Soft-Spoken Banwart Humbled by Iowa Offer
Cole Banwart is a person of few words. He lets his action talk for him.
The approach has worked well for the Algona (IA) High offensive lineman. Sunday, he turned it into a scholarship offer from Iowa.
Banwart camped with the Hawkeyes. The 6-foot-4, 280-pounder then joined three other in-state prospects outside of head coach Kirk Ferentz’s office. Each was called in one by one.
When Banwart’s turn came, the dean of Big Ten coaches explained why he wanted him on his team.
"He said that they like that I’m not one to show off and am kind of humble. They believe that I’m a good fit for their program," Banwart said.
Spencer Williams (Cedar Falls), T.J Hockenson (Chariton) and Austin Schulte also picked up offers along with Banwart. Williams committed to the Hawkeyes on Monday.
"Everything is awesome (at Iowa). I love it. Iowa is the top on my list right now," Banwart said.
Northern Iowa and South Dakota State also have offered Banwart. He’s scheduled to camp at Iowa State Saturday.
"Things with (the Cyclones) are pretty good. I like (offensive line coach Brandon) Blaney and others on the coaching staff. But I don’t talk to them as much as I do with (Iowa Assistant) Coach (Reese) Morgan. I’ve been talking to (him) for a while and also getting mail (from Iowa) for quite a while, too," Banwart said.
After playing eight-man football for West Bend-Mallard High as a sophomore, Banwart moved to Class 3A Algona last fall. He played guard and defensive tackle, where he led the team eight tackles for loss and two sacks.
Banwart visited Iowa during spring practice. He attended Hawkeye games at Kinnick Stadium when his older sister went to the school there.
"We really didn’t talk about position. I’m guessing guard but I probably could play tackle, too," he said.
Banwart also camped at Nebraska last week. The Huskers let it be known that they were interested.
"I hadn’t really talked to them before I went to camp. But they want my information and will follow up," he said.
Banwart said he’s undecided on a college major. He’s also unsure of when he’ll commit or if he’ll camp or visit other schools this summer. Right now, he’s just enjoying the process.
"It’s nice to know that the hard work has paid off. I spent a lot of time in the weight room and working out to get better every day. I’ll keep doing that," he said.