:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68527145/EWTBKRUU4AUFEv2.0.jpg)
An integral part of Iowa’s success over the last two decades under head coach Kirk Ferentz has been an ability to run the ball and keep the quarterback clean. That starts and ends up front with solid offensive line play.
The Hawkeyes built out a tremendous class up front in 2021 by getting going early. That included an April commitment from Blue Springs, Missouri native Beau Stephens. Today, Stephens made things official by signing with Iowa.
Beau Knows the Trenches.@BeauStephens70 #Swarm21 x #Hawkeyes pic.twitter.com/UGUulztGF2
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) December 16, 2020
The addition of Stephens should be exciting for Hawkeye fans as the big man from east of Kansas City is physically ready to step in right away. He leaves his prep career behind already at 6’6” and 305 pounds, ready built to be a Big Ten tackle.
Despite the sheer size, Stephens shows incredible burst and explosion on film, playing both sides of the ball for Blue Springs. Watching his film, it’s hard not to be worried about the safety of his opponents with pancake after pancake and crushing blow after crushing blow. Stephens plays with an aggression and mean streak that will make him a fan favorite in Iowa City.
The combination of size and athleticism earned Stephens 4 stars by both Rivals nad 247 Sports. It also earned him a number of offers, including Michigan, Ole Miss, Texas A&M, Missouri, Oklahoma State, Minnesota, Iowa State, Kansas State and more.
Stephens is the lone commit from the state of Missouri in Iowa’s class of 2021. He joins David Davidkov and Gennings Dunker of Illinois, as well as Cedar Rapids native Connor Colby as one of four total offensive linemen expected to sign during the early period.
Welcome aboard, officially, Beau Stephens!