by Bill Seals
It’s Iowa State and Iowa for a Class of 2018 defensive end that reins from one of the more prolific Class 4A programs within the state’s borders.
Dowling Catholic’s John Waggoner picked up his first offer of the recruiting process from the Cyclones during the summer and earlier this month added one from the Hawkeyes.
The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Waggoner said his recruitment has intensified as far as I-State is concerned.
“I got the offer from Iowa State in June and I’ve been up there a couple times this summer,” said Waggoner. “They’ve really picked up the pace since offering. I was up for the first game of the year against Northern Iowa. The coaches have continued to express how much they want me and how much of a priority I am to them. They’re really recruiting me pretty hard.”
Waggoner was one of several recruits on hand for the season opener against Northern Iowa, and joined fellow Dowling Catholic 2017 commit Jake Hummel in Ames. ISU coaches were also on hand last Friday night when the Maroons faced off against West Des Moines Valley.
Now that the 2016 season is underway, Waggoner said he’s noticed the culture of the program and believes Matt Campbell and his staff are a good fit in Ames.
“They’re definitely changing things up there and the coaches say I could fit right into the rebuild,” Waggoner said. “I have noticed they’re starting to build something special. The new staff is great and they’re definitely going to turn this thing around.”
Waggoner remains a two-way player for the Maroons, although his reps as a tight end have been limited to five to 10 snaps per game in double-tight sets. The junior says he’s settled into his role as a starting defensive end.
“I feel I’ve gotten real comfortable reading my blocks and getting off of them,” he said. “I’ve gotten quicker than I was last season.”
Other than the Cyclones and Hawkeyes, Waggoner said one program is also checking up on his consistently.
“I’ve still just got the offers from Iowa State and Iowa,” he said. “Notre Dame’s director of football recruiting has been messaging me and asking about my grades. Those are the three schools I’m hearing from.”
It’s Iowa State and Iowa for a Class of 2018 defensive end that reins from one of the more prolific Class 4A programs within the state’s borders.
Dowling Catholic’s John Waggoner picked up his first offer of the recruiting process from the Cyclones during the summer and earlier this month added one from the Hawkeyes.
The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Waggoner said his recruitment has intensified as far as I-State is concerned.
“I got the offer from Iowa State in June and I’ve been up there a couple times this summer,” said Waggoner. “They’ve really picked up the pace since offering. I was up for the first game of the year against Northern Iowa. The coaches have continued to express how much they want me and how much of a priority I am to them. They’re really recruiting me pretty hard.”
Waggoner was one of several recruits on hand for the season opener against Northern Iowa, and joined fellow Dowling Catholic 2017 commit Jake Hummel in Ames. ISU coaches were also on hand last Friday night when the Maroons faced off against West Des Moines Valley.
Now that the 2016 season is underway, Waggoner said he’s noticed the culture of the program and believes Matt Campbell and his staff are a good fit in Ames.
“They’re definitely changing things up there and the coaches say I could fit right into the rebuild,” Waggoner said. “I have noticed they’re starting to build something special. The new staff is great and they’re definitely going to turn this thing around.”
Waggoner remains a two-way player for the Maroons, although his reps as a tight end have been limited to five to 10 snaps per game in double-tight sets. The junior says he’s settled into his role as a starting defensive end.
“I feel I’ve gotten real comfortable reading my blocks and getting off of them,” he said. “I’ve gotten quicker than I was last season.”
Other than the Cyclones and Hawkeyes, Waggoner said one program is also checking up on his consistently.
“I’ve still just got the offers from Iowa State and Iowa,” he said. “Notre Dame’s director of football recruiting has been messaging me and asking about my grades. Those are the three schools I’m hearing from.”
