By Tyler Devine

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Iowa City West linebacker Cole Mabry doesn’t have a scholarship offer from the Iowa football program, but he is on its radar.

His communication with the Iowa coaching staff has been limited, but as a 2019 prospect, Mabry has time to let his play garner attention from colleges.

The Iowa coaches think enough of the 6-foot-2, 190-pound Mabry to have had him visit this past weekend.

“It’s kind of hard to tell at this point,” Mabry said. “There’s not a whole lot of communication other than inviting me over to the game day visit and just communicating a little bit about my film and things like that at this point.”

Mabry grew up in Iowa City watching the Hawkeyes and attending games at Kinnick Stadium.

The chance to play at Iowa on scholarship would almost be surreal for Mabry, considering how much he admires the program.

“That would just be a thrill,” Mabry said. “That would be – I mean growing up in Iowa City and being close to the football program since a pretty young age and growing up watching them and going to some games and everything that would just be surreal is probably the best word to describe it.”

With his recruitment still early in the process, Mabry hasn't had many conversations with members of the Iowa coaching staff, although, he and Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker do stay in touch. Mabry attended camp at Iowa this past summer and that's when he started building a relationship with Parker, whose two children graduated from West High..

“(We talked) a little bit about where I see myself playing at the college level,” Mabry said. “And then I went to the camp this summer and talked to coach Parker a little bit just generally. That was last summer so I can’t remember exactly what we talked about but after the camp I remember talking to him. And then just yesterday a little bit about where I see myself playing in college.”

Mabry plays a number of roles for the second-ranked West High football team on both offense and defense.

As for where he sees himself playing in college, Mabry thinks it will be on defense, possibly in the secondary.

Mabry’s versatility and willingness to play multiple positions could help attract college coaches.

Mabry has 26 tackles and one interception this season, and he also has played quarterback in the wildcat formation on offense.

“Whatever helps the team really,” Mabry said. “I could see myself playing outside linebacker or I could see myself playing safety.”

Iowa is not the only Power Five school that has shown interest in Mabry.

In fact, Iowa State has shown more than interest by already having offered Mabry a scholarship. And now another Big Ten has come calling.

“I’ll probably make it out to another game in Ames and a couple other schools outside the Midwest,” Mabry said. “(I’ve gotten a tiny bit of interest) from Nebraska and a couple others.”

Mabry's high school teammate, senior Dillion Doyle, already is committed to Iowa's 2018 recruiting class. Doyle plays linebacker and tight end in high school and is the son of Iowa strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle.

Mabry said that he doesn’t have a timetable set for making a decision.

Iowa currently has four players committed to its 2019 class.

Iowa’s 2019 recruiting class

Larry Tracy, DB, 5-11, 175, Indianapolis, Ind.

Tyler Endres, OL, 6-6, 280, Norwalk, Iowa

Logan Lee, TE, 6-5, 225, Orion, Ill.

Ezra Miller, OL, 6-6, 310, Holstein, Iowa