Brian Ferentz twice had stopped by Kendric Pryor’s high school to speak with him. The first time the Iowa assistant coach was alone. The next stop he brought defensive coordinator Phil Parker.

Pryor also has been receiving mail from the Hawkeyes for quite some time. He felt good about all the attention.

Thursday morning, Pryor responded to a request to call Ferentz. He anticipated more get-to-know-you conversation. It turned out to be much more.

Ferentz and his father, Kirk Ferentz, the head coach, offered a scholarship to Pryor. It represented the Homewood-Flossmoor (IL) High product’s first Power Five Conference opportunity.

"It was a surprise. They said I could be a big impact in their program," the 6-foot-1, 175-pound defensive back said.

Pryor stands out for his athleticism. He’s one of the better basketball players on his high school team and competes at a high level on the AAU circuit for The Athlete Within.

"I think what gives me a chance to be an impact player in college are my speed, athletic ability, quickness and my desire to compete," said Pryor, who reports his 40-yard dash time as 4.4 seconds.

Miami (Ohio), Army, Connecticut, Buffalo, Western Michigan, Central Michigan, Illinois State, Ball State, Bowling Green and Wyoming were ahead of Iowa in offering Pryor. He said he’s also been hearing from Ohio State, Michigan State and Indiana.

Pryor said he would be visiting Iowa in June.

"I’m interested in getting a look at the campus and the football facilities. Program success, facilities, early playing time and academics are the most important things to me in picking a school," he said.

Pryor, who plans to major in Computer Science, said he does not have a timetable for his commitment.