Des Moines athlete Deavin Hilson hoping for Iowa offer
2021 prospect could play linebacker or running back in college
By Tyler Devine
IOWA CITY, Iowa – Deavin Hilson wants to be the first prospect from his high school to play major college football in nearly three decades, and the 2021 athlete believes that chance may come soon.
The 6-foot-1, 200-pound Hilson has been in contact with the Iowa coaching staff and believes that a scholarship offer may be on the horizon after recently sending his transcripts to the coaching staff.
“They’re trying to get the ball rolling before signing day to get my offer out and everything. They told me I’m still in the mix with one or two guys, I think it’s me and somebody else for an offer or two. So, that’s what we’ve got going on right now.”
Hilson said if Iowa does not extend an offer, he is set on playing football somewhere, as long as it makes sense financially.
“I have a couple plans I have to decide on and manage,” Hilson said. “Obviously, I hope that does happen, but if not, I have a couple of plans going on in my head.
“If the Iowa situation doesn’t work out it’s just about the financial piece,” Hilson said. “I’m going to go to the best school that’s giving me the most money at that point. Every school that has offered me at this point, they’ve given me a full ride, so I wouldn’t have to pay anyway.”
Iowa has yet to land a running back on scholarship in its 2021 recruiting class.
Hilson played running back and linebacker last season at Des Moines North, and said that he has spoken with Iowa coaches about playing both positions.
“For me, it doesn’t really matter as long as I get to play,” Hilson said.
Hilson also runs track and averages 7.7 points and 5.8 rebounds per game in basketball.
He also rushed 11 times for 100 yards in two games during a shortened football season.
Wherever Hilson winds up, and whichever position he plays, he knows that he is in a unique situation.
“It would be great,” Hilson said. “I’ve been getting a lot of support from the community when I got the Northern Iowa offer, and Iowa would be a whole step better just because it’s an FBS school and everything. It would be great just knowing that I’ve accomplished something that a lot of people dream of doing. I’m living a dream right now.”