Iowa recruiting update: Breaking down the Hawkeyes’ 2023 commitments

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Iowa has filled the guts of its 2023 recruiting class, but defensive recruiting coordinator Jay Niemann has his eyes set on multiple classes every time he evaluates a prospect in person this fall.

“We’re trying to close out this ’23 class, and at the same time when I go out to watch these games on Friday nights, I’m looking at juniors and sophomores as well,” Niemann said. “So just to sit there and kind of compartmentalize it into one particular class, no, I think we’re well beyond that, and trying to see what’s in the next class behind, if not the next two classes, behind this ’23 class.”

The Hawkeyes have 65 players on scholarship for 2023 before there is any transfer portal activity, walk-ons earning a full ride or seniors opting for a sixth season. They have 17 commitments in the 2023 class but have several holes at receiver plus at running back. They also are waiting on a few other recruits to make decisions.

Among the commitments, there are varying levels of relationships, Niemann said. Although he cannot name the players, the Hawkeyes have years’ worth of history with five-star tackle Kadyn Proctor. But there are several players who they met briefly on campus or during camp sessions with whom the staff wants to build better bonds.

“Without naming names, there’s some guys in that ’23 class I know that I’ve had communication with this will be going on three years,” Niemann said. “There’s other guys who maybe weren’t on your radar at that point in time that have gotten on to it be it their junior year, or maybe even early in their senior year, as you continue to evaluate and talk to high school coaches and things of that nature. So again, it’s an ongoing process. It never really stays the same.”

Here’s a breakdown of Iowa’s scholarship numbers in the 2023 class as well as the program’s committed prospects:

Tackle Kadyn Proctor committed to Iowa in June 2021. (Scott Dochterman / The Athletic)

2023 positional evaluation

QB (4 scholarship players) — Alex Padilla, Sr.; Joe Labas, Soph.; Carson May, R-Fr.; Marco Lainez III, incoming Fr. Analysis: Iowa could shop in the portal for a starting quarterback. Padilla graduates in December and despite the offensive inconsistency has been unable to move past Spencer Petras. May and Labas have shared scout-team reps this year. Despite two Power 5 quarterback commits in central Iowa, the Hawkeyes opted for Lainez and believe he can develop quickly.

RB (4) — Gavin Williams, Jr.; Leshon Williams, Jr.; Kaleb Johnson, Soph.; Jaziun Patterson, R-Fr. Analysis: A fall decommitment from Florida running back Kendrick Raphael leaves the Hawkeyes searching at this position. A fallback candidate, Arnold Barnes, chose Nebraska over Iowa this week. The Hawkeyes will sign a running back at some point.

WR (6) — Diante Vines, Jr.; Arland Bruce IV, Jr.; Keagan Johnson, Soph.; Brody Brecht, Soph.; Jacob Bostick, R-Fr.; Alex Mota, incoming Fr. Analysis: No unit needs a bigger influx of talent than at receiver. If this group remains together, Iowa should still target at least two more scholarship receivers, and at least one should come from the portal — at a minimum.

OL (19) — Justin Britt, Sr.; Nick DeJong, Sr.; Tyler Endres, Sr.; Mason Richman, Sr.; Tyler Elsbury, Jr.; Josh Volk, Jr.; Logan Jones, Jr.; Connor Colby, Jr.; Beau Stephens, Soph.; Gennings Dunker, Soph.; Mike Myslinski, Soph.; David Davidkov, Soph.; Griffin Liddle, Soph.; Jack Dotzler, R-Fr.; Kale Krogh, R-Fr.; Kadyn Proctor, incoming Fr.; Leighton Jones, incoming Fr.; Trevor Lauck, incoming Fr.; Cannon Leonard, incoming Fr. Analysis: The group is taking its lumps right now, but there’s a decent foundation here. Proctor arrives in January and should have every opportunity to start at tackle as a true freshman. I wouldn’t count out a portal addition or two, either.

DE (11) — Chris Reames, Sr.; Deontae Craig, Jr.; Lukas Van Ness, Jr.; Ethan Hurkett, Jr.; Jeff Bowie, Soph.; Max Llewellyn, Soph.; Brian Allen, R-Fr.; Caden Crawford, R-Fr.; Chase Brackney, incoming Fr.; David Caulker, incoming Fr.; Kenneth Merrieweather, incoming Fr. Analysis: This group is deep and talented. Van Ness could become one of the nation’s top ends next year, while Craig, Hurkett and Llewellyn all are ascending players. Allen has impressed on the scout team as well.

