Coaching stability still means something to recruits. And Kirk Ferentz’s 17-year run at Iowa certainly can work in the Hawkeyes’ favor.

"I like Coach Ferentz and that he has been there for a long time and wants to be there, which shows his care for the program," Johnathan Berghorst said.

The 2017 defensive end from Zeeland (MI) East High attended a recruiting tailgate at Iowa this past weekend. He left town impressed with more than just the head coach.

"They made a really good impression on me and my family. They made the visit seem like an official visit being two days and telling us and showing us everything about the program. They were the best facilities I’ve seen. The weight room, team room and football building are unbelievable," Berghorst said.

The 6-foot-3, 255-pounder already reports scholarship offers from Illinois and Western Michigan. Programs like Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Nebraska, Northwestern, Notre Dame and Purdue are showing him interest.

Berghorst feels good about where he stands with Iowa, which hands out tailgate invitations sparingly.

"Coach Ferentz and Coach (Reese) Morgan were both very excited for me to come visit and get on campus. They said they will be watching my film closely and evaluating me off of that," he said.

Berghorst won’t be able to sign a national letter of intent with a college until February of ’17. He’s in no rush to get through the recruiting process.

"I’m just taking my time and really watching and learning as much about schools as I can," he said.

Right now, Berghorst is focused on his junior season and thinking about possible fall campus visits.

"We will for sure try to come to an Iowa game," he said.

Berghorst won’t let college stops interfere with his goals for the fall, however.

"We play a really tough schedule, so I really want to do what I can to help my team. I want to play very fast and physical and work on my pass rush," he said.