By Hawk Fanatic

IOWA CITY, Iowa – A defensive back from Maryland is the first player to commit to the Iowa football team’s 2028 recruiting class.

Dwayle Smith, who attends St. Francis Academy in Baltimore, committed to Iowa on Friday while attending the Hawkeye Tailgater.

The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Smith, who projects as a cornerback for the Hawkeyes, reportedly already has scholarship offers from, in addition to Iowa, Florida State, Boston College, Auburn, Texas A&M, Virginia, Wisconsin, Maryland and Stanford among others.

Veteran recruiting analyst Tom Lemming recently visited St. Francis High School and was impressed with Smith’s athleticism and potential.

“Good steady cover corner; average size and above average athletic ability,” said Lemming, who has been evaluating high school recruits since the late 1970s. “Quick loose hips and exceptional in transition.

“Plays against some great wide receivers in practice and game competition. A rising star.”

Smith announced his commitment Friday on social media.

He also reportedly has a 3.9 grade-point average and has been clocked at 4.54 seconds in the 40-yard dash.

Iowa has a long and distinguished history of producing quality defensive backs under veteran defensive coordinator Phil Parker, who also coaches the defensive backs.

Iowa also currently has 13 players committed to its 2027 recruiting class, including defensive backs Jake Thies and Jonathan Harris, both of whom are from the Chicagoland area.