First Commit for 2005 - Alex Kanellis

The Iowa Football program recently secured its first verbal from the Class of 2005 in Alex Kanellis. The 6-foot-3 sophomore from Iowa City West High School played offensive guard, nose guard, and some fullback last season.

Kanellis was quick to respond once the offer was extended.

“I was very excited. I got the letter on a Wednesday and I called my parents right away and asked them if they thought it was ok for me to commit. I have always wanted to play for the Hawks,” said Kanellis.

The quick call to the Iowa Football office caught one person off guard.

“I called the football office and they put me through to Coach Ferentz. I think he was a little surprised that I called so quickly, but Iowa is where I want to be.”

After committing, Kanellis has already been working on his high school teammate, running back Greg Coleman, to join him at Iowa.

“I have been bugging him about it, sure. But, right now he just sort of laughs and says we’ll see,” Kanellis said.

This past season, Kanellis was named second team all conference on defense. His coach, Dan Dvorak, feels that Iowa is getting an outstanding player and person in Kanellis.

“He is a great young man off the field. As far a football player he has a great motor and just works hard on every play and in the off season,” said Dvorak.

That motor is something that Kanellis says come naturally to him.

“I just think when you enjoy something, you don’t want to stop doing it. I just have a lot of fun playing football and I think that comes across on the field,” said Kanellis.

Dvorak was quick to point out that it will be awhile before he starts wearing the black and gold on Saturdays.

“He is committed to Iowa, but the best thing for us is that we have him here for two more years.”

This past winter, Kanellis finished in 6th place in the state wrestling tournament at 215 pounds. He has now turned his focus to next fall and the goals on the gridiron.

“The top thing in my mind for this fall is to win the state title in football. That is something we are working for and hope to achieve,” Kanellis said.

It is too early to project where Kanellis play at Iowa. He has the ability to play either side of the ball. But, it is pretty clear that he is a good one with the motor that Coach Ferentz and his staff love to see in a player.