Iowa Football boasts a strong reputation when it comes to defensive backs. Alumni from its secondary play prominent roles in the NFL.

The Hawkeyes’ dependability in developing DBs reaches recruits near and far. This week the program found out it stretches half a country away when it offered 2023 Naples (FL) High cornerback Jonas Duclona.

Iowa assistant Ladell Betts is utilizing his ties as a former high school coach in the Sunshine State to build relationships there. He’s bonding with Duclona (6-0, 175).

“He thinks I’m a great athlete who can be a lockdown corner for them like the past players they had in their program who are in the league now,” Duclona told HF. “I think highly of coach Betts. He’s had experience in the NFL and knows what it takes to get to that level.”

Cincinnati, Florida, Illinois, Iowa State, Kansas, Louisville, Ole Miss and Vanderbilt also have reportedly offered scholarships to Duclona. Wisconsin, Florida State, Auburn and West Virginia are among the programs that have shown interest.

Rivals ranks Duclona as a three-star prospect. 247 Sports see him as the No. 58 cornerback nationally in ’23 and the 95th best player in Florida overall in the cycle.

As a junior, Duclona registered 38 tackles (26 solo, 1.0 for loss). He intercepted four passes, one of which he returned for a touchdown, and was credited with 10 pass breakups.

Duclona is researching Iowa to find out what it’s about beyond its reputation at his position.

“What I like about Iowa is how stable their coaching staff is. They’ve been together for a long time, working that system,” he said

“I plan on visiting sometime in the spring. I want to learn more about the history of Iowa and also learn more about the coaching staff over there.”

Academics will play a big role in Duclona’s final decision.

“I either want to study some type of Science or Business Marketing,” he said.