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Erie, Pennsylvania native Terry Roberts has heard a lot about Iowa of late. He goes to the same Cathedral Prep High School that produced former Hawkeyes Bob Sanders and Ed Hinkel. But more influential has been fellow Erie native (and Mercyhurst Prep grad) Jovon Johnson. Johnson has been like a mentor to Roberts and not only helped educate him on the philosophy and Hawkeye way of life, but helped him gain comfort with the program.
The staff had been out to see Roberts twice in the evaluation process before he attended this weekend’s camp in Iowa City. As is often the case, the opportunity to build relationships and evaluate in person produced several offers, including one for Roberts.
Extremely excited and beyond blessed to receive an offer from the University of Iowa #Deuce #Hawkeyes @CoachParkerIowa @HawkeyeFootball pic.twitter.com/4JrTiu6J9P
— Deuce 2️⃣ (@troberts2502) June 4, 2017
Roberts says he knew shortly after he arrived in Iowa City that he wanted to be a Hawkeye. The town and the program lived up to the hype from Johnson.
“Everything Jovon said about the program and the coaching staff was true. I love the coaching staff and the football environment.”
- HawkeyeReport
According to Hawkeyereport.com, he was shocked and excited when he got the news:
“I was shocked. Coach Ferentz caught me off guard when he told me they are offering me a full ride scholarship. It’s an amazing feeling.”
- HawkeyeReport
After receiving the official offer it was only a matter of time. He made it (unofficially) official less than 2 days after getting the offer.
Prep's Terry Roberts will enter his senior year comfortable with his future. He has committed to a full scholarship at @HawkeyeFootball pic.twitter.com/mYrQ22VN93
— Prep-Villa (@PrepVilla) June 5, 2017
Roberts is a 5’10”, 170 lb CB who is still unrated by many of the recruiting services. He’s a 3-star prospect according to 247 Sports. While unrated, he certainly has been working with the right people to prepare for his time with the Hawkeyes.
“Bob Sanders is a close friend of ours. We used to train together when I was little. Also, Jovon Johnson, I've been training with him since I was 8 years old and we still workout together. Jovon taught me everything that I know about cornerback.”
- HawkeyeReport
As a junior at Cathedral, Roberts recorded 32 tackles with 8 pass breakups and 2 interceptions. As a return man he took 2 punts back for touchdowns and also had a pair of receiving touchdowns on the offensive side of the ball.
Roberts makes the seventh member of Iowa’s class of 2018. He’s the first from Pennsylvania and the first CB in this cycle.
Congratulations to Terry Roberts and welcome to Iowa. It’s a great day to be a Hawkeye!