Recruits like to feel like they fit in a college program. Sam Peters believes that’s the case with Iowa Football.

The Class of 2023 Maple Grove (MN) tight end is well aware of the Hawkeyes’ success at his position. He sees that when he watches the current standout there. Ironically, they share a name.

Peters visited Iowa on Saturday and saw how he practices.

“I think my favorite thing about the visit was watching Sam LaPorta,” Peters told HF. “He’s definitely someone I look up to. I would love to be as good as him someday.”

The Hawkeyes played host to Peters (6-4, 220) for their 2021 season-opener against Indiana back in early September.

“I feel really good about Iowa. It’s definitely one of my favorite schools. I’ve had tons of family members that have either gone there or played there. I would love to keep the trend going,” he said.

New Iowa tight end coach Abdul Hodge is leading the program’s recruitment of Peters.

“Coach Hodge said that I’m really high on their board, but since tight end is one of their more important positions, they tend to take their time when recruiting for the most part,” Peters said.

Peters reports 10 scholarship offers. His opportunities include Air Force, Akron, Army, Eastern Michigan, Illinois State, UMass, Northern Illinois, Northern Iowa, South Dakota and Wyoming.

Northern Iowa, Kansas State, Eastern Michigan, Iowa State, Minnesota, Michigan, Wyoming, North Dakota State, Northern Illinois, North Dakota, Wisconsin and South Dakota State all have played host to Peters for visits.

“I think Iowa would be a perfect fit for me. They seem to use their tight ends to stretch out the field, and I think I would be the right guy for that,” he said.

Peters feels comfortable with what he knows about the Hawkeyes.

“I don’t think there is much more that I want to learn about Iowa. Being a kid that grew up a Hawkeye fan, I know quite a bit already,” he said.

Peters is planning on camping with the Hawkeyes this summer. He’ll get a closer look at how they operate and can check out the school’s academic offerings at that time.

“I’m still undecided on what I want to study, but I am leaning towards Business,” he said.

Peters earned Metro Gold North first-team all-district honors as a junior after averaging 29.3 yards per reception and scoring five touchdowns.