The State of Iowa’s Top Recruits in 2013
By Ross
While most of Iowa State’s players come from the states of Texas and Florida, it is very important to be able to get in-state players. Last year, Iowa State landed four in-state recruits while Kirk Ferentz had three from Iowa sign with the Hawkeyes. However, the best recruit in Iowa last year (Amara Darboh) signed his LOI for the Michigan Wolverines. Below is a quick run down of some of 2013’s best recruits in the state.
Jake Campos is arguably the best recruit next year in Iowa. Campos is a 6’7/245 left tackle from Valley that led the Tigers to a 4A Championship last season. Campos is a 4-star recruit (according to Rivals) and is ranked 24th in the 2013 class nationally at OT. As you could expect, Campos a nice offer list including ISU, Iowa, Missouri, Oregon, Kansas State, and more. According to 247Sports, Campos is interested in the first four schools that I listed. Campos would be a great pickup for both in-state schools.
Besides Campos, Jon Wisnieski is the other “big-time” recruit in the state. Wisnieski goes to the rival school of Campos, Dowling Catholic. Wisnieski is a 6’5 tight end that is listed as the 17th-best TE in the nation (according to Rivals). Both Scout and Rivals grade Wisnieski as a 3-star. Wisnieski has offers from ISU, Iowa, Ole Miss, Nebraska, and K-State. Unfortunately for the Cyclones, Iowa and Nebraska are the leaders for the Dowling TE (according to 247Sports).
Keeping up with the Valley-Dowling theme, Sam Raridon may be the best defensive player in the state next year. Raridon is 6’2/255 defensive tackle from Valley. Raridon is a 3-star (according to Rivals). Iowa State has yet to offer Raridon as Iowa is his only offer for now.
Marshalltown QB Blake Gimbel put up historic numbers last year. The thing that will prevent Gimbel from being a D1 player is the fact that he is 6’4/170. I doubt he goes to either Iowa or ISU.
Another good QB is Kyle Starcevich from Southeast Polk. Starcevich is supposedly the best QB SEP has ever had, even better than Kyle Orton. However, Starcevich doesn’t have a BCS offer yet.
Dondre Alexander is a 3-star receiver from Iowa City West. Alexander is being recruited by Iowa, Iowa State, and Michigan State, but has yet to receive a scholarship offer.