Amani Hooker believed Iowa liked him a lot when it offered a scholarship last month. A week ago, he found out just how much.

The Minnesota safety unofficially visited the Big Ten school. The stop included an hour-long meeting with head coach Kirk Ferentz.

"I felt like there was a good connection for us to talk that long. He talked to me about the program and why they want me there. He told me about the school and himself. I think he is a great coach," the 6-foot-1, 195-pounder said.

Hooker plays for Brooklyn Park (MN) Park Center High school. He also reports scholarship offers from Northern Illinois, New Mexico, Northern Iowa, North Dakota State and South Dakota.

Last weekend, Hooker attended a Wisconsin camp. He said he felt good about about what he’s heard from the Badgers and home-state Minnesota, where he’ll camp on Sunday.

But unlike Wisconsin and the Gophers, Iowa has shown it believes in Hooker by offering a scholarship. And he felt welcome on his visit to Iowa City.

"The coaching staff was very impressive as were the facilities and the iowa history and culture," he said.

In addition to Ferentz, Hooker said he met with defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach Phil Parker and Seth Wallace, the school’s recruiting coordinator who is assigned to Minnesota.

"They all said they just love my size and physical play. They think I can come in and play as soon as possible," Hooker said.

Hooker said he also spent time with academic counselors and toured the campus. He felt good about both.

"It is a great campus and school. I would love to see the game day atmosphere but I think I saw a lot," he said.

Hooker said he would be back at Iowa on June 19th for a recruiting tailgate and barbecue. He’s hoping to commit to a school by early August.

In 10 games as a junior, Hooker caught 34 passes for 702 yards and eight touchdowns. On defense he added 53 tackles (five for loss). He’s started on the varsity since he was a freshman.