Nate Boleware received the message loud and clear. Iowa Assistant Chris White shot him straight.

"He said I have to get faster if I want to play at the next level because I’m already small. He also said I have to be a playmaker," Boleware said.

The 5-foot-7, 170-pounder visited Iowa with a group of prospects from East English Village Prep. Current Hawkeye cornerback Desmond King attended the Detroit area school.

"The brand new football facility impressed me and the running back coach (White) is very cool," Boleware said.

Iowa views Boleware as a running back and kick returner.

"(White) said he likes my versatility," Boleware said.

Boleware is already in the process of improving the area White suggested.

"I’m running track now and I have a speed trainer also," he said.

During Iowa’s practice on Wednesday, Boleware saw how the Hawkeyes utilize players at his position.

"The running back drills were pretty similar to the drill work we do at our school. I think I can come in and contribute to this team," he said.

Boleware said he feels good about where he stands with Iowa and the possibility to land an offer from the Big Ten school. He said he will camp there in June.

Boleware, who is considering majors in business and sports medicine, said he’s also hearing from Ohio, Miami (Ohio), Michigan State, Bowling Green, Toledo, Western Michigan, Nebraska, Cincinnati, Eastern Michigan and Akron.