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The Iowa Hawkeyes are having a very solid season. A big part of that success has come due to the exceptional play along the defensive line. Iowa is loaded at the position and they’re continuing to stock the cupboards for the future.
A day after the Hawkeyes added an in state defensive end to the recruiting class of 2019 with the addition of Chris Reames, the Iowa staff got good news even further into the future. This time it was an early commitment in the class of 2020 as Illinois defensive end Isaiah Bruce announced his decision on Twitter.
I am happy to say that I will be committing to the University of Iowa! I want to thank my family, girlfriend, teammates, and coaches for helping me through everything! #Swarm20 pic.twitter.com/kdxReD7shY
— Isaiah Bruce (@IsaiahBruce62) November 2, 2018
Isaiah Bruce is an impressive athlete along the defensive line. He’s a bit on the smaller side given what Hawkeye fans have grown accustomed to with guys like Anthony Nelson and AJ Epenesa and now the aforementioned Reames in the class of 2019. Bruce stands only 6’1”, but at 241 pounds as a high school junior, he’s well put together.
What Bruce lacks in size, he more than makes up for in athleticism. Aside from playing defensive end at Lena Winslow in Illinois’ class 1A, he also lines up at wide receiver and tight end on the offensive side of the ball.
This is why Iowa wants Lena-Winslow's Isaiah Bruce! @LeWinPanthers @LWHSPanthers @MyStateline pic.twitter.com/lbzoegnlDu
— Scott Leber (@ScottLeberWTVO) June 26, 2018
Beyond that, Bruce is a three-sport athlete, competing in football, basketball and track. In track, Bruce is a standout, placing 7th at state as a sophomore and running on a 4x100 team that placed third and a 4x200 team that came in second at state. So yeah, the kid has some serious speed for a future defensive lineman.
That’s something Doyle and the Hawkeyes can work with. It remains to be seen exactly where he’ll line up, but Iowa has a history of making really good use of shorter defensive linemen at the tackle spot. I think Bruce could project there, especially with his explosiveness.
Bruce chose the Hawkeyes over an offer from Iowa State, as well as interest from a number of other high majors, including Minnesota, Nebraska and Michigan State. He’ll likely continue to rack up offers as he enters his senior season, but at this point Bruce seems solid with the Hawkeyes. His older brother, Tevin, recently graduated from Iowa and he’s been to visit a number of times.
With the addition of Bruce, the recruiting class of 2020 now stands at 3 members for the Hawkeyes. Bruce joins Texas quarterback Deuce Hogan and Wisconsin defensive end Michael Lois. Lois is an interesting story line to follow as he recently suffered a serious neck injury which leaves his football future in question. Kirk and staff will no doubt honor his scholarship, but it remains to be seen whether he’ll get medical clearance by the time he steps foot on campus in two years.
Hawkeye fans can follow Isaiah Bruce and Lena Winslow, which is 9-1 this year, in the Illinois class 1A state playoffs. They take on Orr in second round this week.
Welcome aboard Isaiah Bruce!