Family feeling for Alvis on visit

Dominic Alvis made his way to Iowa City for his official visit knowing he already held a scholarship offer from Iowa. It was a grayshirt opportunity, but it was still an offer. While a scholarship offer to become part of the Iowa football team this fall did not materialize, the talented future defensive lineman isn't complaining, he is just happy to be a future Hawkeye.

"I wanted to be a Hawkeye," he said. "That was the most important thing for me because not many people get that opportunity. The grayshirt is still a full scholarship offer. That is the way that I look at it. I'm excited about it."

The 6-foot-4 and 225 pound defensive line prospect from Logan Magnolia Community High School added that Iowa continues to tell him that if something opens up, there is a chance that he could be with the team this fall. But, if it doesn't he is fine with that.

"I'll be taking less than 12 credit hours in the fall. That is the plan. It will give me a chance to get myself comfortable with the campus and the academic side of life. I think there are some real advantages to that."

This weekend, he was hosted by freshman quarterback James Vandenberg on his visit and that turned out to be one of the highlights of a terrific weekend.

"I had a great time hanging out with James. That was probably the highlight for me," Alvis said. "We just hung out and talked and played video games. It is really helpful to hear the players' side and it makes it more real to me. It helps me see myself in those shoes next year."

Alvis said that the entire trip was "awesome" and that included getting the opportunity to spend time with the Iowa coaches on the defensive side of the ball, including his future position coach, Rick Kaczenski.

"We had dinner with the defensive coaches and they ran us through the basics of the defense they run. They I met with Coach Kaz and he went into specifics about the defense that they play and how he expects that I will fit in."

Perhaps most the most important aspect of the official visit for Alvis was what he came away with, feeling the family atmosphere within the program and feeling like he was part of it.

"I got to see the Iowa Football family up close and it is a great thing. I am excited to be a part of it," he said.