Ted Hammond Talks New Iowa Football Offer
Hawkeyes Extend Opportunity to Cincinnati DL
Ted Hammond’s strength coach asked him to call Iowa assistant Kelvin Bell Wednesday. When he did, he received good news.
Bell extended a scholarship offer to the 2024 Cincinnati St. Xavier defensive lineman. The opportunity excited Hammond.
“The offer means a ton to me,” he told HF. “Having Iowa be a top school and willing to give me the opportunity to play means a lot.”
Minnesota offered the rising sophomore on Thursday. Pittsburgh offered on Wednesday. Vanderbilt stepped up with an opportunity during an unofficial campus visit in April.
Hammond (6-5, 260) also visited Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio State and Penn State in the spring. He spoke with his parents about stopping at Iowa after the offer came in.
“I think we will be visiting later this year. I want to learn more about the school and see the campus,” he said.
The Hawkeyes’ success in developing defensive linemen impressed Hammond.
“I know Iowa has had a history of D-Linemen to come through and go to the NFL. It feels amazing to have an opportunity to have a great future with football,” he said.
Bell made a good first impression.
“I thought we really made a strong connection,” Hammond said.
With his recruitment taking off in a hurry, Hammond is considering what campus stops to take.
“I don’t know exactly where I will be visiting,” he said.
Only being half way through high school career, Hammond is unsure of a college major.
“Right now, I think I’d either go into the medical field or business,” he said.
Hammond registered 31 tackles (4.0 for loss), a sack, four quarterback hurries and a fumble recovery in 12 games as a sophomore on a talented St. Xavier squad. He played basketball for the Bombers as a freshman.