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The Iowa Hawkeyes are putting together a historically good recruiting class in 2021. While concerns around recruiting in a world without on campus visits or coaches on the trail swirled, the Iowa coaches have hunkered down and thrived in the uncertainty.
Since the coronavirus pandemic began costing us live sports in mid-March, Iowa has reeled in over a half dozen commitments in what has become a borderline top five class nationally.
Today, Iowa added yet another. This time it comes in a talented WR from Nebraska as Keagan Johnson joins the fold.
I spent many nights praying about this decision. I’m blessed to be in the position I’m in today. I want to thank my family, coach, and teammates. Without you guys this isn’t possible. With that being said ... I’m committed to the University of Iowa pic.twitter.com/C5iaNfvDwT
— keagan johnson (@_keaganj) May 6, 2020
Johnson is a dynamic playmaker with breakaway speed. The Bellevue West prospect has a good frame at 6’1” and 185 pounds as a junior. He’s got burst to get behind a defense and the extra gear to leave them behind him, drawing comps to Iowa’s Ihmir Smith-Marsette.
As a junior, Johnson finished with 672 and 8 TDs on 52 receptions (12.9 ypc). He also utilized that speed and athleticism as a defensive back where he shows the potential to play at the next level if things don’t work out on offense. In the return game, Johnson shows of excellent vision and a tremendous ability to change direction to make defenders miss.
Johnson, whose father Clester won two national titles as a wingback at Nebraska in 1994 and 1995, chose the Hawkeyes over a final three that included the Huskers and Kansas State. A 3-star prospect by both Rivals and 247 Sports, Johnson held a half dozen offers in total, which of course included Iowa State as well.
With Johnson on board, Iowa is now up to 15 total commitments. Johnson is the third WR in the group after in-state Brody Brecht announced his decision last Friday and Kansas native Arland Bruce IV committed just over a week ago. The commitment moves Iowa back into the top six nationally according to both Rivals and 247 Sports. That’s good enough for second in the Big Ten behind only Ohio State, who Iowa defeated 55-24 in their last matchup.
Welcome aboard Keagan Johnson!