Iowa and Missouri: Where did the defense go?
By Bill Conley
David Barrent
VIDEO PLAYLIST 
For the second year in a row the best players in the Hawkeye and Show Me states are found on the offensive side of the football. As a matter of fact, safety Tyrone Clark (St. Louis/Mehlville) is the only defensive player in the top 20. Although there is a sprinkling of running backs, quarterbacks and wide receivers in that magic 20, five of the top 10 are offensive linemen, including a tight end.
The lack of skilled athletes in this region is apparent, but those who have made the grade are talented football players. Wide receiver Keenan Davis (Vinton, Iowa/Washington) is an ESPNU top-150 player who not only adjusts well to the football but also can make defenders miss in the open field once he hauls in the pass. Jordan Cotton (Mount Pleasant, Iowa) is another talented wideout who doubles as a running back because of his shifty hips and cutting ability.
David Barrent, offensive lineman
Valley H.S. (West Des Moines, Iowa)
Verbal: Michigan State
Barrent is an exceptional offensive lineman with few weaknesses in his game. He comes out of his stance fast and with power. He jars the opponent with his initial punch and works his legs to drive the defender off the line of scrimmage. Barrent gives super effort in sustaining the block and is a real finisher.
Offensive line is a difficult position to play at the collegiate level. The game is just as much mental as physical. Barrent should adjust well in the future because of his football savvy. He is alert to blitzing linebackers and can make an exchange with his teammate when picking up defensive line stunts and twists.
Barrent initially considered attending an in-state school but elected to commit verbally to Michigan State. The Spartans will get a tall and physically impressive football player with both talent and tenacity.
William Harris, defensive tackle
Central H.S. (Park Hills, Mo.)
Undecided
Although he is a little short for a defensive lineman, Harris is a disruptive force up front. He has perfected the swim technique, which allows him to beat most offensive linemen in pass protection. He will need to expand his repertoire at the next level. Harris gives great effort and fights to get off blocks if he is initially stopped.
Harris is solid against the run and has the toughness to secure his gap. As long as he keeps his pads down and plays with leverage, he is an immovable object in the trenches. Harris must be careful not to get too big and must continue to work on his agility and overall athleticism.
The Tigers are putting together a very solid and well-balanced class led by Sheldon Richardson and offensive tackle Jack Meiners (St. Louis/Chaminade). The class has a heavy Missouri flavor, with 10 of the verbals from in-state schools.
Iowa, 7 commits (Oct. 17)
Iowa actually has fewer commits than its in-state rivals, but it has landed two outstanding offensive skilled athletes in running back Brandon Wegher (Sioux City, Iowa/Bishop Heelan) and wide receiver Keenan Davis.
Iowa State, 10 commits (Oct. 17)
The Cyclones got a good jump on the 2009 class by going to Texas and California for half of their verbals. They haven't ignored their homeland, however, and look for offensive lineman Kyle Lichtenberg (Bettendorf, Iowa) to be a very good player in the Big 12.
Bettendorf (7-0) at Burlington (6-1), Friday, 7:30 p.m. CST:
With the regular season winding down in Iowa, this contest takes center stage at Burlington's Bracewell Stadium. If Bettendorf wins, it claims the Mississippi Athletic Conference title, but a Burlington victory creates a probable three-way tie with North Scott-Eldridge. The Bettendorf Bulldogs are the defending Class 4-A state champions (they own eight overall state crowns) and carry a 20-game win streak. The Bulldogs, No. 2 in Iowa's 4-A rankings, have plenty of bite left, averaging nearly 40 points this season. Running back Jared Masterson is fresh off a three-TD, 97-yard rushing effort against Davenport Central. Bett's Kyle Lichtenberg (6-6, 245), an offensive tackle, is headed to Iowa State, and Nate Meyer is the nation's No. 10 place kicker, according to ESPN's Scouts Inc. Burlington, No. 10 in 4-A, is closing in on its first playoff berth since 2001. A positive result Friday would go a long way in the playoff seedings. Burlington, which has allowed only 60 points, will need another stellar effort against Bettendorf's vaunted attack. Last weekend, the Grayhounds clubbed Davenport North, 33-6, as their offense rolled up 495 yards. Quarterback Jack Flaherty completed 18 of 25 passes for 242 yards and scoring strikes to Tyler Gustafson and Brock Anderson. -- Christopher Lawlor
Bill Conley is a recruiting coordinator for ESPN Scouts Inc. He previously worked at Ohio State for 17 years as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator.
