:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/63207578/7EB1C836_CCC5_4863_9CC4_3431D3CAADAB.0.jpeg)
With the recent woes on the hardwood, Hawkeye fans are likely searching high and low for anything to take their mind off of Iowa basketball. While spring football practice is not yet upon us, Hawkeye football may just be the thing to cleanse the fanbase’s palate.
Recruiting is a good place to start as the Iowa staff has built some strong momentum on the trail. They did much to further that momentum today as they landed a big time commitment out of a local offensive lineman.
After much consideration I am excited to announce my commitment to the University of Iowa! I would like to thank the Iowa football staff, my parents for their love & support, JC Moreau for his assistance during this process, & my coaches & teammates, especially Coach Schulte pic.twitter.com/dzAc4IlQuV
— Josh Volk (@Josh__Volk) March 9, 2019
Josh Volk of Cedar Rapids Xavier is a big time pick up for the Hawkeyes for a number of reasons. First and foremost, he’s a great player. Both 247 Sports and Rivals rate Volk as a 3-star prospect. That’s in large part to his massive frame.
As a junior, Volk measured 6’4” and just north of 300 pounds. That’s a tremendous frame for a college guard, let alone a high schooler. But Volk brings more than just a good frame, he’s got good footwork, nice burst and a nasty streak that betrays his baby face.
He shows really good agility when pulling for a guy his size and excels in run blocking. He frequently finishes blocks with pancakes as you might expect a guy of his size. But that agility and strength also shine in pass blocking.
Those traits earned him offers from Nebraska and Iowa State in addition to the Hawkeyes. He’s long been rumored to have been choosing between the Hawkeyes and Cyclones. The good guys came out on top.
That could go a long way in helping solidify the Hawkeyes’ stronghold on the state of Iowa. Volk is close with defensive line target Blaise Gunnerson, who is reportedly an Iowa State lean. The Hawkeyes already have commitments from defensive lineman Logan Jones of Council Bluffs, Des Moines RB Gavin Williams and Volk’s teammate, linebacker Ethan Hurkett.
In total, this marks commitment number 7 for Iowa in the class of 2020. It’s the first offensive lineman in the class, though it certainly won’t be the last.
Welcome aboard Josh Volk!