by Bill Seals
A dual-threat quarterback in the 2021 class earned an offer from Iowa State a few months ago after members of the coaching staff watched him perform at a satellite camp.
East St. Louis (Ill.) rising junior Tyler Macon, who was teammates last season with ISU offensive line signee Darrell Simmons, said he shined in front of assistants Joel Gordon and Nate Scheelhaase at Lindenwood University in St. Louis.
“They didn’t come out to my school during spring recruiting, but finally ended up offering me when Coach Gordon and Coach Scheelhaase saw me throw,” said Macon. “Before then, we were in touch with each other but that was the first time they saw me throw in person.”
In addition to showing his quarterbacking skills in front of the coaches, the 6-foot-0, 180-pound Macon said he got to know them on a personal level.
“Coach Gordon and I spent a lot of time with each other at the camp before we got into drills,” Macon said. “We were talking to each other and building a relationship. Coach Scheelhaase is our area recruiter, so I was in contact with him before the camp.
“I think I impressed Coach Gordon a lot as a dual-threat quarterback. A lot of people might not think dual-threat quarterbacks can pass with the pocket passers, but Coach Gordon was really impressed and one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks he’s seen.”
Even before the offer came his way, Macon said he knew plenty about the Cyclones from watching during the 2018 season.
“I’m a big fan of Brock Purdy, the quarterback they have there now,” he said. “I like the offense they run, because it’s similar to the one we run in high school with the (run-pass option). I can see myself playing in that offense and having success. I’ve talked to (2019 offensive line signee Darrell Simmons) and he’s told me about the campus and coaches.
“I’ve also been looking at Iowa State since Coach (Matt) Campbell got there. He’s a great coach that was at Toledo before. I feel he has the program on the rise to being one of the elite programs in the near future.”
Macon said he will get his initial first-hand look at I-State later this month when he travels to Ames.
“I’m taking a visit up there July 18th after they come back after dead period. I’m coming up with my family and look forward to seeing Darrell again. I want to develop a good relationship with Coach Campbell and see if he’s the type of head coach I want to play for at the next level.”
As a sophomore starter, Macon completed 138-of-233 passes for 2,390 yards and 28 touchdowns to just four interceptions. He was just as lethal on the ground, tallying 1,190 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on 131 carries.
A dual-threat quarterback in the 2021 class earned an offer from Iowa State a few months ago after members of the coaching staff watched him perform at a satellite camp.
East St. Louis (Ill.) rising junior Tyler Macon, who was teammates last season with ISU offensive line signee Darrell Simmons, said he shined in front of assistants Joel Gordon and Nate Scheelhaase at Lindenwood University in St. Louis.
“They didn’t come out to my school during spring recruiting, but finally ended up offering me when Coach Gordon and Coach Scheelhaase saw me throw,” said Macon. “Before then, we were in touch with each other but that was the first time they saw me throw in person.”
In addition to showing his quarterbacking skills in front of the coaches, the 6-foot-0, 180-pound Macon said he got to know them on a personal level.
“Coach Gordon and I spent a lot of time with each other at the camp before we got into drills,” Macon said. “We were talking to each other and building a relationship. Coach Scheelhaase is our area recruiter, so I was in contact with him before the camp.
“I think I impressed Coach Gordon a lot as a dual-threat quarterback. A lot of people might not think dual-threat quarterbacks can pass with the pocket passers, but Coach Gordon was really impressed and one of the best dual-threat quarterbacks he’s seen.”
Even before the offer came his way, Macon said he knew plenty about the Cyclones from watching during the 2018 season.
“I’m a big fan of Brock Purdy, the quarterback they have there now,” he said. “I like the offense they run, because it’s similar to the one we run in high school with the (run-pass option). I can see myself playing in that offense and having success. I’ve talked to (2019 offensive line signee Darrell Simmons) and he’s told me about the campus and coaches.
“I’ve also been looking at Iowa State since Coach (Matt) Campbell got there. He’s a great coach that was at Toledo before. I feel he has the program on the rise to being one of the elite programs in the near future.”
Macon said he will get his initial first-hand look at I-State later this month when he travels to Ames.
“I’m taking a visit up there July 18th after they come back after dead period. I’m coming up with my family and look forward to seeing Darrell again. I want to develop a good relationship with Coach Campbell and see if he’s the type of head coach I want to play for at the next level.”
As a sophomore starter, Macon completed 138-of-233 passes for 2,390 yards and 28 touchdowns to just four interceptions. He was just as lethal on the ground, tallying 1,190 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns on 131 carries.
