During his two Iowa Football game-day visits this past fall, Alex Mota experienced the Kinnick Stadium environment. He spoke with coaches but didn’t get a feel for who they were.

That changed on Sunday when the Class of 2023 Marion (IA) High Athlete stopped at the school for junior day.

“The aspect of the visit I liked most was definitely getting to know all the coaches better and learn how they coach to a point where I think I can fit in for sure,” Mota told HF.

Earlier in the week, Hawkeye coach Kirk Ferentz and his son, offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, attended Mota’s basketball game when Marion played at Solon. The program has shown it wants the multi-sport standout.

“It was very great having them at my game. I was very excited because it’s always a big deal when coaches come to the school or even a game. So, I am blessed for that,” Mota said.

Mota (6-2, 180) visited Iowa State on Saturday. Like Iowa, it was the fourth time he visited the Cyclones. Iowa, ISU, Kansas, Kansas State, Miami (OH), Nebraska and Wisconsin have reportedly offered him scholarships with Missouri and Notre Dame showing him interest.

Marion utilizes Mota at quarterback and safety. Colleges see him as a wide receiver and in the secondary. He’s open to all possibilities.

“(The Iowa coaches) said they can see me on each side of the ball, which is great, but they mostly see me as a DB,” Mota said.

Mota came to Iowa City wondering about the school away from the field.

“My questions were mostly answered on the academic side because football doesn’t last forever. So, I tend to always ask those questions before football ones,” he said.

“I’m feeling honestly great about the Hawkeyes and feel good about the program.”

After being restricted from visiting campuses for 15 months during the pandemic, Mota is approaching the recruiting process deliberately, trying to catch up since the dead period ended in June.

“What’s next for me is to keep my options open for anything, learn and do what is best for me,” he said.

As a quarterback, Mota combined for more than 1,500 yards and 12 touchdowns in ’21. Of his 28 tackles on defense, 25 were solo. He’s averaged 9.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.3 steals so far this basketball season. He finished second in the 100 and sixth in the 200 at the state track meet last May.

Rivals ranks Mota as a three-star recruit. It pegs him as the No. 21 Athlete nationally in ’23 and the fourth best player in the state for the cycle.