DT (6) — Logan Lee, Sr.; Yahya Black, Jr.; Jeremiah Pittman, Soph.; Aaron Graves., Soph.; Anterio Thompson, incoming Soph. (junior college); Maddux Borcherding-Johnson, incoming Fr. Analysis: Iowa cross-trains its linemen to play inside and outside so it’s not deficient in numbers. Black, Lee and Graves could form one of the nation’s best interior trios, while Pittman has the girth to play nose.

LB (11) — Jestin Jacobs, Sr.; Kyler Fisher, Sr.; Jay Higgins, Sr.; Jaden Harrell, Soph.; Karson Sharar, Soph.; Zach Twedt, Soph.; Justice Sullivan, Soph.; Jayden Montgomery, R-Fr.; Landyn Van Kekerix, R-Fr.; Ben Kueter, incoming Fr.; Aidan Hall, incoming Fr. Analysis: There will be no greater loss for Iowa than Jack Campbell, but getting back Jacobs after a season-ending biceps injury will be critical. Higgins will play alongside Jacobs. The Hawkeyes are waiting for prospect Asa Newsom to decide on a school.

DB (15) — Sebastian Castro., Sr.; Reggie Bracy, Sr.; Quinn Schulte, Sr.; Jermari Harris, Jr.; Cooper DeJean, Jr.; A.J. Lawson, Jr.; Brenden Deasfernandes, Jr.; Xavier Nwankpa, Soph.; T.J. Hall, Soph.; Deavin Hilson, Soph.; Koen Entringer, R-Fr.; Deshaun Lee, R-Fr.; John Nestor, incoming Fr.; Zach Lutmer, incoming Fr.; Kahlil Tate, incoming Fr. Analysis: Iowa has oodles of talent, but depth might be a concern at a few spots in the secondary. One possibility is for injured cornerback Terry Roberts to come back for a sixth season.

ST (1) — Tory Taylor, Fr. Analysis: If true freshman kicker Drew Stevens continues at his pace, the Hawkeyes should put him on scholarship. Taylor, who is 25 years old, could opt for the NFL after this season.

2023 commits

Kadyn Proctor, T

Hometown: Pleasant Hill, Iowa

High school: Southeast Polk

247Sports Composite Ranking: No. 11 overall, No. 2 OT, No. 1 Iowa (five-star)

Notable: Proctor (6-foot-8, 335) was a priority for several years, and he’s the highest-ranked prospect in state history. He picked Iowa over Alabama in June. The interest long was mutual between the Iowa staff and Proctor, who chose his No. 74 jersey based on former Iowa and current Tampa Bay tackle Tristan Wirfs. Proctor is close friends with Iowa true freshman safety Xavier Nwankpa (a Rivals and 247Sports five-star safety), and together they were a force for Southeast Polk’s state championship team in 2021. Proctor has immense size and matches it with athletic ability, toughness and work ethic. He plans to enroll in January and could become Iowa’s first true freshman offensive lineman to start a season opener.

Committed: June 30, 2021

Trevor Lauck, OL

Hometown: Indianapolis

High school: Roncalli

Ranking: No. 439 overall, No. 35 OT, No. 7 Indiana (four-star)

Notable: Lauck blends everything Iowa wants from its offensive linemen and not just optimum size (6-6, 290). He attacks defenders, drives through them and finishes in nasty fashion. He also can block in space. Lauck has positional flexibility but could develop into an anchor at either tackle position. He took multiple visits to Iowa City and his final decision came down to Iowa, Michigan State, Cincinnati and Ohio State. Lauck has enough potential to challenge for the depth chart right away.

Committed: June 26, 2021

Alex Mota, ATH

Hometown: Marion, Iowa

High school: Marion

Ranking: No. 505 overall, No. 35 ATH, No. 4 in Iowa (three-star)

Notable: Mota (6-1, 175) is a versatile athlete and will play wide receiver. At Marion, Mota shifted from quarterback to running back this year and finished with 742 yards and eight scores rushing and 12 catches for 230 yards and three scores. He also had 37.5 tackles and two interceptions. In 2021, Mota ran for 629 yards, threw for 879 yards and finished with 28 tackles. Mota, who picked Iowa over Iowa State, is a do-it-all athlete, averaging 10 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game in basketball. At the 2022 state track meet, Mota won the 100-meter dash and finished fifth in the 200.

Committed: Feb. 18, 2022

Leighton Jones, IOL

Hometown: Brownsburg, Ind.

High school: Brownsburg

Ranking: No. 526 overall, No. 42 IOL, No. 8 Ind. (three-star)

Notable: Jones (6-4, 250) plays offensive and defensive line at Brownsburg, and his quickness, short-distance striking ability and mean streak are perfect for Iowa’s blocking style. Jones finished third at the Indiana state wrestling tournament with a 47-4 overall record. Jones, who likely will play center, committed to Iowa only five days after receiving an offer and picked the Hawkeyes over Purdue and several MAC programs.

