In-state tight end Luke Empen has made his college decision. After a visit to Iowa City this weekend, the 6-foot-7, 230-pound Empen has accepted a preferred walk-on opportunity with the Iowa Hawkeyes.

"The team, the coaches, and the community - these three factors made a huge impact on this decision," said Empen. "Iowa has a strong history of guys like me, so I wanted to be the next to carry out the tradition. It feels great to know that I am finally a part of the team."

"I have been dreaming about it for a while and the time was right," Empen continued. "It was just a great match for my family and I. It is a great feeling and I can’t wait to get to work."

As a senior, Empen finished with 51 catches for 598 yards and 6 touchdowns for Northeast Community High School in Goose Lake, IA.

See highlights from Empen's senior year in the video below.

Iowa's Class of 2018 walk-ons:

Colton Dinsdale- 6-foot-0, 212-pound LB from Reinbeck, IA (Iowa Western)

Nick Anderson- 6-foot-3, 230-pound LB from Waukee, IA (Iowa Western)

Matt Fagan- 6-foot-5, 265-pound OL from Council Bluffs, IA (St. Albert)

Turner Pallissard- 6-foot-2, 220-pound FB from Frankfort, IL (Lincoln-Way East)

Blair Brooks- 6-foot-3, 190-pound WR from Marion, IA (Marion)

Connor Ruth- 6-foot-0, 215-pound FB from Seward, NE (Seward)

Kordell Stillmunkes- 5-foot-9, 180-pound WR from Cuba City, WI (Cuba City)

Luke Empen - 6-foot-7, 230-pound TE from Goose Lake, IA (Northeast)