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After a long lull in recruiting news, things are beginning to pick up for the Iowa Hawkeyes. As January draws to a close, National Signing Day is now just a few days away. The Hawkeyes, who did most of their recruiting for the class of 2021 early in the cycle, still have a few open spots on the bus.
Last week, we saw a talented center from Florida become Iowa’s fifth offensive line commit in the class as Michael Myslinski pledged to the Hawkeyes. Today, Iowa gets their 19th commitment in the class of 2021 from an in-state prospect from the Des Moines metro as North High product Deavin Hilson announced his commitment to the Hawkeyes.
I want to thank Coach Ferentz for the SCHOLARSHIP OFFER!! With that I decided to COMMIT to the University Of Iowa This is not only for me but for the whole city of Des Moines✨Do You Believe In Shooting Stars.....⭐️⭐️⭐️@CoachD_Foster @Coach_Niemann @TylerBarnesIOWA pic.twitter.com/yJqbTds2EY
— Deavin Hilson (@dh_dev) January 30, 2021
Hilson is an intriguing prospect who will certainly be a project for whichever position coach gets him in Iowa City. As a prep at Des Moines North, Hilson played both linebacker and running back on a team that hadn’t won a game in years. That lack of success at the team level, however, didn’t slow down Hilson’s work.
North head coach Eric Addy told HawkeyeReport:
“Before this past summer, he was an athlete. Now he’s a true football player. He dedicated a lot of time and effort working on his craft especially his feet, asking questions, and learning how to be football player who is also a gifted athlete. He really stepped into a leadership role for us. Just a great young man.”
That athleticism and work ethic is what attracted the Iowa staff to Hilson. He has position flexibility and could project at either linebacker or running back depending on development and positional needs in Iowa City.
Addy continued:
“His style of play is controlled violence. Very explosive and strikes people, has great feet and soft hands, fluid hips and is quick off the ground. Definitely can play multiple positions, has good vision and great change of direction. He plays with the most passion of anyone I’ve ever coached.“
For the Iowa staff, that’s exactly what’s needed to round out a class that has been one of the best in the Ferentz era. With talent at key positions, particularly on the line, and no immediate need at either linebacker or running back the staff can afford to take on a project that at worst is likely to be a great special teams contributor and at best could turn into a key cog on either side of the ball.
On film, Hilson certainly looks raw but also looks the part of a D1 athlete. He has good explosion and burst with solid breakaway speed. On defense he shows good instincts in the run game and certainly knows how to hit. As a back, his footwork and instincts are developing as he spends more time in the role. That was capped by a 2-game senior season.
Hilson, who was waiting on final transcripts before he could get an offer as a full qualifier, chose Iowa over an offer from UNI as well as interest from a number of other FCS programs. He becomes the 19th commit in Iowa’s class of 2021 and the 11th from within the state’s borders.
The class is ranked inside the top-25 nationally according to both Rivals and 247Sports. That’s the highest ranking for the Hawkeyes since the 2005 class came in at #11 per Rivals and #6 according to 247 Sports.
Welcome aboard Deavin Hilson!