by Bill Seals
A graduate transfer safety from a G5 program in the south took his first of what figures to be three official visits this past weekend, checking out an Iowa State team in need of experience at his position.
Rice junior J.T. Ibe said he had an idea of what to expect going in and says ISU lived up to his expectations.
“I think it went well and solidified my preconceptions I had of the school, coaching staff and players,” said Ibe. “I had assumptions and everything kind of held up. It’s out in the middle of nowhere, a college town and a different feel for me having grown up in the city. I liked it.”
The 6-foot-0, 200-pound Ibe has one season of eligibility remaining and wants to make an immediate impact wherever he lands for 2018.
“I sat down with Coach (Jon) Heacock and we watched some film,” he said. “All of the safety positions…they’re asked to do similar duties. He said I’ll need to learn all three and will fit in where there’s a need. I think Iowa State is going to be a Big 12 championship contender.
“They’re returning a lot of guys up front, which is the foundation of any defense. They have to replace some linebackers and defensive backs, but the younger guys I watched on defense can play. They’re fast and athletic. It’s a good supporting cast on defense.”
Ibe ranked fifth on the team in tackles in 2017 with 42, including one for a loss. He also forced and recovered a fumble, recorded three pass defenses and three pass breakups. Ibe was a two-star prospect in the Class of 2015 and also had an offer from Minnesota.
Returning cornerback D’Andre Payne hosted Ibe on the official visit, which began Friday afternoon and wrapped up yesterday morning.
“He’s a similar guy, an older guy,” Ibe said. “He is all about his football and academics. He’s focused and a mature guy. He’s played a little nickel and was a cornerback this past year. He solidified everything I already thought about the school – the work ethic these guys have, how they grind and extra work they put in.”
The visit wrapped up with a final meeting at head coach Matt Campbell’s house.
“I was with my dad and sister,” Ibe said. “We talked about what we have the whole trip and since he’s been recruiting me…it’s my decision and he was in my shoes. Go see the other schools and make the right decision for myself.”
Two more P5 programs also appear to be in the running for Ibe, who said he plans to make a decision sometime next month.
“I’m going to Indiana next week(end) and most likely going to check out South Carolina the first week of March for a spring ball practice,” he said. “After that, I’ll for sure make a decision.”
Georgia Tech is likely out of the running, says Ibe, who is looking for the right fit on the defensive side of the ball.
“I don’t think that the defense they run is something I want to be in,” he said. “I like Iowa State’s defense they run – a little bit of 4-2-5 and a 3-3-stack. Their safeties are very involved. Indiana runs a 4-2-5 and their safeties are very involved. South Carolina has a history of putting out good defensive backs.”
A graduate transfer safety from a G5 program in the south took his first of what figures to be three official visits this past weekend, checking out an Iowa State team in need of experience at his position.
Rice junior J.T. Ibe said he had an idea of what to expect going in and says ISU lived up to his expectations.
“I think it went well and solidified my preconceptions I had of the school, coaching staff and players,” said Ibe. “I had assumptions and everything kind of held up. It’s out in the middle of nowhere, a college town and a different feel for me having grown up in the city. I liked it.”
The 6-foot-0, 200-pound Ibe has one season of eligibility remaining and wants to make an immediate impact wherever he lands for 2018.
“I sat down with Coach (Jon) Heacock and we watched some film,” he said. “All of the safety positions…they’re asked to do similar duties. He said I’ll need to learn all three and will fit in where there’s a need. I think Iowa State is going to be a Big 12 championship contender.
“They’re returning a lot of guys up front, which is the foundation of any defense. They have to replace some linebackers and defensive backs, but the younger guys I watched on defense can play. They’re fast and athletic. It’s a good supporting cast on defense.”
Ibe ranked fifth on the team in tackles in 2017 with 42, including one for a loss. He also forced and recovered a fumble, recorded three pass defenses and three pass breakups. Ibe was a two-star prospect in the Class of 2015 and also had an offer from Minnesota.
Returning cornerback D’Andre Payne hosted Ibe on the official visit, which began Friday afternoon and wrapped up yesterday morning.
“He’s a similar guy, an older guy,” Ibe said. “He is all about his football and academics. He’s focused and a mature guy. He’s played a little nickel and was a cornerback this past year. He solidified everything I already thought about the school – the work ethic these guys have, how they grind and extra work they put in.”
The visit wrapped up with a final meeting at head coach Matt Campbell’s house.
“I was with my dad and sister,” Ibe said. “We talked about what we have the whole trip and since he’s been recruiting me…it’s my decision and he was in my shoes. Go see the other schools and make the right decision for myself.”
Two more P5 programs also appear to be in the running for Ibe, who said he plans to make a decision sometime next month.
“I’m going to Indiana next week(end) and most likely going to check out South Carolina the first week of March for a spring ball practice,” he said. “After that, I’ll for sure make a decision.”
Georgia Tech is likely out of the running, says Ibe, who is looking for the right fit on the defensive side of the ball.
“I don’t think that the defense they run is something I want to be in,” he said. “I like Iowa State’s defense they run – a little bit of 4-2-5 and a 3-3-stack. Their safeties are very involved. Indiana runs a 4-2-5 and their safeties are very involved. South Carolina has a history of putting out good defensive backs.”
