Hockenson staying patient

Chariton tight end T.J. Hockenson continues to be patient with the University of Iowa in the recruiting process. Although they have not offered, the Hawkeyes continue to let the 6-foot-5, 218-pound junior know exactly what they think about him overall.

"I went to one of their spring practices. I just talked with a lot of the coaches and hung out with a couple of their players. I learned a lot because I talked with Reese Morgan about the recruiting process. He said that I am his #1 project right now. He is trying his best to push my name to the other coaches."

Hockenson knows that he has to impress more coaches to land this scholarship.

"He just said that they keep wanting to see me in person. He tried to get up to a basketball practice but it just didn't work out. He is trying to see me in person and show some of the other coaches that I am a Division I athlete. He said I am his #1 project right now and that he understands that I am a Division I scholarship athlete. He wants to put that into the minds of the other coaches."

The spring practice trip was one that Hockenson had seen most of but mentioned that there was one thing that stood out to him.

"I watched their offense and learned a little bit more about how they use their tight ends. Other than that, I've been up there a few times so I've seen most of it."

Hockenson had one portion of the visit stand out the most to him overall.

"It was talking with Reese Morgan and Coach Ferentz. I was able to watch the practice and it is always fun to go out and watch. You wish you were playing but like I said, talking to the coaches was the best part."

The Hawkeyes are a school that Hockenson has a lot of praise for.

"I love Iowa and I have since I was a kid. I've been a fan but Iowa State right now is on top because they are the only one that has offered other than Eastern Michigan. They have the upper hand right now."

Hockenson is getting himself ready for a busy schedule on the camp circuit.

"I'm going to the Nike camp next week and then I'm going to Iowa, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Iowa State."

Two colleges have paid visits to Hockenson so far this month.

"Iowa State stopped by and an Eastern Michigan coach came to the school too."

Hockenson knows that the Hawkeyes will be making an appearance as well.

"I don't know when but Coach Morgan said that he was planning on it sometime in the next month."

Two colleges have touched base with Hockenson on the phone recently.

"I got a call from the Princeton head coach and a call from Coach Rhoads."