Jace Montgomery was raised a Hawkeye. It’s what made visiting Iowa’s campus as a recruit surreal.

The youngest son of former Hawkeye defensive lineman, and long-time NFL and college coach Jerry Montgomery, Jace Montgomery’s older brother, Jayden Montgomery, is a junior linebacker at Iowa. His other older brother, Tevyn Montgomery, is a student assistant with the program.

That’s a whole lot of Hawkeye.

The youngest Montgomery checked out a place he knew well on Oct. 25. The Hawkeyes embarrassed rival Minnesota, 41-3, in front of a sold-out Kinnick Stadium.

“From the visit, I was able to see the amazing fanbase,” Jace Montgomery said. “Being the son of a coach and being able to see some of the biggest games and rivalries, the Iowa fan base is one of the best out of them all, regardless of the opponent.”

The 6-foot-4, 250-pounder is a sophomore center at Cincinnati Archbishop Moeller, one of the country’s top prep programs. Jerry is a first-year assistant with the Bengals after working with the New England Patriots. As a freshman last year, Jace started for Westwood (MA) Xaveian Brothers’ state championship team.

The fast start as a high schooler has led to colleges noticing Jace. Vanderbilt and Liberty have offered scholarships. He also visited the Commodores, Indiana, Notre Dame and Wisconsin this season.

Iowa has know about Jace for awhile. The program was ready to bring him in on a visit.

“They wanted to get me up to experience a game day close up. They talked to me about what the program has to offer.
Being raised a Hawkeye definitely makes this process exciting. It’s definitely cool to think about following the same path my brother and dad have been on,” he said.

Jace feels he has a good handle on Iowa after listening to his family.

“My brothers and dad have told me a lot over the years about the Hawkeye football program. One thing they really emphasize is how when you get to Iowa, it’s a place that is proven to teach and develop talent for the next level better than any place in the country,” Jace said.

This season, the Hawkeyes won the Joe Moore Award, given annually to the nation’s top offensive line. Jace saw a place suited for his services.

“I think I really fit into the O-Line scheme at Iowa. This was my first year playing center, and I was an athletic center who could run off the ball. Iowa is a fit because their system will let me play athletic,” he said.

Only in the 10th grade, Montgomery has time on his side when it comes to finding a college home. His approach is to live in the moment.

“During this process, I’m focused on where I’m at now and how I can better myself and my football team. The recruiting process will play itself out,” he said.

Other schools have inquired about Montgomery and more offers likely are on the way. Oklahoma invited him to campus for a spring visit.