While being interviewed almost two years ago, Darryl Flemister stated that his favorite sports moment as a fan was watching his cousin compete in his first NFL game. Desmond King’s rookie debut came as a Los Angeles Charger on Sept. 11, 2017.

Flemister was provided an opportunity to walk in his older relative’s footsteps when his college alma mater, the University of Iowa, reportedly offered the 2027 Detroit defensive back a scholarship on Monday. It immediately moved the Hawkeyes into prime position for his services.

“Iowa is now one of the top schools on my board now that I’ve been offered,” he said. “I’ve been dreaming for this offer for a long time.”

A versatile athlete, the Hawkeyes see the Detroit King High senior-to-be lining up in the secondary. That position group is coached by defensive coordinator Phil Parker, who tutored Desmond King in college.

“Coach Phil Parker called and offered. He told me that I’m a very good player, and I can play Iowa football,” Flemister said.

The Hawkeyes have found success with other prospects hailing from the home state of Flemister and King.

“I love that Iowa produces a lot of DBs, and I feel like some of the best DBs that play at Iowa come from Michigan. Iowa has also been a top program that sends players to the next level. And Iowa shows Michigan athletes love,” Flemister said.

The 6-foot, 160-pounder has followed the program for years, thanks to King. As a recruit, however, he hasn’t gathered a detailed version on what being a student-athlete for the Hawkeyes looks like.

That will change soon.

“I would like to learn a lot more about them than what I know. I am visiting on April 4th,” he said.

That will be a key piece of data in Flemister’s process.

“My recruiting timeline looks good, but I am about to cut down to my Top 5,” he said.

He knows what factors will be important in his final decision.

“I want it to feel like family and home. I also want to be developed on and off the football field. My family just wants to make sure that I’m comfortable at any university I decide to commit to,” Flemister said.

He’s looking forward to finding out more about Iowa’s academics when in town next month.

“I want to study Communications just so I can become a better social person. I want to stay in the football field after I get done playing,” he said.

Flemister also reports scholarship offers from, among others, Auburn, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Ole Miss, Oregon, Tennessee, Vanderbilt and Wisconsin. Prep Redzone has him ranked ($) as the No. 7 player overall in Michigan for 2027.