National Signing Day for Iowa Preps & Impact

National Signing Day is a special moment for athletes and their families across the country. Signing a letter of intent is a testament to the hard work and sacrifices that were made to reach the next level. For athletes across the state of Iowa, this day gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment.

For the schools and athletic programs that sign these athletes, this is simply the beginning of a long season ahead. Here's a look at the Iowa prep football players who will be putting on a college uniform next season for an in-state school, and discuss the impact they'll make.

I'll also update this list as more in-state recruits commit.



Iowa:

The 2014 season was one to forget for Kirk Ferentz and Hawkeye fans everywhere. After going 7-5 and getting trounced by Tennessee in the TaxSlayer.com Bowl, Iowa is trying to get back on the right track in 2015. Once again, it appears as though the popularity of the University of Iowa has helped draw some good prep athletes from the state, despite a down year.

• Anthony Nelson (DE-Waukee) 
• Nelson flipped his decision from Iowa State to Iowa earlier this month. Nelson was a disruptive lineman for the Warriors, totaling 7 sacks, 21 TFL, and batted down nearly a dozen passes. What makes Nelson such an intriguing prospect is his length (6''11" wingspan) and athleticism. He was named the Des Moines Register's Class 4-A Western Iowa Defensive Player of the Year this past season. Nelson is a 3-star recruit on Rivals.
• Ryan Boyle (QB-W.D.M. Dowling Catholic)
• One of the most decorated QB's the state of Iowa has ever produced, Ryan Boyle led the Maroons to back-to-back state titles in his junior and senior season's. Boyle put up some incredible stats last season, throwing for 1,934 yards with 18 TD's and 1 INT (61% completion). He also rushed for 1,123 yards with 19 TD's. What stands out about Boyle though, is that he's a competitor and a leader. Boyle is a 3-star recruit according to Rivals.
• Other notable recruits:
• Brett Waechter (OT-H.M.S.)
• Drew Cook (ATH-Iowa City Regina)
• Garret Jansen (DE-Pella)
• Nick Wilson (ATH-W.D.M. Dowling Catholic)
• Jacob Newborg (DT-West Lyon)
• Landan Paulsen (OT-Woodbury Central)
• Levi Paulsen (OT-Woodbury Central)
• Isaiah Kramme (ATH-Ankeny Centennial) *walk-on*
• Brady Ross (ILB-Humboldt) *walk-on*
• Jackson Subbert (LS-Williamsburg) *walk-on*
• Jacob Giese (DL-West Branch) *walk-on*
• Colten Rastetter (P-Clayton Ridge) *walk-on*
• Blake Simons (TE-H.M.S.) *walk-on*

Summary: Iowa is bringing in some good, in-state talent. Boyle and Nelson were the Western Iowa offensive and defensive player's of the year last season. Nelson is a much needed addition after the departure of some key players along the defensive line. Boyle may finally bring leadership to the QB position in Iowa City. Keep a close eye on the offensive line recruits coming in. Iowa has historically done a great job coaching up in-state offensive lineman, like Brandon Scherff. Waechter and the Paulsen twins were 3-star recruits according to Rivals. In a crazy string of events, the Hawkeyes were also able to snatch Pella DE Garret Jansen away from Northern Iowa. Jansen originally committed to Cincinnati last summer, then committed to UNI, and less than a day later accepted the Hawkeyes offer. Jansen anchored the defensive line of last year's 3A champion. Drew Cook is another solid player for the Hawkeyes. He comes from a great program at Regina, and has the size to either play QB (which he played in high school) or another position on offense. The Hawkeyes were able to sign 8 out of the 10 in-state recruits on ESPN's watchlist. Not bad. But there's still a lurking question. Are these players good enough to be Big 10 caliber players?

Iowa State:

Another program looking to shake off a disappointing season is Iowa State. Paul Rhoads' team went 2-10 last year. Not exactly the season anyone had in mind. Optimism was built around the program after hiring Mark Mangino as offensive coordinator. But in a tough Big 12 conference, Iowa State struggled to keep their heads afloat. It's been a rough offseason for the Cyclone football program, as a handful of players of transferred. And with the low amount of in-state athletes committing to Iowa State at the moment, it's clear this upcoming season will be the most important one for Paul Rhoads and his staff.

