Iowa Football invited high school prospects to campus for a junior day this past weekend. They were shown the facilities and given a glimpse into what being a Hawkeye student-athlete is like.

Bondurant-Farrar sophomore Riley VanderLinden took part in the event.

“I enjoyed the opportunity to talk to the coaching staff and get a more in-depth view of Iowa football,” he said. “I also appreciated the opportunity to speak with current players and hear their perspectives about the program.”

A panel of present-day Hawkeyes inform and answer questions from recruits and their families during these visits, and have done so for years. The visitors also take part in position meetings with assistant coaches and learn about academic resources.

Junior days are one of the more intimate settings for visitors throughout the year, much different than fast-paced, game-day stops. An invitation to attend means Iowa sees something it really likes.

“Iowa is interested in me as a wide receiver, and the versatility I can provide,” VanderLinden said.

Bondurant-Farrar utilized the sophomore’s athleticism at quarterback this past season. As a freshman in 2024, he caught 39 passes for 617 yards and five touchdowns. He added 397 (6.2 YPC) and three scores on the ground.

“I feel that I have a good understanding of the game and am well prepared each week. I am confident in my playmaking ability and have good field vision as the play develops,” he said.

Only midway through his prep career, VanderLinden (5-11, 165) understands he’s far from a finished product. Putting in time to realize potential is important.

“I am always looking for ways to improve. Footwork and mechanics are things I constantly work on outside of practice. I have also been putting a lot of time in during the off season to improve my speed and strength,” he said.

Iowa monitoring his progress serves as motivation. It’s surreal considering is upbringing.

“I have grown up a Hawkeye fan and have always thought very highly of the program,” he said.

The junior day represented the next step in building a relationship with Iowa. He camped with the program last summer and attended two games in the fall.

The Hawkeyes have company when it comes to interest in VanderLinden.

“I have also been in touch with Iowa State recently. As of right now, I have no other visits scheduled,” he said.

VanderLinden camped with the Cyclones last June, when Matt Campbell was the head coach. When he left for Penn State after the season, ISU replaced him with Jimmy Rogers. Northwestern, Northern Iowa and others also have been on contact.