by Bill Seals
Ready to lay the foundation for future years along the offensive line, Iowa State is taking the necessary steps in recruiting for the Class of 2017. The coaching staff added its fourth three-star prospect for next year's class when Jefferson (Ga.) High School Caleb Chandler committed during an unofficial visit to Ames.
The 6-foot-5, 295-pound Chandler also had Power-5 offers from Florida, Louisville, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi State, Missouri, Purdue and Virginia Tech, which makes him one of the more highly-recruited commitments in recent history.
Upon his return to Georgia on Sunday afternoon, Chandler - who comes from the same area of Georgia as incoming freshman quarterback Zeb Noland - said the decision was in the works for a long time.
"I liked everything - the facilities, coaching staff and players," said Chandler. "Me and Zeb, along with some of the coaches, hung out and talked all (last) night. I talked to most of the players, including most of the incoming freshmen. I really loved everything about it and can't wait to be a Cyclone.
"Iowa State has been my number one school for the past few months. I just didn't want to tell anybody. I felt it would be better if I just got it out of the way. I've been planning on committing to Iowa State for some time. I've done so much research. The academic center up there is amazing and Iowa State is a great place to get an education. I looked at every scenario and felt like today would be the day."
Chandler said he was recruited heavily by I-State head coach Matt Campbell and assistants Tom Manning and Bryan Gasser.
He said the coaches were ecstatic to hear the news first-hand this morning.
"Coach Manning jumped on me and his shoulder hit me in the face, because he was so happy," Chandler said. "He said a tear rolled down his eye a little bit. Me, Coach Campbell and Coach Gasser hugged each other. We all had a great conversation this morning and I can't wait to get started with those guys."
While the coaches played an intricate role in his decision to go with the Cyclones, Chandler said Noland also did his part.
"Me and him live so close to each other here in Georgia," Chandler said. "I could really listen to everything he said because he's from the same place I am, and he fell in love with Iowa State. He told me how amazing the place was, how peaceful it is and how the coaching staff is amazing. I felt every single bit of it. Me and Zeb have a very close friendship now and it's only going to get better."
Morgan became one of 12 known ISU verbals for the Class of 2017 and the second of the day, joining Butler County (Kan.) JUCO cornerback Octavious Morgan,
Ready to lay the foundation for future years along the offensive line, Iowa State is taking the necessary steps in recruiting for the Class of 2017. The coaching staff added its fourth three-star prospect for next year's class when Jefferson (Ga.) High School Caleb Chandler committed during an unofficial visit to Ames.
The 6-foot-5, 295-pound Chandler also had Power-5 offers from Florida, Louisville, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi State, Missouri, Purdue and Virginia Tech, which makes him one of the more highly-recruited commitments in recent history.
Upon his return to Georgia on Sunday afternoon, Chandler - who comes from the same area of Georgia as incoming freshman quarterback Zeb Noland - said the decision was in the works for a long time.
"I liked everything - the facilities, coaching staff and players," said Chandler. "Me and Zeb, along with some of the coaches, hung out and talked all (last) night. I talked to most of the players, including most of the incoming freshmen. I really loved everything about it and can't wait to be a Cyclone.
"Iowa State has been my number one school for the past few months. I just didn't want to tell anybody. I felt it would be better if I just got it out of the way. I've been planning on committing to Iowa State for some time. I've done so much research. The academic center up there is amazing and Iowa State is a great place to get an education. I looked at every scenario and felt like today would be the day."
Chandler said he was recruited heavily by I-State head coach Matt Campbell and assistants Tom Manning and Bryan Gasser.
He said the coaches were ecstatic to hear the news first-hand this morning.
"Coach Manning jumped on me and his shoulder hit me in the face, because he was so happy," Chandler said. "He said a tear rolled down his eye a little bit. Me, Coach Campbell and Coach Gasser hugged each other. We all had a great conversation this morning and I can't wait to get started with those guys."
While the coaches played an intricate role in his decision to go with the Cyclones, Chandler said Noland also did his part.
"Me and him live so close to each other here in Georgia," Chandler said. "I could really listen to everything he said because he's from the same place I am, and he fell in love with Iowa State. He told me how amazing the place was, how peaceful it is and how the coaching staff is amazing. I felt every single bit of it. Me and Zeb have a very close friendship now and it's only going to get better."
Morgan became one of 12 known ISU verbals for the Class of 2017 and the second of the day, joining Butler County (Kan.) JUCO cornerback Octavious Morgan,
