2018 New Jersey QB Devin Leary surprised by Iowa offer
IOWA CITY, Iowa – The Iowa football team has expanded its search to New Jersey for a quarterback in its 2018 recruiting class.
Three-star quarterback Devin Leary, a native of Sicklerville, N.J., was extended an offer by Iowa on Monday.
Even with five power 5 offers under his belt already, the offer took Leary by surprise.
"An offer from Iowa is huge," Leary said. "Iowa is definitely turning into a powerhouse in the Big Ten and receiving an offer from them is just incredible to me. This offer caught me by surprise for sure. Coach Chris White and Coach (Greg) Davis contacted my coach after watching my early season highlights and gave it a go to offer me.
"Later that day, they contacted me saying that they were extremely interested in offering me and decided to pull the trigger today."
Leary said a recent growth spurt, which improved his arm strength, helped him get attention from Iowa.
"They commented on how much I grew over the past years in my height and weight," Leary said. "Also my arm strength and how much it improved as well as my accuracy."
Iowa has had success recruiting in New Jersey under head coach Kirk Ferentz, something that Leary has taken note of and appreciates.
"It means a ton," Leary said. "It shows that Iowa has respect for Jersey football and giving me the opportunity just like other Jersey ball players means a ton to me."
Listed as a pro-style quarterback, the 6-foot-2, 185-pound Leary could see himself being a good fit in Iowa’s pro-style offense.
Leary thinks that his knack for reading defenses suits him well for the kind of offense Iowa runs.
"I really like the way Iowas offense is starting to form around a quarterback," Leary said. "I believe that i would fit into their offense with my abilities on the field.
"I think my biggest strength would be my ability to put the ball where it needs to be no matter what circumstances.
"I feel as if my arm strength is my biggest strength and my control to read defenses to make the perfect pass for my receivers."
Leary has other scholarship offers from Rutgers, Maryland, Boston College, Massachusetts, Wake Forest, Syracuse and Temple, but he still is feeling out the recruiting process and doesn’t have any favorites at this time.
Leary also said he hopes to attend an Iowa game this fall.