Aidan McDermott faces a similar recruiting scenario with other high school football recruits. They’re deciding between scholarship offers from smaller programs and preferred walk-on (PWO) opportunities from big ones.

The Cedar Rapids (IA) Xavier High athlete does enjoy an advantage over some of his counterparts. Another player from his alma mater is thriving as a PWO with Iowa. Quinn Schulte starts at free safety for the Hawkeyes.

“What Quinn is doing makes me realize that if I go to Iowa as a PWO that I can work my way up and eventually become a starter like he has if I do the right things,” McDermott told HF.

Schulte earned a scholarship and became a starter this fall, his fourth season in the program. He’s followed the same path as his predecessor at free safety, Jack Koerner. They share stories with plenty of others who walked on, earned scholarships and became starters.

The Hawkeyes offered McDermott (6-2, 192) on Sept. 17 when he visited for their game against Nevada. He returned to campus two weeks later when they played host to Michigan.

“During the Iowa visits, I really loved the atmosphere and the coaching staff,” he said.

McDermott verbally committed to South Dakota State in June. He had visited Iowa State, Kansas State, North Dakota State and Nebraska before that. The Jack Rabbits have prospered with recruiting Iowa.

“I’m taking my time,” McDermott said of his decision. “I don’t want to rush it. I’m just trying to focus on my high school season before I really think about the options. Both are great options. I can’t go wrong with either of them, and I’m very thankful for both opportunities.”

McDermott has contributed all over the field for the Saints. This fall, he’s recorded 13.0 tackles (9.0 solo) and an interception on defense. Offensively, he’s caught 27 balls for 465 yards and seven touchdowns, rushed 13 times for 124 yards and two scores and completed his only pass for a 34-yard TD. He’s also returned 10 punts for 237 yards and a score.

The Hawkeyes see him as a defensive back.

“The feedback I’m receiving from the (Iowa) coaches is all good. They’re letting me know how I would fit into their system, how they like my game and what I’m doing this year,” McDermott said.

Xavier heads into the regular-season finale on Friday unbeaten and rated No. 2 in Associated Press Class 4A state rankings. McDermott is focusing on preparing for the postseason and keeping up with his school work. After that, he’ll turn to recruiting.

“Right now, I’m not sure what I’m going to study in college, but chances are I go to college for Business,” he said.