Snyder considering walk-on opportunity

West Lyon safety Jaden Snyder was thrilled to recently receive the news that Iowa was extending a preferred walk-on offer to him.

“Earlier this week, I got a call from LeVar (Woods) and he told me," said Snyder. "I was pretty pumped about that.”

A lot has gone through the head of Snyder since he received the news.

“It meant a lot, honestly," Snyder said. "I didn’t know where they were at with me to be honest. It felt good to know where they stand and know that my hard work is actually paying off. It felt good.”

Snyder has seen his brother go from walk-on to scholarship player and knows what it would involve.

“I know what Brandon (Snyder) went through and how hard he worked," he said. "I know if it comes down to it and I accept it, I’ll have to work my butt off to get a scholarship. It is another road you have to take to get to the bigger picture.”

The praise continues from Snyder on the Iowa program overall.

“It is a very, very well-run program," said Snyder. "It is top notch. I’ve been to a lot of schools and it is always towards the top. There is nothing but good things to say about Iowa.”

Snyder is not close to a final decision at this point as his high school team is currently in the playoffs.

“Right now, I am just trying to focus on my senior season and get better at what I do," Snyder said. "I think I’ll take some time and see what happens honestly.”

Having family in Iowa City is something that Snyder feels would benefit their program.

“I would definitely say that it helps," he said. "Just knowing what he has done and how the coaches have helped him, it definitely shows how they treat their players overall.”

Snyder has a few other colleges he is looking at as well.

“I went to UNI when they played Youngstown State two weeks ago," said Snyder. "It was a really good visit. I like their coaching staff and that program. Then I went to Augie earlier and they have a good coaching staff too.”

His eventual level of play in college remains up in the air for Snyder.

“Honestly, I am just trying to find the best fit for me," Snyder said. "I don’t care what level it is. If I find somewhere I feel home at, that is where I’ll go.”

Snyder was on campus for Iowa's victory recently over Illinois.

“I got to talk with the coaches a little more," he said. "I got to know them a little better. We toured the facilities, which I had not really done, and got to know to know their coaches a little better.”

The high school season is something that Snyder has been having fun with.

“It is going really well," said Snyder. "The team is playing really good right now. We have just been getting better every day and every rep. We are preparing for the next team like it will be the last time we’ll play.”