Sadler discusses his decision
With the ability to play either side of the ball in the trenches, the Hawkeyes landed a versatile walk-on in Jesup lineman Brian Sadler, who will do whatever he can to help his team succeed. After the 6-foot-2, 280-pound Sadler announced his decision, we caught up with him to talk about his choice and his future in Iowa City.
Q: Why did you pick Iowa?
SADLER: Every time I went on a visit to Iowa City, it felt like home to me. (They have) great teammates, great coaches, and great fans.
Q: How much did the coaches factor into your decision?
SADLER: The coaches at Iowa played a big part in my decision. They feel like the type of guys that I would be happy to have help shape me for the future. (They have) great personalities and are always full of energy.
Q: What schools were you considering?
SADLER: I had it narrowed down to Iowa and Upper Iowa before I made my final decision.
Q: Where do the Iowa coaches project you at in college?
SADLER: They aren't sure which side of the ball I will play yet.
Q: Do you have a preference?
SADLER: Not at all. I'm willing to play wherever I can help the team the most.
Q: Have you taken an official visit there or are you going to?
SADLER: I have not taken an official visit and I'm not sure if I will or not.
Q: Did you grow up a fan of Iowa and did that play a factor into your decision?
SADLER: I wasn’t really an Iowa fan until this past year, but I sure am now.
Q: What did they say about you as a walk-on and what to expect?
SADLER: It is a lot of work to be a part of a DI football program and it will be challenging. I'm really excited for the new challenges it will bring.
Q: What was the hardest part of recruiting?
SADLER: The hardest part was narrowing it down. Getting out to see a lot of schools and figuring out the ones that would really fit.
Q: When was your most recent visit to Iowa?
SADLER: My most recent visit to Iowa was the Purdue game day visit.
Q: What stood out most during that visit?
SADLER: The atmosphere that the Hawkeye community brings just really stood out to me.
Q: What are your plans to get ready for the college level?
SADLER: The hard work never stops in the classroom or with training, so that will continue through the end of the school year.
Q: How much does your success in wrestling help you in football?
SADLER: Wrestling has taught me how to work hard and it helps me with speed and body awareness.
Q: Did the Iowa coaches talk about how they like you are a multi-sport athlete?
SADLER: Yes, they really appreciate multi-sport athletes in their program.
Q: Who was the main coach recruiting you and how important was he during the process?
SADLER: Coach Bell and Coach Morgan both played big parts in my recruiting. They are great guys and were very good to communicate with.
See highlights from Sadler's senior year at Jesup 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)
Kyle Sorensen- 6-foot-6, 250-pound OL from Waukee, IA (Waukee)
Nathan Nelson- 6-foot-4, 230-pound DE from Waukee, IA (Waukee)
Mike Timm- 6-foot-1, 220-pound LB from Wales, WI (Kettle Moraine)
John Carlson- 6-foot-4, 190-pound LB from Bondurant, IA (Bondurant-Farrar)
Joe Evans- 6-foot-3, 210-pound LB from Ames, IA (Ames)
Brian Sadler- 6-foot-2, 280-pound OL from Jesup, IA (Jesup)
Jake Morrison- 6-foot-3, 215-pound LB from Waukee, IA (Waukee)