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Iowa Wrestling landed a big commitment late Monday night when Class of 2019 recruit Abe Assad announced he’d be joining the Hawkeyes via Twitter.
Many people have supported me along the way, and I’m excited to share that I’ll be staying in the black & gold. I’ve decided to peruse my academic and athletic goals at the University of Iowa. Thank you to my coaches, family, and friends for their support. #GoHawks #RTFU #GDN pic.twitter.com/jXSby9H0YC
— Abe Assad (@abe_assad) August 7, 2018
Assad, a 182 lb wrestler from Glenbard North in Illinois, was originally committed to wrestle for Army West Point, but reopened his commitment after winning the 80 kg class at the Cadet World Team Trials, according to FloWrestling. His victory there and his third place finish at the Cadet World Championships propelled him into the spotlight, and now Iowa City will be his home for the next four or five years starting in 2019.
Assad had this to say to FloWrestling:
“I picked Iowa because i personally felt like it matched my wrestling style the best. That was the most important part,” Assad said.
”Of course everything else was icing on the cake. Once I stepped on campus I immediately felt the love from the Iowa fan base. Also when I met both the Brands brothers they reminded me a lot of my high school coach now who I love! Another reason I picked Iowa was because I felt like we have a legitimate chance at winning a national title while I’m there. They are bringing in studs.”
Assad projects at 184, which is a position of need for the Hawks. When Assad gets to campus, then-senior Cash Wilcke will most likely be competing at the weight, and he’ll once Wilcke graduates, he’ll likely compete with Myles Wilson, who will then be a redshirt sophomore.
With the verbal commitment from Assad, Iowa’s 2019 recruiting class is currently at three, joining Zach Glazier and Pat Kennedy as future Hawkeyes.
IAWrestle also mentions that Assad shares a high school with none other than former Iowa great Tony Ramos. Beyond his successful appearance at the Cadet World Team Trials, Assad is also an Illinois state champion at 170 lbs.
It’s pretty clear that this is a big get for Tom Brands and the Iowa wrestling program as a whole. Assad should be able to make a big impact for the program, but just how much will depend on the continued development of Wilson as well. If I had to guess, I’d guess we’ll be seeing Assad on the mat sooner rather than later.
Welcome to Iowa City, Abe!