Breaking Down the State of Iowa's Six July Commitments

Taking a look at the six commitments in the state of Iowa since the beginning of July -- the players themselves, fits with each program and more.    [player_tooltip player_id='1692342' first='Kane' last='Brooks'] will enter the near-perfect situation for him offensively at Minnesota State. A program that is incredibly balanced in the rushing and passing attacks, Brooks will be used as a blocker -- which he did often for Iowa PWO commit, Braeden Jackson at Centennial last season -- and where he'll be featured in the passing game.   Probably under utilized given his athleticism and ball skills as a tight end, Brooks caught five passes for 95 yards and three touchdowns last season at Centennial. His production will undoubtedly increase in his final year with the Jaguars.   One of the powerhouses of the D2 level, the Mavericks went 11-4 last season with wins over three ranked teams. Head football coach Todd Hoffner just agreed to a five-year contract extension, ensuring the experienced and proven coach will be with the program for Brooks' tenure there. With his 6'3" and 235-pound frame that he boasts in his X bio, Brooks could also be set up to see the field early in Mankato.     A play-finisher whose motor doesn't stop until the whistle is blown, Mausser's physicality and mean streak on the football field are reminiscent of Trevor Penning's play while at Northern Iowa. If Mausser has a chance to put somebody on their butt for his offense to move another another inch, he'll do it.   The 6'1" and 255 pound guard has plenty of room to grow and good weight to add to his frame. An excellent recruit to add to the program build Joe Woodley is currently in the process of with Drake, getting a homegrown recruit that plays with the ferocity that Mausser does is a win for the former Grandview head man.   The Vikings went 14-0 and won the NAIA national championship last fall, and Woodley will look to replicate that success in the Pioneer League at the FCS level.     Having seen [player_tooltip player_id='283946' first='Jayden' last='McGregory'] in person on multiple occasions (plus his offer list that included programs like Michigan, Missouri, Georgia, Tennessee and others), it's easy to tell that he is the real deal.   An incredibly fluid athlete that could play a variety of positions at the next level, McGregory is a big play waiting to happen as a defensive back -- the position he'll play at Louisville. With his ability to completely take away parts of the field, the West Des Moines Valley product can cover the opposing team's best receiver one-on-one, can fly to the opposite side of the field for a PBU, interception or tackle. If he gets the ball in his hands, expect him to weave his way through traffic, break a tackle or two and potentially find his way to the endzone.   Entering his final year at Valley with his starting quarterback returning in [player_tooltip player_id='401870' first='Drake' last='DeGroote'], the pair will be set up to have uber productive senior seasons together, while McGregory will be impactful defensively and on special teams.   Louisville is an excellent fit for McGregory, as the Cardinals have produced NFL DBs like Jaire Alexander, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., Kerry Rhodes, Willie Gay and others. The Cardinals are coming off a 9-4 season in their third year under head coach Jeff Brohm.     The first of two commits to the University of Sioux Falls -- a staple of recruiting in the state of Iowa in the Division 2 ranks -- [player_tooltip player_id='1238171' first='Grady' last='McGuire'] will play safety for the Cougars.   After focusing on starting at quarterback during his sophomore and junior seasons at Washington, McGuire will lock in more on his spot on the backend of the Warriors defense this fall. Last season, McGuire led his team offensively on the ground, taking 80 carries for 513 yards and seven scores. Through the air, he completed 63-of-135 passes for 865 yards and ten touchdowns.   Last season, Sioux Falls finished with an 8-3 record, including a win over recently-turned D1 program, St. Thomas.     5A First-Team All-State defensive back, [player_tooltip player_id='1240478' first='Joel' last='Sankoh'] was one of the most productive DBs in the state last season for Dowling Catholic. With 57.5 tackles (42 solo) and three interceptions to his name, Sankoh solidified himself as one of the top defensive players in the state in 2024.   A ball-hawk, Sankoh is read-and-react personified, as once he diagnoses a play, he flies after the ball to make a tackle. With eight tackles-for-loss indicating his ability to get into the backfield as a DB, Sankoh has the potential to play the nickel position or safety at the next level for the Jackrabbits.   Going to a well-regarded developmental program in South Dakota State, Sankoh will have an incredible opportunity to learn from some of the best coaches in the FCS. With Dan Jackson taking over the program after the departure of the previous staff, Sankoh is a pivotal recruit that can help set the tone for the beginning of Jackson's tenure in Brookings.     A do-it-all athlete for the four-time 5A state champion Southeast Polk, [player_tooltip player_id='401671' first='Drew' last='Thompson'] did just about everything for the Rams last season. Listed as a running back on his team's roster, Thompson took 102 carries for 597 yards and nine touchdowns, along with snagging 25 catches for 174 yards and three scores on offense. Defensively, he put together 29 tackles, including five tackles-for-loss, and he recovered a fumble. On special teams, he returned 13 kicks of 283 yards.   So, while there doesn't appear to be a clear path to playing one position or another in college for Thompson, he will have an opportunity somewhere on either side of the ball for the Cougars.   Largely a D2 recruit, Thompson opted to commit to USF despite receiving an offer from Northern Iowa after camping in Cedar Falls in June.

Taking a look at the six commitments in the state of Iowa since the beginning of July -- the players themselves, fits with each program and more.