Hawks Land FL DB K.J. Sails
K.J. Sails has said all along that he’d commit to a college when it felt right. That time came Monday morning.
The defensive back from Florida called Iowa Assistant Chris White and told him he wanted to be a Hawkeye. He became the schools’ 24th known verbal commitment in the 2016 Class.
“He was fired up,” Sails said of White’s reaction.
Tenth-ranked Iowa moved to 8-0 with a 31-15 win against Maryland on Saturday, the second-best in school history. The Hawkeyes’ performance this fall played a major role in the decision for Sails, who also reported scholarship offers from Cincinnati, Illinois, Indiana, Pittsburgh, Rutgers, Utah, Virginia, Wake Forest, West Virginia and Wisconsin, among others.
“(Iowa’s start) meant a lot because I wanted to be at a swagged-out program that can compete for a national championship. That’s Iowa,” said Sails, who unofficially visited the Hawkeyes in July before officially visiting in September.
Rivals ranks the 5-foot-11, 170-pound Sails a three-star prospect and the 84th best player in Florida regardless of position. The Gibsonton (FL) East Bay High (Tampa area) senior runs an estimated 4.5-second, 40-yard dash per Scout.
"They’re bringing me in as both (a cornerback and safety)," Sails said of the Hawkeyes’ plans for him. "Maybe I can continue to play both throughout my career or maybe I end up sticking at one."
Sails has no reservations about playing college a half a country away from his Florida home. After two stops at Iowa, including the official visit against Pittsburgh on Sept. 19, he’s comfortable there.
"I got to experience the great atmosphere and the fans. I’m excited to play in front of them and for those coaches," he said.
Sails said he had been thinking about a commitment for the last few weeks. After considering all of this options, the Hawkeyes rose to the top.
"It just felt right and it was time to make my decision. It feels great to have it made and I’m just trying to enjoy it. It’s a really big decision," he said.
CLASS OF 2016 Verbals (Click on name for profile with game film & other offers)
