By Tyler Devine

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Minnesota native Justice Sullivan went to Iowa City over the weekend expecting to simply expand his knowledge of the Iowa football program.

Instead, the 2021 athlete came away from the visit with his first scholarship offer.

“It came as a surprise,” Sullivan said. “I had been talking to (offensive line) coach Tim (Polasek) but I didn’t know they were that close (to offering).

“It’s pretty amazing because of the winning tradition they have there. But that’s not even the top part. They make you feel like family and it’s a very comfortable place to be in.”

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Sullivan also enjoyed the honest nature of the Iowa coaching staff.

“The facilities are amazing,” Sullivan said. “The coaches (also stood out). They are happy to see you and they are very direct in how they feel and they let you know where you are.”

Sullivan, a native of Eden Prairie, Minn., is flattered by the fact that Iowa was the first school to believe in him enough to extend a scholarship offer.

“It’s definitely going to be something I keep in mind because it shows me that they wanted to take a chance and that they believed in me and that means a lot to me,” Sullivan said.

Sullivan is listed as an athlete but said that he expects to play linebacker or defensive line in college.

He also said that he has garnered interest from Minnesota, Iowa State, Northwestern, Kansas State, Wisconsin and Nebraska.

In-state offer: Urbandale native Jaden Harrell also received his first scholarship offer from Iowa over the weekend.

The 2021 linebacker prospect is humbled knowing that Iowa felt that he could compete in the Big Ten.

“I’m very excited to have received my first offer,” Harrell said. “It’s great that a school like Iowa offered me so soon. Them offering me first show me they believe in my talent.”

The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Harrell enjoyed the opportunity to improve his relationship with the Iowa coaches and to see what Iowa’s facilities offered.

“The coaches are very nice and down to earth,” Harrell said. “Also seeing the facilities was cool. I liked looking through the locker rooms and seeing how nice they are.”

Harrell said he has gotten interest from Kansas State and North Dakota State, among others.

Iowa does not currently have any players committed to its 2021 recruiting class.