Illinois TE impressed by Iowa

Illinois tight end Albert Okwuegbunam is visiting three of the schools that have offered him this week starting with the University of Iowa on Wednesday. For the 6-foot-5, 215-pound Okwuegbunam, who attends Sacred Heart-Griffin High School in Springfield, IL, it was his first visit to Iowa City and one that left him thoroughly impressed.

"When I first got there, they showed me around the campus and showed me all of the new facilities and I was really impressed by them because everything there is brand new," said Okwuegbunam. "After that, I got to meet with Coach Ferentz, the head coach, and Coach Doyle, the strength coach, and then Coach Woods, the tight ends coach."

"I really liked what the coaches had to say about the program and their overall message," he continued. "I like how they really care about the individual player and want to make sure they reach their full potential both academically and athletically on the field."

Playing wide receiver his junior year, Okwuegbunam finished the season with 27 catches for 480 yards and 10 touchdowns, helping SHG win a state title in Class 5A. With his frame, many colleges see the Illinois native making the transition to tight end in college, including Iowa.

"Coach Woods explained to me the success that they've had with their tight ends and how the NFL scouts really love them because their offense is similar to the offenses they run in the NFL," Okwuegbunam said. "He talked about how they would utilize me in the offense and said it would be a great opportunity to go there."

Leaving Iowa City with a good first impression on Wednesday, Okwuegbunam continues to have the Hawkeyes high on his list early on in the recruiting process.

"I was very impressed," said Okwuegbunam. "I think very highly of Iowa. They're definitely among my top choices."

With scholarship offers on the table from Iowa, Iowa State, Minnesota, Cincinnati, Syracuse, Nevada, Wyoming, Southern Miss, and several MAC schools, Okwuegbunam has a variety of options. He has yet to narrow things down really, but thinks this week's visits will help sort things out.

"It's still a little early," Okwuegbunam said. "After Iowa, I'm visiting Iowa State tomorrow and Minnesota on Saturday, so I'll probably have a better idea after that."

If all goes according to plan, Okwuegbunam would like to have his college decision out of the way before his senior season at Sacred Heart-Griffin.

"I probably would like to have a decision made before the season starts," said Okwuegbunam. "I don't really have anything set in stone, but hopefully it will be by then."

Asked what he is looking for in a college football program, the Illinois native says it is all about finding the right fit.

"I'd say a welcoming coaching staff, a family atmosphere, good facilities, and just a great program where I fit in," Okwuegbunam said.