Iowa’s recruiting tailgate proved fruitful Friday night when it picked up verbal commitments from Nick Niemann and T.J. Hockenson. It’s believed that the duo raised the Hawkeyes number of pledges in the Class of 2016 to 12.

AllHawkeyes.com confirmed with a source close to the situation that Niemann and Hockenson jumped on board. Niemann then announced his decision on social media.

Excited to say that I have committed to play football at the University of Iowa! ???? #blessed#GoHawkspic.twitter.com/UfMgjaHCop

— Nick Niemann (@Nniemann_5) June 19, 2015

Niemann plays linebacker, like his brother, Ben Niemann, a true sophomore listed as a starter on Iowa’s most recent depth chart. Hockenson is a tight end from Chariton (IA) High.

Wisconsin, Illinois and Northwestern were among the reported offers for Nick Niemann, who plays for Sycamore (IL) High. Hockenson said he held an offer from Iowa State, among others.

Rivals rates Niemann (6-3, 205) as a three-star and the No. 27 player in the Illinois. Scout lists him as a two-star and 247 does not have a ranking on him.

Hockenson (6-5, 230) is listed as a two-star and the No. 5 player in Iowa by rivals. Scout puts him as a three-star and the No. 9 tight end in the Midwest. He’s a three-star and the No. 4 player in the state according to 247.

As a junior, Hockenson caught 73 passes for 1,116 yards and 18 touchdowns. The Iowa Newspaper Association named him to the Class 3A all-state first team.

Hockenson averaged 23.1 points and 11.1 rebounds for the Chariton basketball team this winter in earning second-team all-state honors from the INA. He’s also been a standout in track and field.

CLASS OF 2016 Verbals (Click on name for profile with game film & other offers)

QB Nate Stanley

RB Toren Young

DL Cedrick Lattimore

DL Chauncey Golston

OL Spencer Williams

OL Cole Banwart

LB Kyle Taylor

LB/RB Barrington Wade

S Amani Hooker

RB Toks Akinribade

LB Nick Niemann

T.J. Hockenson