Benedict Umeh is a student of the game. He soaks up as much football as possible in working to reach his full potential.

The Class of 2024 defensive end from Avon (CT) Old Farms views a lot college games. He has some favorites.

“Iowa is one of my go-to schools when I’m watching film,” Umeh told HF.

As luck would have it, Umeh (6-5, 260) could end up on that film someday. He holds a Hawkeye scholarship offer after the school extended an opportunity to him on Sunday.

“I found out Iowa was offering through my head coach, Jonathan Wholley, who got the news from (Hawkeye DL) coach Kelvin Bell. I don’t know a lot about Iowa, but the one thing I can say is that I love their defensive scheme and D-Line,” he said.

The Hawkeyes face stiff competition for Umeh’s services. This month alone, he reports scholarship offers from Minnesota, Nebraska, Wake Forest, Boston College, Yale and USC. Penn State, Duke, Virginia Tech, Wisconsin, Rutgers, Ivy League programs and others also have offers out to him.

Iowa will work on getting Umeh on campus.

“I can’t say for sure yet when or if I’m going to visit. I have to talk to my family first. Although, I will say, I would love to visit and learn about what their community is really like,” he said.

Umeh was born in Nigeria and moved to Toronto when he was four. He transferred to Avon Old Farms earlier this year and enjoyed a break-out performance on the football field.

He’s fine with another move regardless of the distance from Toronto and Connecticut.

“I feel fine about going far away from home for college. I was raised to be pretty independent. I’ve never really had a problem being far from home or on my own,” he said.

Umeh was named to the All Founders League first-team for the ’22 season. Old Farms sent Iowa Nico Ragaini, who led the Hawkeye receivers with 32 catches for 365 yards and a touchdown this fall.

Academics are an important component to Umeh’s college decision. He will major in Computer Science.

“I’m looking for a high-level and high-prestige Computer Science program, a high level of football and a community I’d fit in with,” he said.