National Signing Day is Upon Us

It’s National Signing Day!

While there are still some names to be had on the market, the majority of prep athletes made their decisions in December in what was the first-ever early signing day period. I would say it was successful for all, as most high school student-athletes just want to sign on the dotted line and not worry about any more coaches breathing down their neck.

Here is how ISU fared in the first period:

The Cyclones signed 18 commitments to the 2018 class, which included two JUCOs and 16 high school commits, and five have already enrolled in classes at Iowa State.

Based upon our friends over at 247sports.com, ISU ranked 7^th out of 10 Big 12 schools, and 53^rd on the national scale. The composite score of these commitments though was the highest of all-time, as Matt Campbell and company continue to “Raise the Standard” at Iowa State.

What to Expect on Signing Day #2:

To be honest, there aren’t nearly as many fireworks this time around. With a smaller than average senior class exiting Ames, the Cyclones have only room for about 22-23 signees. That leaves about 4-5 spots.

WR Joseph Scates

This stud receiver out of Ohio announced his verbal commitment to the Cyclones on January 28^th after a visit to Ames. At 6-foot-3, Scates is a talented athlete who can play on the outside or inside, has amazing ups, and was a coveted recruit amongst multiple power-five programs, including Alabama, West Virginia, Michigan State, Arkansas, Oklahoma and LSU. Scates is the highest ranked recruit in this class, and to date is the highest in the Campbell era.

QB Brock Purdy

Purdy is a late-bloomer who just recently received an offer from ISU and has seen the full-court press as of late. He visited Ames the weekend of Jan 19^th, and has since grabbed an offer from both Texas A&M and Alabama. Purdy visited A&M last weekend and subsequently announced that Bama is out of the running. The impressive gunslinger threw for over 4400 yards and 57 TOUCHDOWNS

2017. Oh, and to top it off, ran for another 1000. No big deal.

According to 247’s Crystal Ball, Purdy is down to the good guys and Texas A&M, and it currently has him leaning towards Iowa State. Stay tuned.

Grad Transfer Safeties Patrick Nelson and J.T. Ibe

Both of these men can fill a defensive backfield void immediately for the Cyclones after losing three starting safeties to graduation. Nelson will have two years to play, and Ibe one, and both have significant playing experience.

Patrick Nelson comes from the University of Illinois, and has ties to Recruiting Coordinator Alex Golesch, as well as newly hired RB coach Nate Scheelhaase. He visited Ames on Jan 27^th, and has racked up 140 tackles over 2 years for the Fighting Illini.

Ibe comes from Rice, and visited this past weekend. He has played over 1400 snaps in three years and would fit right into the fold at the strong safety spot. Ibe is looking for somewhere he can play right away and win, and so far has set up visits with Indiana and South Carolina.

Grad transfers don’t have a timetable to select their new schools, but ISU will push to fill their scholarships with one of these two. If they don’t get Ibe or Nelson, my guess is they will open up the recruiting process for another defensive back over the next few months.

Grad Transfer Offensive Linemen?

It would help for Iowa State to find another road grader on the offensive line, as they lose two starters and are still young up front. Let’s just hope and pray it doesn’t turn out like it has in previous years………

Thanks a lot Catalina Line Fixer…

More Defensive Backs and Wide Receivers

Here are some other names to throw out there and see if they stick:

Cornerback Justin Birdsong out of Georgia is committed to Georgia Southern, but this 3-star is getting pushed hard by ISU to flip. He visited a few weeks ago.

Wide Receiver Tayvonn Kyle is also from the Peach State, and is just what ISU is looking for in their fourth commit at the receiver spot. Kyle visited ISU on the 19^th, and is down to Illinois and ISU for his services.

JUCO wide receiver Artie Henry III is another name to take a look at. He has been a strong push as of late, and comes down to whether or not he can be flipped from Marshall.

Another thing to watch is the NCAA saga with Kyle Kempt, and whether or not he is granted another year of eligibility. If he isn’t AND the Clones do not gain Purdy, then watch for this staff to go after a mid-year transfer for depth issues.

This list will continue to grow as this staff is one of the best at targeting JUCO’s, transfers, or prep athletes who are looking for greener pastures. Stay tuned