Committed: Feb. 26, 2022

Ben Kueter, LB

Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa

High school: City High

Ranking: No. 528 overall, No. 51 LB, No. 5 Iowa (three-star)

Notable: In his final two seasons on Iowa City’s east side, Kueter (6-3, 220) was a tackling machine with 188 tackles, including 64 for loss and 18.5 sacks. He also combined for 665 yards and eight scores this year as both a runner and receiver; last year he caught 24 passes for 369 yards and nine touchdowns. Kueter already has secured a reputation as one of the state’s greatest prep wrestlers (72-0 career record) with state titles at 160 pounds, 195 and 220 in his first three high school seasons. In August, Kueter won the U-20 world championship for Team USA at 97 kilograms and pinned his opponent in the gold medal match. Kueter also plans to wrestle at Iowa.

Committed: Sept. 19, 2021

Marco Lainez III, QB

Hometown: Princeton, N.J.

High school: The Hun School

Ranking: No. 564 overall, No. 28 QB, No. 11 in N.J. (three-star)

Notable: Lainez is coached by quarterback whisperer Tony Racioppi, who works with several NFL quarterbacks in the offseason such as Kenny Pickett, Trace McSorley and Joe Flacco along with Petras. Iowa courted Lainez (6-3, 225) for about nine months before he committed in December. Although Lainez is considered a pro-style quarterback, he has dual-threat capability. In eight games this year, Lainez has thrown for 1,960 yards (22.5 yards per attempt), 19 touchdowns and three interceptions while completing 79.8 percent of his throws. He also has run for 477 yards and five scores. Last year, Lainez completed 80.2 percent and threw for 1,761 yards, 21 touchdowns and two interceptions. Lainez picked Iowa over Michigan State, Pittsburgh and Illinois.

Committed: Dec. 13, 2021

Kahlil Tate, S

Hometown: Chicago

High school: Kenwood Academy

Ranking: No. 564 overall, No. 41 ATH, No. 10 in Ill. (three-star)

Notable: Tate (6-3, 185) picked Iowa over Wisconsin and Purdue after visiting all three schools in June. A versatile athlete, Tate is projected to play safety but could shift to cornerback or receiver. At Kenwood Academy this year, Tate has 50 tackles and one interception. In 2021, Tate finished with 451 yards and 10 touchdowns as a receiver and had 63 tackles, five interceptions and two fumble recoveries on defense. His skill set translates to what Iowa likes from its defensive backs, especially at safety or its cash position. Tate has big-time hitting ability and good coverage skills.

Committed: July 12, 2022

Chase Brackney, DL

Hometown: Englewood, Colo.

High school: Cherry Creek

Ranking: No. 629 overall, No. 57 DE, No. 4 Colo. (three-star)

Notable: Physical, well-built and relentless, Brackney (6-4, 285) could wind up as the steal of the class. Brackney picked Iowa over Nebraska, Colorado, USC and California. He attends Cherry Creek High School, the alma mater of Iowa backup quarterback Alex Padilla. In nine games, Brackney has 48 tackles and five sacks. Last year for Colorado’s state championship team, Brackney recorded 85 tackles and four sacks, forced two fumbles and recovered two. He has positional flexibility, which is an asset in Iowa’s two-gap scheme.

Committed: Feb. 14, 2022

Zach Ortwerth, TE

Hometown: St. Louis

High school: University High

Ranking: No. 713 overall, No. 38 TE, No. 18 in Mo. (three-star)

Notable: A two-way player, Ortwerth (6-5, 220) has the size that could translate to tight end or defensive end. But his skill set suggests he can develop into a solid pass-catching threat. Through the Bills’ first seven games, Ortwerth scored five touchdowns and picked up 444 receiving yards. He also had 89 tackles and four sacks. Last year for University High, Ortwerth caught 20 passes for 299 yards and five touchdowns and also delivered eight pancake blocks. On defense, he registered a team-high 29 quarterback hurries and 16 tackles for loss. Among the other schools competing for Ortwerth are Purdue, Indiana, Illinois and Nebraska.

Committed: July 4, 2022

Kenneth Merrieweather, DE

Hometown: Detroit

High school: Martin Luther King

Ranking: No. 788 overall, No. 72 DE, No. 15 in Mich. (three-star)

Notable: Merrieweather (6-3, 235) plays defensive end for Michigan’s 5A state champion and shows remarkable burst off the edge coupled with short-range power. Through five games, Merrieweather compiled five sacks and 21 tackles. In the 2021 state title game, Merrieweather recorded a pick-6 in a 25-21 victory. Merrieweather, who had six sacks, had offers from Purdue, Illinois, Indiana and Cincinnati among several MAC schools.

