Young Helps Hawks Recruit on Recent Visit
Iowa played host to several key recruiting targets on Saturday. Wisconsin target Toren Young was among them.
But unlike the rest of the group, the Hawkeyes already had won over Young. As one of two verbal commitments in the 2016 class, his job was to encourage the others to join him.
Fellow Iowa offer holders Jovan Swann, Noah Fant, Nick Niemann, Kyle Taylor, James Robinson and Barrington Wade told AllHawkeyes.com that they hold the school in high regard after Saturday’s stop. Young received similar feedback.
"I talked to a lot of guys. Most of them were excited about Iowa. They said that Iowa is definitely in their top 5," the Monona (WI) Grove High back said.
The visit served Young (5-11, 215) as more than just a vehicle to help build his recruiting class. He watched the Hawkeyes battle in a live intra-squad scrimmage to see what the future holds for him.
"What stood out to me was the physicality and hard hits. Every play you heard pads popping," he said.
Recruiting coordinator Seth Wallace met with Young on the field following Saturday’s workout.
"We talked about the running backs and their roles. We also talked about my next visit," Young said.
Young told Wallace he would return to Iowa City in June. The running back also spoke with position coach Chris White.
"He just asked me what I thought about the game. He told me that he’s excited for me to be there next year," Young said.
Young can’t sign a binding national letter of intent with the Hawkeyes until February. In the fast-paced world of recruiting, that’s a long time. Most schools see a verbal commitment as just another hurdle to clear when they’re pursuing a prospect.
"I’m feeling great about Iowa. I feel at home at Iowa. I haven’t been talking with any other schools. I still get a lot of mail from Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan State," he said.
As a junior, Young was named the Badger South Offensive Player of the Year. He also earned first-team all-conference honors and was an all-region selection. He rushed for 1,223 yards and 15 touchdowns.
Here our AllHawkeyes.com post-visit stories with all of the recruits with offers who stopped by the spring scrimmage on Saturday. They’re premium but a seven-day free trial gets you access if you’re not already a member:
Illinois RB James Robinson has Iowa in Leader after Visit
Nick Niemann, Kyle Taylor Talk About Joining Older Brothers as Hawkeyes
Omaha TE/DE Noah Fant puts Iowa in Top 4 after Visit
Hawks Top List for IL RB/LB Barrington Wade after Saturday Stop
