2025 Interview with William Clausen from Cedar Rapids Prairie (Iowa)

 

William Clausen

Cedar Rapids Prairie

OT, OG, DT, and DE

2027

6’5”, 270 lbs

Jersey Number: 68 (at Benton Community; TBD at Cedar Rapids Prairie)

Awards won or earned: Academic All-State, District 5 Champions and WaMaC Champions at Benton Community, and State Wrestling Qualifier.

HUDL LINK:

(https://www.hudl.com/profile/17041911/Will-Clausen Benton Community: full sophomore season)

http://www.hudl.com/profile/26617551 (Cedar Rapids Prairie: future film)

Post a small recap of last season with personal highlights and any other big moments you have and memories you have from last season, whether it be a game, the bus ride to or from the game, or any other thing that sticks out.

I’m proud of how we performed last season, especially after some early adversity. Losing to Mount Vernon on homecoming and CCA could’ve stopped us, but we responded against Solon and rode that momentum through the rest of the season. My favorite moment was singing the victory song with my teammates in the locker room after we shut out #1-ranked Williamsburg in the final regular season game.

Being a three-sport student-athlete, what sacrifices have you made to ensure you are ready for each sport?

Football has been my top priority. This season, I put aside my love for baseball and attended 11 camps to sharpen my skills and build relationships. I work year-round in the weight room. During my track season, I began training with elite competition at Strength U with JC Moreau.

Wrestling has been huge for my development. It’s the best complementary sport for football. I’ve been grinding in open rooms, and my new coaches at Prairie have helped me adjust and find quality camps. I sacrifice most of my time between football, wrestling, and track to become the best athlete I can be, and honestly, I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Defensive line or offensive line, which do you feel you are better at?

Offensive line. I’ve had more snaps there and feel it’s where I’ve grown the most. I’m still ready to play both sides and actually took reps at D-line during the start of my camps. I like to stay versatile to be ready for wherever my team may need me.

How are you adjusting to the move and your new school?

I’ve adjusted really well, and I am enjoying a much shorter drive to school now. Prairie administrative staff and teachers worked with me to get my academic calendar and schedules synced up. Cael Kongshaung, QB at Prairie, helped me get connected quickly with players, coaches, and teachers. That support made all the difference for me.

How did the camp at North Dakota State go?

It was my longest camp trip this season, an eight-hour drive to Fargo. The night before camp, we were woken up by tornado sirens and had to take shelter in the hotel lobby due to a dangerous storm. Despite all that, I felt I tested well, got great 1-on-1 coaching, and benefitted from NDSU’s longer sessions. I made strong connections with the staff and plan to keep in touch.

What has been your biggest moment as an athlete in any sport?

Winning a key match at the state wrestling tournament against West Delaware’s heavyweight. I had lost to him earlier in the season, and he was coached by my old Benton head coach, the coach who first encouraged me to wrestle in middle school. That win meant a lot and showed how far I’ve come since starting in 7th grade with the help of my great team and coaches.

What are you most excited for this season?

I’m hyped to see how far we can go, especially with so many returning players. I’m mostly excited about doing whatever it takes to help make the boat go faster.

What makes you a good teammate?

Trust. I think trust is built through shared adversity. Football puts us all through the same battles, and when teammates know you’ve got their back, that’s when you can really trust your teammates.

Who is the best player that you have faced, along with the team he was on?

Will Slagle OT for Grinnell. Even though we beat them 38–7, his leadership stood out. That's actually one of the reasons I started training with him at Strength U.

Why should a college coach recruit you?

My level of play, coachability, optimism, and versatility.

What is the strongest part of your game?

My run blocking, get-off, and ability to finish blocks are definitely the strongest parts of my game.

Which type of lineman is the toughest to go against?

The people who work harder than you. The work my team and I are putting in now will make us these people.

What is one thing that you would love to do in a game but might never have a chance to?

That headstand touchdown celebration the Lions did was absolutely hilarious. If I ever get the shot, I’m hitting it without hesitation.

Have you read the book? Home Sweet Dome, that covers the Iowa High School playoffs?

Not yet, but I can see why it’s gaining attention. The UNI-Dome has seen a lot of history, and I hope to be part of it someday.

What are your favorite and least favorite types of music?

Right now I’m really into Frank Sinatra; he’s really fun to sing with. On the other hand, I can’t stand depressing songs (except for a few country ones that hit right.)

Where is your favorite place to grab a meal?

The Pancheros on Kirkwood Boulevard. I once stopped in during my lunch period and got a free quesadilla because someone canceled a Door Dash order. It made my whole day.

Follow me on X @HEARLTANDFAN15