by Bill Seals
Shortly before its own season kicked off in early September, Iowa State extended an offer to a Class of 2018 junior from the Orlando (Fla.) area, and his relationship to the coaching staff has continued to blossom in the weeks since.
Kissimmee Gateway’s Dennis Briggs said he heard about the offer from his head coach.
“I heard about it before a practice,” said Briggs. “I was really shocked because it came out of nowhere, but I was excited at the same time. Coach (Mark) Thurston at Iowa State had been touch and said they liked how I use my hands and how I play.”
The 6-foot-3, 238-pound Briggs said he has gotten to know Thurston since learning about the offer, and says the Cyclones’ Assistant Director of Scouting has made a positive impression.
“We’ve been messaging with each other,” Briggs said. “He told me a lot about the program, but has really focused more on me personally. He always telling me good luck with my games and what I should do during games. It’s been just casual conversation. He’s a good coach and I feel like I have a good connection with him. I could see myself possibly going to Iowa State in the future.”
Briggs, who racked up seven sacks to go along with 56 tackles during his sophomore years, also has Power-5 offers from Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Pittsburgh and Virginia.
The junior defensive end is planning more unofficial visits in the coming months, and would like one of those to be to I-State.
“They’re talking to me about taking a trip up there,” Briggs said. “It’s a possibility for me. I would have to say next spring or summer. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Iowa State. They’re in the Big 12 Conference and will face a lot of tough competition. That’s something to look forward to.”
During his junior season, Briggs said he has focused on improving his pass rush skills and becoming a better run stopper.
“I try to focus on both pass rushing and run blocking,” he said. “I’m probably better at pass rushing right now. I just go full speed at the quarterback. I use my hands well and use all the moves possible in pass rushing. I try to perfect it in practice whenever I can.”
Shortly before its own season kicked off in early September, Iowa State extended an offer to a Class of 2018 junior from the Orlando (Fla.) area, and his relationship to the coaching staff has continued to blossom in the weeks since.
Kissimmee Gateway’s Dennis Briggs said he heard about the offer from his head coach.
“I heard about it before a practice,” said Briggs. “I was really shocked because it came out of nowhere, but I was excited at the same time. Coach (Mark) Thurston at Iowa State had been touch and said they liked how I use my hands and how I play.”
The 6-foot-3, 238-pound Briggs said he has gotten to know Thurston since learning about the offer, and says the Cyclones’ Assistant Director of Scouting has made a positive impression.
“We’ve been messaging with each other,” Briggs said. “He told me a lot about the program, but has really focused more on me personally. He always telling me good luck with my games and what I should do during games. It’s been just casual conversation. He’s a good coach and I feel like I have a good connection with him. I could see myself possibly going to Iowa State in the future.”
Briggs, who racked up seven sacks to go along with 56 tackles during his sophomore years, also has Power-5 offers from Indiana, Kentucky, Mississippi State, Pittsburgh and Virginia.
The junior defensive end is planning more unofficial visits in the coming months, and would like one of those to be to I-State.
“They’re talking to me about taking a trip up there,” Briggs said. “It’s a possibility for me. I would have to say next spring or summer. I’ve heard a lot of good things about Iowa State. They’re in the Big 12 Conference and will face a lot of tough competition. That’s something to look forward to.”
During his junior season, Briggs said he has focused on improving his pass rush skills and becoming a better run stopper.
“I try to focus on both pass rushing and run blocking,” he said. “I’m probably better at pass rushing right now. I just go full speed at the quarterback. I use my hands well and use all the moves possible in pass rushing. I try to perfect it in practice whenever I can.”
