Boettger on board

When Cedar Falls native Ike Boettger received a scholarship offer from Iowa on Tuesday, he had a pretty good idea that is where he would be headed for college, but wanted to wait just a bit before making a commitment. On Sunday, the 6-foot-5, 220-pound Boettger decided that he had waited long enough.

"I just committed," said Boettger. "I've been talking about it a lot with my family and just figured why not. I mean I love the coaches, love the campus, and love everything about it, so I just decided to go ahead and do it today."

"I called Coach Morgan and Coach Ferentz and just told them that I'm going to be playing football for them next year," he continued. "They were excited and both said they were really happy for me."

After receiving the offer, Boettger had originally planned to make a return trip to Iowa City in early July before making a decision, but this weekend came to the conclusion that there was nothing else that he needed to see.

"My dad went to Iowa for three years and my grandparents both went to Iowa, so I already know the school is a great place," Boettger said. "One more visit wasn't going to affect things very much. I just kind of wanted to get it off my mind and commit right now."

The past two years, Boettger has played quarterback in high school, but in college he likely projects at tight end, which is what he played at Iowa's camp. The commitment from the Class of 2013 prospect gives the Hawkeyes their second recruit from Cedar Falls is as many years as Boettger will join former teammate Barkley Hill at Iowa.

"I actually just talked to Barkley and he's excited for me to come down there with him next year," said Boettger. "He said he loves it down there. He's working out with the team and everything is going great."

Meanwhile, Boettger looks forward to focusing on his own off-season schedule again now that he has the recruiting process behind him. Between football workouts and AAU basketball, he stays pretty busy in the summer and wants to finish his senior year on top.

"It feels really good to make my decision," Boettger said. "Now I can just focus on my senior year, try to win a couple of state championships, and then I'll be down in Iowa City."

Boettger, who grew up a Hawkeye fan, says that it has been a whirlwind of a week as he looks back on it, but one that he is sure to never forget.

"It's been a crazy week, but it's been a lot of fun. It's like a dream come true."