• Bryce Meeker (OT-Cedar Rapids Prairie)
• Meeker was the state's top-ranked player in the 2015 class according to Rivals. Meeker already has great size at 6'5" 295 lbs., and has experience on all spots of the o-line except for center. Meeker prides himself on run blocking, and dominated defenders for the Hawks.
• Julian Good-Jones (OT-Cedar Rapids Washington)
• Good-Jones helped block for a team that was 2nd in Class 4A in rushing yards. Although he's a better pass protector, Good-Jones is another good-sized offensive lineman (6'5" 275 lbs.) that the Cyclones will need against the talented defenders in the Big 12.
• Other notable recruits:
• Jack Bergstrom (DB-Johnston)
• Landen Akers (WR-Cedar Rapids Washington)
• Jared Gescheidler (LB-Gilbert)
• Wyatt Rhoads (WR-Gilbert)

Summary: If there's one positive for Paul Rhoads, its that he has been able to sign the top recruit in the state for the past 3 seasons (Jake Campos '13, Allen Lazard '14, Meeker '15). Adding some solid offensive lineman is needed for the future success of the Cyclones. But still, losing Anthony Nelson to Iowa was probably a tough pill to swallow. Landen Akers is an interesting signing for Iowa State. Akers had 21 catches for 355 yards and 5 TD's last season. Those aren't eye-catching stats. But he is a good athlete, and may be used as a Josh Lenz-type player in the future. The Cyclones also signed Johnston DB Jack Bergstrom. Bergstrom was a 1st-team All State selection this past season, and is also the two-time defending champ in the 400m hurdles at the Drake Relays. Overall, this season is big for the program and its future. The Cyclones were able to sign some solid junior college players, but because of the state of the program, not many in-state players are heading to Ames. Rhoads will need a good season in order for that to change. 

Northern Iowa:

UNI has done a good job lately, of bringing in overlooked in-state talent. Clinton native David Johnson is a good example of how Mark Farley has been able to get the most out of his players. The Panthers made some strides last season, beating both of the teams that made it to the FCS National Championship game. But there will be some key players to replace, and Farley and his staff will have their work cut out for them. 

• Trevor Allen (RB-Waukee)
• Allen had a great career at Waukee. He was a 3-time elite all state selection by the Des Moines Register. Last year, Allen ran for 1,758 yards, while averaging 6.5 YPC, and also had 21 TD's. He's an underrated athlete, and has a good future if he can stay healthy. It also helps that his brother A.J. committed to UNI last year.
• Other notable recruits:
• Hezekiah Applegate (DL-Johnston)
• Jaylin James (WR-Des Moines East)
• Connor Ham (WR-Solon) 
• Ryan Moser (OL-Guttenburg)
• Jackson Scott-Brown (OL-Council Bluffs St. Albert)
• Sam Drysdale (K-Cedar Rapids Prairie)
• Philip Arendt (OL-Iowa City Regina)
• Cal Twait (OL-Manson Northwest Webster)
• Michael Holtzbauer (OL-Ames)
• Jacob Adam (K-Iowa City Regina)

Summary: There are obviously more in-state players that will be heading to Cedar Falls, but these are the more well-known prospects. Trevor Allen will be in a loaded backfield that will try to replace David Johnson. It was a good signing for UNI, especially because North Dakota State was on Allen's radar. The Panthers unfortunately lost the Garret Jansen sweepstakes. Less than a day after verbally committing to UNI, Jansen accepted an offer from Iowa. But the Panthers were able to get another disruptive pass rusher from Johnston in Hezekiah Applegate. Applegate led the Dragons stifling defense with 59 total tackles, 5 sacks and 22 TFL. Connor Ham is a speedy receiver that the Panthers could eventually use in the return game, or in the slot. Overall, Mark Farley has some good in-state talent that he'll be able to develop and prepare for the tough Missouri Valley Conference.



More Iowa Preps Staying In-State:

