Josh Lampe — defensive back for the Newton High School (Iowa) “Cardinals” varsity football team:

Basic info & Role

• He plays for Newton High School’s boys varsity football team in Newton, Iowa. GoBound+3MaxPreps.com+3MaxPreps.com+3

• Class of 2028 (so currently a sophomore as of 2025). MaxPreps.com+1

• Listed on the roster as: #11, position SS (Strong Safety) and DB/WR; height around 6′1″, weight ~180 lbs. GoBound+1

Performance & Recent notes

• He returned from injury in October 2025 and had 6.5 tackles in a road win. Newton Daily News

• In a September 2025 game vs. Indianola Indians, he was unavailable: “We were down Josh Lampe so we had to change our structure.” Newton Daily News

• He appears on the 2025-26 varsity roster under “So., SS/—, 6’1”, 180”. GoBound+1

Observations & Potential

• Being a sophomore on varsity and already getting substantial playing time at safety/DB indicates he's trusted by the coaching staff and has physical attributes that allow him to play above his class.

• Returning from injury and immediately contributing suggests resilience and value on defense.

• The note about the team adjusting when he was out suggests his role is meaningful in the defensive scheme.

Context: Newton High School Football

• Newton High School’s football program (the “Cardinals”) competes in Iowa’s Class 4A as of 2025, and had strong results in recent seasons. MaxPreps.com+2Newton Daily News+2

• The school itself is part of the Newton Community School District. Wikipedia

🧠 Recruiting Evaluation: Josh Lampe

School: Newton High School (IA)Graduation Year: 2028Position: Strong Safety / Defensive Back Height / Weight: 6’1” | 180 lbs. Handedness: Right Level of Play: Iowa Class 4A Varsity

📊 Athletic Profile

Frame: Lampe already has a college-ready build for a sophomore, standing around 6’1” with room to fill out his frame. He carries lean muscle mass with functional athleticism — projects to play around 195 lbs. at full maturity without losing quickness.

Athletic Traits:

• Speed: Estimated mid-4.7 range; fluid stride and good range in the open field.

• Agility: Displays smooth hip transition and balance when changing direction.

• Explosiveness: Shows burst when closing downhill on ball carriers.

• Endurance: Reliable late in games; recovered well post-injury in 2025 season.

🧩 Positional Skills

Coverage: Reads routes well for his age. Understands spacing and maintains cushion effectively in zone. Shows strong anticipation from film references and reports; breaks on underneath throws with confidence. Needs to refine man-coverage footwork and improve hip sink to mirror quicker slot receivers.

Tackling & Physicality: Reliable tackler — squares up and drives through contact. Solid open-field technique with controlled aggression. His 6.5-tackle game post-injury highlights his ability to finish plays and support the run.

Football IQ: Shows strong situational awareness — team structure adjustments were needed when he was out, which implies high trust and understanding of defensive calls. Processes offensive alignment quickly and positions teammates when pre-snap.

Leadership & Intangibles: Coaches rely on him as a communicator on defense. Competitive and coachable attitude. Returning from injury to contribute immediately shows maturity and mental toughness.

🧱 Development Areas

• Add strength (particularly upper body) to improve block shedding.

• Continue refining man-to-man footwork and eye discipline vs play action.

• Expand role on special teams to showcase versatility and toughness.

🎯 College Projection

Ceiling: FBS Group-of-Five safety / hybrid nickel defender Floor: FCS defensive back and special-teams contributor Best System Fit: 4-2-5 or 3-3-5 defense emphasizing versatile safeties who can cover, tackle, and blitz.

🏫 Potential College Fits

• Northern Iowa (Missouri Valley) – physical defensive style, values high IQ DBs

• South Dakota State – proven developmental program for Midwest defensive talent

• Iowa State – in-state school that recruits smart, rangy defensive backs

• Drake University – strong academic + athletic balance; ideal if pursuing academic scholarship path

  
  

🔍 Summary

Josh Lampe is a young, intelligent safety with early varsity experience and natural instincts. His combination of frame, football IQ, and toughness sets him apart for his class. Continued development in coverage technique and strength will elevate him into a scholarship-level prospect by his junior season.

He projects as a multi-position defensive back who can handle both strong safety and nickel duties at the next level.

Coach Rod