Hawks land in-state TE

Once Chariton tight end T.J. Hockenson picked up a scholarship offer from Iowa this month, it was probably only a matter of time. Today, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Hockenson made it official and gave his verbal commitment to the Hawkeyes during a weekend visit to Iowa City.

"I committed," said Hockenson. "I've always been a Hawkeye fan and have dreamed of playing at Kinnick."

As a junior, Hockenson caught 73 passes for 1,116 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning first team all-state honors for Chariton. That helped him earn early scholarship offers from Iowa State and Eastern Michigan, but once the opportunity to pay at Iowa came along it was a quick decision for the two-star prospect.

"It's the best feeling in the world," Hockenson said.

Hockenson, who is currently in Iowa City for the Hawkeye Tailgater, is commitment No. 12 for the Iowa coaching staff in the Class of 2016.