Elijah Jackson: Valley's Unstoppable Force
West Des Moines Valley's Elijah Jackson is a name to watch in 4A this season. The Class of 2026 linebacker recorded 12 tackles for loss in just eight games as a junior, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. However, Jackson's breakout season was nearly derailed when he suffered a season-ending ACL injury in the fifth game of the year. Undeterred, Jackson dedicated himself to a rigorous rehabilitation program, spending countless hours in the weight room and on the training field to regain his strength and agility. The hard work paid off, as Jackson has reportedly earned a starting role heading into his senior season. With his speed, agility and tenacious tackling ability, Jackson is poised to make a significant impact on the 4A landscape. Scouts are watching to see how Jackson adapts to a full season of play, particularly in terms of his ability to maintain a high level of production over the course of 10 games.