• Drake
• Anthony Mooney (OL-Ames)
• Luke Oja (OL-Carlisle)
• Jakeb Yeggy (OL-Highland)
• Grand View
• Cale Anselme (DL-Ankeny Centennial)
• Chris Ballah (OLB-Urbandale)
• Kyle Boulanger (LB-Waukee)
• Mason Bulman (LB-Gilbert)
• Alex Bush (QB-Manson Northwest Webster)
• Elijah Conrey (K-Urbandale)
• Josh Davis (WR-Ankeny)
• Zach Downs (OLB-W.D.M. Valley)
• Sam Duffy (WR-Bondurant Farrar)
• Drew Gray (RB-W.D.M. Valley)
• Luke Greenslade (WR-Norwalk)
• Rodney Harris (LB-W.D.M. Dowling Catholic)
• Jake Hasley (TE-Montezuma)
• Alex Heckman (DB-W.D.M. Dowling Catholic)
• Brandon Huff (OL-Alburnett)
• Logan Jacobs (WR-Pleasant Valley)
• Isaiah Johnson (RB-Ballard)
• Dylan Landess (QB-Urbandale)
• Tyson Luck (DL-Ankeny)
• Riley Newberg (RB-Ankeny)
• Joey Nissen (K-C.M.B.)
• Landon Peed (DB-St. Edmonds)
• Grant Peterson (RB-Bondurant Farrar)
• Jake Quirk (OL-Urbandale)
• Nick Saak (OL-Grundy Center)
• Brock Schwechel (LB-Norwalk)
• Ian Slagle (OL-South Tama)
• Jordan Theis (LB-W.D.M. Dowling Catholic)
• Iowa Central
• Taijuan Blair (OLB-Fort Dodge)
• Carsten Bosch (LB-Estherville Lincoln Central)
• Mason Bowes (OL-Newton)
• Tanner Devries (OLB-Westwood Sloan)
• Davonte Ellis (LB-Muscatine)
• Tyler Flanders (SB-Pleasant Valley)
• Jose Fuentes (K-Carlisle)
• Justin Heinrichs (S-Estherville Lincoln Central)
• Thomas Irvin (DL-Dike New Hartford)
• Kane Johnson (OL-North Scott Eldridge)
• Jack Kallenberger (DE-Bettendorf)
• Tamarik Lee (DE-Clear Lake)
• Tama'aiga Leutele (DE-Washington)
• Logan Miller (S-Garner Hayfield)
• Quinton Murphy (ATH-Pella)
• Chad Remsburg (DL-Fort Dodge St. Edmond)
• Noah Sander (OL-North Cedar)
• Perrion Scott (RB- Linn Mar)
• Daryn Sebelius (QB-Washington)
• Grant Sherman (P-Saydel)
• Jon St. John (OL-West Branch)
• Reid Stepp (TE-Wapsie Valley)
• Kendrick Suntken (Hampton Dumont)
• Skyler Svoboda (OL-Atlantic)
• Jaymen Tedrow (RB-Boone)
• Cody Thompson (DL-Graettlinger Terrill)
• Devin Tripp (RB-Sioux Central)
• Preston Wheat (S-Dike New Hartford)
• Joe Wolfe (WR-West Central Maynard)
• Christian Woodward (RB-Ames)
• Iowa Western
• Dominique Dafney (WR-W.D.M. Valley)
• Jo Jo Jok (DL-W.D.M. Dowling Catholic)
• Dejorian Thedford (WR-Des Moines Hoover)
• Joseph Mack (WR-Burlington)
• Seth Rupp (OL-Ottumwa)
• Gatlin Keehner (OL-Monona)
• Ricky Terrell (DT-Des Moines Lincoln)
• Royal Silver (DT-Cedar Rapids Washington)
• Tyler Johnson (LB-Pleasant Valley)
• Hunter Gerthes (OL-Albia)
• Chandler Tucker (OL-Burlington)
• Brady Smith (LS/OL-W.D.M. Valley)
• Tommy Peterson (OL-Washington)
• Elijah Swehla (OL-W.D.M. Dowling Catholic)
• Keyan McAreavy (DB-Clear Creek Amana)
• Dante Vandenberg (TE-Mount Pleasant)
• Kevin Dowell (ATH-Iowa City West)

Iowa Preps Going Out of State:

• Eastern Michigan
• Bryce Kemp (TE-C.M.B.)
• Minnesota
• Trey Hansen (LS-Cedar Falls)
• Minnesota State
• Erik Nelson (OL-Waukee)
• Tyler Schmidt (TE-Cedar Falls)
• North Dakota State
• Jake Brinkman (LB-Iowa City Regina)
• Northern Illinois
• Max Morris (DL-W.D.M. Dowling Catholic)
• Northwest Missouri State
• Jayden Johnson (QB-North Cedar)
• Jordan Klingman (TE-Nashua Plainfield)
• Michael Sorfonden (LS/LB-Harlan)
• Ryan Spelhaug (TE-Pleasant Valley)
• Clay Meinders (FB-AGWSR)
• Tim Otting (OL-Cedar Rapids Xavier)
• Spencer Phillips (DE-Fremont Mills)
• Zach Pierce (DL-Gladbrook Reinbeck)
• Connor Vincent (LB-Cedar Rapids Washington)
• South Dakota
• Brock Brandt (OL-Clear Lake)
• Braden De Boer (DL-Sioux Center)
• Darin Greenfield (LB-Sheldon)
• Tyler Johnson (OL-Western Dubuque)
• Austin Simmons (QB-Council Bluffs Lewis Central)
• South Dakota State
• Jared DeVoe (OL-Clarinda)
• Christian Rozeboom (LB-Sioux Center)
• Southern Illinois
• Jake Marnin (OL-Southeast Polk)
• Western Illinois
• Spencer Beatty (WR-Muscatine)
• Thomas Smith (DL-Clinton)
• Drew Wagner (OL-Clear Creek Amana)
• Matt Wieskamp (P/ATH-Muscatine)