Hockenson discusses decision

For T.J. Hockenson, playing football for the Iowa Hawkeyes has been a dream since he was little. Now, the 6-foot-5, 230-pound Hockenson will get a chance to live that dream as he committed to the Iowa coaching staff on Friday at their Hawkeye Tailgater. After the weekend visit, we caught up with the Chariton native to talk about his decision, his future at Iowa, and much more.

Q: Why did you end up committing to Iowa?

HOCKENSON: I think the whole thing was a dream of mine since I was little. I have always been going to Hawkeye games and watching the Hawkeyes play. It has always been a goal of mine to be one of them and I will be living the dream.

Q: When did you end up committing?

HOCKENSON: I called Coach Morgan on Wednesday and asked him if I could have a meeting with Coach Ferentz. I knew Wednesday that I was going to commit.

Q: Did you get a chance to talk with Coach Ferentz before the event this weekend?

HOCKENSON: I showed up about half an hour early to talk to Coach Ferentz.

Q: What was his reaction when you committed?

HOCKENSON: He was really excited. He said that this class is starting to come together and they have a very good one coming in. It just got better since I committed. He was really excited and so was Coach Woods and Coach Morgan. It was good for everyone.

Q: How was the visit over the weekend?

HOCKENSON: I loved it. I was able to go out with the players on Friday night and hang out with them. It was my first night being a Hawkeye and it was like everything you'd expect. It was the best being able to hang out with the players and interacting with them. It was awesome.

Q: What was your favorite part of the trip?

HOCKENSON: It was hanging out with the players definitely. I was able to experience being a Hawkeye and just being in down time Iowa City. It was just life as a Hawkeye but I guess I can't really explain it. I look forward to it and everything in the next year.

Q: How was getting a chance to meet the other recruits more?

HOCKENSON: It was cool. I talked to a lot of them. I talked to Spencer (Williams) and a few others. I get along with all of those guys. They are all cool guys and we were all excited. They were welcoming me to the family and it was a great experience.

Q: When will you be back in Iowa City?

HOCKENSON: I think there is something later coming up but other than that I'm just getting ready for football for my senior year. I'll be back down for their home games on Saturday and will take my official visit after my football season.

Q: How much stress has been lifted with the commitment?

HOCKENSON: It is a huge weight off of my shoulders. I felt like the pressure was there the last week or two. It is the best feeling to not worry about recruiting for my senior year and getting ready to be a Hawkeye.

As a junior, Hockenson caught 73 passes for 1,116 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning first team all-state honors at Chariton High School.