Cole Banwart does the right thing – on the field and off of it.

The Algona (IA) High offensive lineman showed the coaches enough at Iowa’s camp Sunday to earn a scholarship offer. After thinking on it a few nights, he decided to accept it Tuesday.

Along with letting the Hawkeyes know of his intentions, Banwart reached out to staffs at all the other schools that recruited him. He thanked them and told them he was ending his process.

That step isn’t a given in these fast-paced days of prospecting.

"I spoke to most of all the coaches I have talked to before and told them that I committed and won’t be attending their camps this summer," he said.

We published a story in Banwart on Monday which you can read here. At the time we interviewed him, he still needed another night to think it over. Tuesday, he was ready.

"I just talked it over with my family and decided to go after my dream," the 6-foot-4, 280-pounder said.

Banwart also reported offers from Northern Iowa and South Dakota State. He was scheduled to camp at Iowa State Saturday before canceling with his pledge to Iowa.

After competing in 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.

The Iowa program ended up fitting him very well.

"I think it’s the tough way they play and that they fight for every inch," he said.

The Hawkeye coaches also felt Banwart belonged at their school. They let him know that on Tuesday when he spoke to many of them during his commitment call.

"They were excited and glad that I’m going to be a Hawkeye," he said.

Banwart is planning to come back to Iowa at the end of the month for its recruiting tailgate. He’ll do so as a member of the program, something that means a lot to he, his family and community.

"My parents are proud of me and they wish for the best. It helps the town and school of Algona grow," he said. "I feel relieved and glad that I can move on and worry about my senior season."