Committed: July 7, 2022

John Nestor, CB

Hometown: Chicago, Ill.

High school: Marist

Ranking: No. 864 overall, No. 86 CB, No. 15 Ill. (three-star)

Notable: A hard-hitting defensive back, Nestor (6-1, 190) was all over the field at Marist. As the RedHawks approach the postseason, Nestor has 50 tackles, four interceptions, eight passes defensed and a forced fumble. He finished his junior season with 63 tackles, three forced fumbles, four interceptions and 10 passes defensed. Nestor (6-1, 185) also returned kickoffs and punts. Although listed as a cornerback, Nestor also could play anywhere in the secondary at Iowa. Iowa State, Minnesota, Purdue and Kansas are among his 15 offers.

Committed: April 4, 2022

Maddux Borcherding-Johnson, DT

Hometown: Norwalk, Iowa

High school: Norwalk

Ranking: No. 940 overall, No. 107 DT, No. 10 Iowa (three-star)

Notable: Borcherding-Johnson (6-3, 277) was Iowa’s first commit in the 2023 class. He finished the current season with 32.5 tackles with seven for loss and two sacks. In 2021, Borcherding-Johnson had 36.5 tackles, including 11.5 for loss, last fall and earned second-team all-state honors. He has the bulk to play either a zero or one-technique as a heavy rotational defender.

Committed: July 8, 2021

David Caulker, DE

Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa

High school: North

Ranking: No. 976 overall, No. 87 DE, No. 11 Iowa (three-star)

Notable: Caulker (6-4, 255) finished the 2022 season with 34 tackles, including 23 for loss and four sacks for the Polar Bears this year. In 2021, he recorded 4.5 sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. He surged up recruiting lists during the late spring and picked up scholarship offers from Missouri, Iowa State, Minnesota and Nebraska. Caulker then attended an elite camp on June 5 at Iowa and committed one day after receiving an offer. Caulker also played basketball, averaging 9.9 points and 7.1 rebounds.

Committed: June 6, 2022

Aidan Hall, ATH

Hometown: Harlan, Iowa

High school: Harlan

Ranking: No. 88 ATH, No. 13 Iowa (three-star)

Notable: As a versatile threat for the defending Class 3A state champion and current Class 3A quarterfinalist, Hall (6-12, 200) has rushed for 463 yards and eight touchdowns, caught 38 passes for 690 yards and 12 touchdowns and 21 tackles this fall. He will play either linebacker or safety, depending on his body growth. Hall averaged 11.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in basketball last season. Hall picked Iowa over Minnesota in the spring.

Committed: May 21, 2022

Zach Lutmer, DB

Hometown: Rock Rapids, Iowa

High school: Central Lyon

Ranking: No. 104 ATH, No. 14 Iowa (three-star)

Notable: A likely safety for Iowa, Lutmer (6-1, 195) is a four-sport star with first-team all-state honors in both football and basketball this year. As a quarterback, safety and punter for the unbeaten Lions, Lutmer has thrown for 1,023 yards, 13 touchdowns and one interception while rushing for 971 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also has 36.5 tackles and two interceptions. For the Class 2A state boys basketball runner-up. Lutmer averaged 19.7 points a game. Lutmer chose Iowa over South Dakota and South Dakota State.

Committed: May 13, 2022

Cannon Leonard, T

Hometown: Gilman, Ill.

High school: Iroquois West

Ranking: No. 132 T, No. 36 Ill. (three-star)

Notable: In Leonard, (6-9. 265), Iowa is betting on its development. Leonard is raw but has good feet and is a willing and aggressive blocker. Plus, Leonard has a 6-10 wingspan and 10-3/4-inch hands. He did not have another Power 5 offer, but he was offered by several Mid-American Conference and FCS schools. If he hits his upside, look out.

Committed: June 21, 2022

Anterio Thompson, DT

Hometown: Dubuque, Iowa

High school: Iowa Western Community College/Dubuque (Iowa) Hempstead

Ranking: No consensus

Notable: Thompson (6-3, 290), a Rivals three-star, was starting to attract attention on the recruiting trail after picking up offers from Nebraska, Kansas, N.C. State, Washington State and Illinois. But just five days after the Hawkeyes offered him, the northeast Iowa native committed. In his first year at Iowa Western, Thompson has 21 tackles, including 5.5 for loss and four sacks. Thompson has blossomed from his Hempstead days, where he collected 36 tackles and seven for loss as a senior in 2020. He was an overlooked COVID-year casualty and went to Iowa Western, where he redshirted last year. Thompson will graduate in December, enroll at Iowa in January and be eligible for three seasons.

Committed: Oct. 29, 2022

(Top photo of Kenneth Merrieweather: Scott Dochterman / The Athletic)