When Hunter Mosolino scheduled a trip to Iowa Football’s recruiting tailgater earlier this month, he found out his mom and dad couldn’t join him. Not wanting to miss the event, he visited with his grandparents instead.

“My parents could not adjust their schedule to make it. My dad has been with me at (the Hawkeyes’) spring practice and camp. Both my parents will be attending a game day,” he said.

It worked out well, as two more special people in his life experienced a place he finds special.

“Iowa is still one of my top choices,” Mosolino said.

The Crystal Lake (IL) Prairie Ridge High defensive lineman reported Iowa being his first Power 4 offer on May 1. Wisconsin, Illinois and Northwestern have followed with opportunities.

It’s fair to say Mosolino’s recruitment is just getting underway.

“It’s hard to answer when I will commit as I am currently focused on my junior season. When all the pieces fall into place and all the boxes are checked, I will know I found the right fit for me,” he said.

The Hawkeyes are doing their best to check boxes. It started during a spring practice and continued when he worked with coaches at camp. Then the tailgater added another layer.

“The coaches and staff were very welcoming to my grandparents and me. They continued to show how they develop players, and I got to see more of campus and the facilities,” he said.

Mosolino already is planning the next step with the Hawkeyes.

“I hope to return this fall for a game,” he said.

Education will a big part of the equation for the academic all-stater.

“I am currently undecided on what I want to focus on. My current interest in Business,” he said.

Prep Redzone will update its Class of 2028 Illinois rankings next month. It’s likely that Mosolino will move up from his current ratings as the state’s No. 13 edge rusher and No. 133 player overall in the cycle.