
Landon Bell
Iowa City Liberty
Bell was a strong defensive piece for a Liberty team that reached the state semifinals for the first time last season. The linebacker leads all Liberty returners with 50.5 tackles in 2024. Bell also recorded 2.5 tackles for loss and scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery.
Lucas Feuerbach
Solon
A 16U Fargo national wrestling champion, Feuerbach translated his power on the gridiron last season. He posted 28.5 tackles with five tackles for loss and a sack as a defensive lineman.
Drew Greve
Iowa City Regina
Greve notched a team-high four interceptions and returned one for a touchdown last season. The defensive back recorded 24 tackles and a fumble recovery.
Ethan Headings
Iowa City West
A North Dakota commit, Headings earned the third most tackles (58) for the Trojans last season. He recorded three tackles for loss and an interception.
Blaine Heick
Iowa City High
Heick recorded the second-most tackles (64) on the team last season. The linebacker notched 3.5 tackles for loss and a sack as a junior.
Kyler Jensen
Solon
Jensen led the Spartans with 63.5 tackles last season. The linebacker tied for the most tackles for loss (10) and recorded the second most sacks (3.5).
Maddox Kelley
Solon
Kelley patrolled the secondary as a defensive back last season. He led the Spartans with four interceptions and notched the second-most tackles (50) on the team. He also recovered two fumbles.
Julian Manson
Iowa City West
Manson was a defensive force for the Trojans in 2024. The linebacker was tied for fourth in Class 5A in tackles (86.5). The four-star recruit committed to Iowa football on June 24.
Dylan Schrock
Clear Creek Amana
Schrock leads all CCA returners with 61.5 tackles and 11.5 tackles for loss made in 2024. The linebacker notched two interceptions and 1.5 sacks.
Marshall Sheldon
Iowa City High
Sheldon had a stellar freshman season with the Little Hawks in 2024, leading the team with 69 tackles. He also notched 6.5 tackles for loss and two sacks.
Marc Ray is the high school sports reporter for the Iowa City Press-Citizen. He can be reached at MARay@gannett.com , and on X, formerly Twitter, at @themarcszn.
This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Vote for top defensive player in Iowa City area entering 2025 Iowa high school football season
Reporting by Marc Ray, Iowa City Press-Citizen / Iowa City Press-Citizen
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