Despite a standout prep career at football power West Des Moines Dowling Catholic, Jackson Filer didn’t receive a lot of attention on the recruiting trail. Instead of accepting an offer to play at Bemidji State or Quincy, he decided on the junior college route.

Filer has turned the heads of bigger college programs in his two seasons at Iowa Western. After recording 3.5 sacks and 5.0 tackles for loss as a freshman, he has posted 7.5 sacks and 11.0 tackles for loss through nine games this fall.

Western’s opponents forfeited the last two games, freeing up Filer for an Iowa visit last weekend. He brought along his father, Rodney Filer, who played fullback for the Hawkeyes from 1993-96 before a long and successful career in the Arena Football League.

“My dad is cool,” Jackson Filer told HF. “He is excited that I could follow in his footsteps. He also tells me do what’s right for me. It was cool seeing him interact with (Iowa assistant) coaches (Ladell) Betts and (LeVar) Woods.”

Woods and Rodney Filer were teammates at Iowa. Betts joined the program the year after Filer left for the pros.

The Hawkeyes played host to Jackson Filer when he was at Dowling. They didn’t offer a scholarship then and have continued evaluating him in junior college.

“Iowa hasn’t made any promises,” he said. “They have been keeping a close eye on Iowa Western. They are looking at me for pass rush.

“I feel like I can complement what Iowa has now. Scholarship wise, you never know. Hopefully my play has earned a scholarship offer. That’s out of my control.”

Filer hopes his campus stop helped further his bond with his father’s alma mater.

“I had a great time visiting with the staff and coaches. What stood out for me this time was seeing my Dowling teammates playing major roles. Also seeing players I competed against contributing,” he said.

Current Hawkeyes Jack Koerner, John Waggoner, Gavin Williams and Andrew Lentsch also came through the Maroon program.

Filer has continued getting to know Iowa defensive line coach Kelvin Bell. The two spoke on Saturday.

“Coach Bell and I have a normal recruiting relationship. He talks straight to me and gives advice; basically control what I can control. Everything else will work out,” Filer said.

“I guess he would have a good relationship with Iowa Western coaches. He recruited (Mekhi) Sargent and (Daviyon) Nixon from there.”

Filer is taking his time with recruiting. Western is 9-0 and ranked No. 1 in the country in the latest NJCAA poll.

“Since we were in our season, I have not as of yet planned any visits. My focus is on winning a championship for Iowa Western. I will be open to setting up visits when the time comes. I’m glad I was invited to Iowa this game,” he said.

Filer said he’s heard from Houston, Fresno State and Indiana State in recruiting.

“The coaches have just started coming in, so hopefully I’ll have more opportunities,” he said.

Filer still is deciding on his major at a four-year school.

“I have interest in Exercise Science, Physical therapy or Business,” he said.

Here’s a look at Filer’s highlights from this season: