Iowa an early favorite for 2017 Cincinnati 4-star running back
By Tyler Devine
allhawkeyes.com
IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Iowa football team’s success from this past season didn’t have much effect on its 2016 recruiting class, but there is speculation 2017 will be different.
Five-star defensive end A.J. Epenesa helped to fuel speculation by committing to Iowa’s 2017 class in January.
And now the Hawkeyes are among the early favorites to land 2017 four-star running back Jarell White from Cincinnati, Ohio.
“Illinois, Kentucky and Iowa are my favorites right now, but my recruitment is still wide open” White said to allhawkeyes.com on Friday. “Right now, I am in the process of talking to coaches and going on visits.”
The 5-foot-10, 200-pound White said the opportunity to play immediately as a true freshman will be a factor in his decision. He also is looking for a family atmosphere and a coaching staff that makes him feel comfortable.
White is eager to get better acquainted with the Iowa coaches and the program in general.
The Hawkeyes are coming off a 2015 season in which they set a school single-season record with 12 victories under veteran head coach Kirk Ferentz. Iowa also played in the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1991.
The resurgence on the field is expected to have a positive impact on the 2017 recruiting class because the Iowa coaches will have had more time to promote the success.
“Iowa has everything I ask for,” White said. “The only thing left is building a relationship with the staff. Other than that, I love Iowa and can’t wait to visit.”
Iowa signed 24 players in its 2016 recruiting class. However, all but two of them had committed before the 2015 season even started.
Five players are currently committed to Iowa’s 2017 class, with Epenesa being the only player from out of state. The other four players in the 2017 class are North Fayette defensive tackle Juan Harris, Madrid defensive end Coy Kirkpatrick, Mount Vernon offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs and Solon tight end/linebacker Jacob Coons.
Iowa is expected to sign fewer than 20 players in the 2017 class based on the 85-scholarship limitation.
White said he can tell that Iowa running backs coach Chris White and on campus recruiting coordinator Kelvin Bell both really want him to be a Hawkeye. White hopes to visit Iowa City this summer.
He is similar to a lot of the players in Iowa’s 2016 recruiting class in that he can play multiple position. White is most comfortable at running back, but also could play receiver or defensive back in college.
“Things can change over time, though,” White said. “Who knows?”
White said he has no timetable for a decision.
“I’m being patient because who knows what will happen,” he said.