Top Ranked Iose Epenesa Commits to Iowa

Scott Burgess August 15, 2024 @ 08:00 PM

There has been a long standing connection between Epenesa and the Big 10 program with both his dad and brothers playing there. His brother AJ Epenesa was the top player in the state in his class and is now staring for the Buffalo Bills. Despite seeming like a lock for much of the process he remained the only player in the Prep Redzone Illinois Top 10 to have not committed. That is over now!

What does he bring to the table as a prospect?

The 2025 defensive end is a 6'4" monster with a strong base and power to match. He is excellent using his hands in a number of ways. Great punch at the point of attack especially on the bull rush where he rolls his man backwards like they aren't even there. Also uses those hands to shed blocks with ease in the run game. Really like how well he gets off the initial block and can move down the line to tackle the back for a loss or no gain. Great at quickly identifying run vs pass and making adjustments off of it. He is effective as a playmaker against both. Creates big plays with sacks and forced fumbles. With his frame the defensive end could potentially slide down and play some three technique using his quickness and power especially once he continues to add strength in a college weight program. Also plays offense as a TE where he is mostly used as a blocker. Drives his man off the line and we could definitely see him being someone brought in on goal line situations as a full back to blow up a hole.

Epenesa is also a star in track as a thrower and a physical presence on the interior as a bruising post playing hoops for Edwardsville. Just an all-around elite athlete.