Iowa Hawkeyes: Top 5 Commits Thus Far

Posted October 23, 2009 by iowah0_admin under under Iowa Hawkeyes, Recruiting

After perusing the depths of the many top recruiting websites, I was reminded of why I chose to create this blog: So that the avid Hawkeye fan that doesn’t want to sort through confusing recruiting jargon can enjoy a little inside knowledge of the Hawkeyes’ class of 2010.

I’ve compiled a list of who I believe are Iowa’s most valuable commits to this date. Iowa’s Class of 2010 could be a sleeper in terms of strength. Needless to say, many will disagree with the athletes I chose but I stand by my picks.

No. 5: Marcus Coker RB 6’1″/231 lbs. DeMatha High School (Hyattsville, Maryland)

Coker is an all-around running back but he has raw power that reminds one of Shawn Greene. It usually takes more than one defender to tackle him. On the season, Coker is averging 11.2 yards per carry and has 17 touchdowns on 114 carries for 1279 yards. He is on MaxPreps’  watch list for National Player of the Year.

No. 4: James Morris OLB 6’2”/215 lbs. Solon High School (Iowa)

Not many have heard of James Morris but Iowa can wave this native prospect around proudly. He is described as relentless. Head Coach Kirk Ferentz will love his work ethic. If he hadn’t committed to play for Iowa a year ago, he would have been swamped by offers from other major programs.

No. 3: Austin Gray MLB 6’2”/225 lbs. Fitzgerald High School (Warren, Michigan)

Austin Gray is a monster of a linebacker.  There’s no other way to describe it. He is ranked nationally in linebackers on many top recruiting websites and considered as the second best linebacker in the state of Michigan. He gets to the ball fast and hits hard. If there’s one area he may need to work on, however, it’s his pass coverage. Who better to teach him than Hawkeye Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker, who loves to drop linebackers back into coverage. Did I mention this guy is a hard hitting monster? I thought I should emphasize that.

No. 2: A.J. Derby 6’5”/220 lbs. Iowa City High School (Iowa)

Boy, are the Hawkeyes glad they got a hold of this kid. Derby is ranked as the 33rd best quarterback prospect in the nation by iowa.scout.com. Competition for signing Derby included strong programs such as LSU, Florida and Big Ten conference foe Michigan.  Derby is an all-around quarterback. In his junior year, Derby passed for 1,200 yards with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions. He showcased his skill on the ground with 1,065 yards and 13 touchdowns. While Derby says he’s a quarterback first, don’t be too surprised if he gets changed to linebacker in college.

No. 1: Andrew Donnal OT 6’7”/290 lbs. Anthony Wayne High School (Whitehouse, Ohio)

The potential for Andrew Donnal appears to be unlimited. He’s got All-American written all over him according to MaxPreps. Scouts.com lists Donnal as the 26th best tackle recruit in the nation. He’s got great speed, footwork and he can get down field better than any big man in the Midwest. Donnal has the frame to become a huge road block for defenders but he’ll have to work on gaining the extra pounds. Donnal is known for playing hard but will have to work on his overall strength. That shouldn’t be a problem. He’ll be in good hands with Iowa.


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