Coy Kirkpatrick called his commitment to Iowa a dream come true. He didn’t plan on letting it end there, however.

The Class of 2017 defensive lineman has half of his career remaining at Madrid (IA) High School. He’s not resting on his laurels.

"I still have two more years of high school to make sure I improve and capitalize on and off the field with football and education," the 6-foot-4, 240-pounder said.

Kirkpatrick became Iowa’s first commitment in ’17. Juan Harris from West Union (IA) North Fayette High had held that distinction but has backed off his Hawkeye verbal twice and is open now.

"I feel very honored to be the first (’17) recruit. It means a lot. It felt like a dream come true," he said.

As a sophomore last fall, Kirkpatrick was credited with 29 tackles, including a team-high five for loss. He also led the school’s track team in the high jump (6-7), shot put (53.00) and discus (156-5).

"(Iowa Assistant) Coach (Reese) Morgan watched me during state track, which caught his eye. I had already signed up for an Iowa camp before that. Then I went to the camp Sunday and really impressed the coaches there," he said.

"They said I was very physical and had a good work ethic. They said I really stood out going up against the bigger guys. They were working me on the D-line. Not a specific position, but I worked (at defensive end) when I got the chance to."

The Iowa coaches told Kirkpatrick that he projected on the edge of the line, he said, but that could change depending on how his body develops.

Kirkpatrick pointed to Iowa’s rich history as a football program and the strong academics as the main reasons he chose the school. He also liked that it was close to home, he said.

The Hawkeyes were the first ones to offer a scholarship to Kirkpatrick, he said. He had other interest.

"Iowa state has been sending me things since my freshman year," he said.

Kirkpatrick still is figuring out what he wants to major in during college. He has at least two years to decide. And along with that, he hopes to help the Hawkeyes recruit players for the program.

"I would be more than happy to help others in the right steps," he said.

Kirkpatrick said he would be visiting Iowa again sometime this summer.