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Spring football practice wrapped up at the end of last week with the annual spring game. Most of the talk now has turned to what we can (or can’t) take from that snapshot in time and how amazing the painted water tower is going to look. But with the end of practice, the coaching staff is now focused almost entirely on recruiting for the class of 2019 and beyond. That transition was already beginning with the first official visit for the #Swarm19 a week ago with Georgia RB Tyler Goodson making the trek to Iowa City.
Now, as we transition into full crootin szn the news is likely to pick up. Today was the first sign of that as the Hawkeyes snagged their 6th commitment in the class of 2019 with the addition of Illinois safety Sebastian Castro.
I will be committing to...@Recruit_Edits pic.twitter.com/XLRDjrkmQF
— Sebastian Castro (@castro2x5) April 25, 2018
Castro is a heady player with good size for the defensive backfield. He projects as a safety, where he displays really good instincts and break on the ball. His junior season film is littered with highlights of him diagnosing a play, making a break and bringing the lumber. That fits in well with what Iowa and defensive coordinator Phil Parker want in the secondary. Castro also lines up at QB for his high school team, another trait the Iowa staff is notorious for seeking out.
As for why Iowa, Castro had this to say to HawkeyeReport.com:
”I know it’s the best fit for me and my family. I really fit in with the culture and the type of kids that Iowa likes to recruit. That’s tough, hardworking kids that love to win and compete. Also, it’s a close drive to home, so my family can watch me play in college.”
Castro is considered a 3-star prospect by both Rivals and 247 Sports. He chose the Hawkeyes over offers from Minnesota, Indiana, Iowa State, Syracuse, Cincinnati, Northern Illinois, Ball State, Eastern Michigan, and Toledo.
Overall, Castro becomes the 6th member of the class of 2019 for the Hawkeyes, joining Ezra Miller, Tyler Endres, Logan Lee, Noah Fenske and Jack Campbell. He’s the first defensive back commit. Given the current depth chart and the talent the staff was able to bring in for 2018, this class is likely to only include 2, maybe 3, defensive backs. They will likely be highly selective with a plethora of top talent in the mix thanks to the recent success of former DBs Desmond King and Joshua Jackson.
As we move into the summer, things are sure to continue picking up on the recruiting trail.
Welcome aboard Mr. Castro!