Riggs excited about opportunity at Iowa
After accepting an opportunity to walk-on at Iowa, Dowling Catholic linebacker Mitchell Riggs will be living a dream suiting up for the Hawkeyes. We caught up with the 6-foot-2, 215-pound Riggs to discuss his decision and much more.
Q: How was your visit over the weekend to Iowa?
RIGGS: Good. I learned a lot about the program both from an athletic and academic standpoint. I heard some valuable information from current players.
Q: What do you feel were the biggest things you learned?
RIGGS: Just mostly that walk-ons get the same opportunity and the same chance to see the field as any scholarship player. If you're willing to put in the work, good things will happen.
Q: What was your schedule during the weekend?
RIGGS: We got there at 1 on Friday. We had lunch and talked to coaches for a little while. Then we moved into the meeting room and listened to Coach Ferentz and Coach Doyle talk. Then we sat down with our position coaches and watched some film. Then we got a little tour of the stadium and ate dinner in the press box. Then we hung out with our player hosts. In the morning, we ate breakfast with academic advisors and professors. Then we had a little academic presentation before going to the Iowa vs. Purdue basketball game.
Q: What was your favorite part of the trip?
RIGGS: Just getting around the coaches and learning about the program. Also, they had some great food.
Q: Why did you end up committing to Iowa?
RIGGS: They had the right feel and it has always been a dream of mine to play there. I knew it was the place for me.
Q: What was the reaction from the coaches when you told them?
RIGGS: They were very excited and can't wait for me to join the program next year.
Q: How much did the coaches factor into your decision?
RIGGS: The coaches were a big factor because they do a great job. Getting around them this whole weekend helped solidify my decision.
Q: What did they say about you as a player and how you fit their system?
RIGGS: They said I'm a great player and had a very productive high school career. I would play inside linebacker along with special teams.
Q: What was the reaction from Iowa signee and Dowling teammate John Waggoner when you decided?
RIGGS: He was excited. He had been recruiting me pretty hard to come to Iowa with him.
Q: What are your plans now to get ready for the college level?
RIGGS: Lift and get faster with Acceleration Iowa. If Iowa gives me workouts, I will follow those.
As a senior, Riggs led the Dowling defense with 146 tackles and 16 TFL as they won their fifth consecutive state championship in Class 4A.
See highlights from Riggs' 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)
Mitchell Riggs- 6-foot-2, 215-pound LB from West Des Moines, IA (Dowling)