Snyder follows his heart
In a decision that went back and forth, West Lyon safety Jaden Snyder followed his heart with his commitment to walk on at the University of Iowa. Afterwards, we caught up with the 6-foot-2, 205-pound to discuss what went into his decision and more.
Q: Why did you pick Iowa over South Dakota State?
SNYDER: Ultimately, it came down to where my heart was. I felt God was putting it in my heart to go to Iowa and not only prove myself, but to spread his love and grace amongst others. Money was a factor, but at the end of the day money can’t make someone happy. I saw myself being the most successful not only in college but also in the future. The coaches, facilities, and players are very special. Iowa is where I wanted to be.
Q: What was your brother’s reaction when you told him that news?
SNYDER: We’ve been talking about it for a while now, so he’s been in a lot of discussions of how I was feeling. He’s obviously excited that I will be there, and I can’t wait to be there. I know we will push each other to the next level. The best is yet to come.
Q: Did having your brother on the team factor in?
SNYDER: Absolutely. He’s taught me so much and the fact that I’ll be able to see him every day again is something I really missed. I know what he’s capable, not only as a player, but also as a leader and teacher. He’ll help me understand all the new things that I’ll need to know.
Q: How much did the coaches factor in?
SNYDER: Coach Woods is a really great person and coach. It was good to talk to Coach Parker and Coach Ferentz on my visit to get a better understanding of what they see for me. Coach Doyle also played a major role, being so established in the strength and conditioning field, which is a field I am looking into for the future. I can’t wait work my butt off for him and see how high my ceiling can be.
Q: What are your plans now to get ready for the college level?
SNYDER: I’ll be doing track in the spring to try to increase my speed and agility. Strength-wise, I’ll keep doing what I’ve been doing in the weight room. I’ll get in touch with my brother for drills to do and probably a playbook I can look at.
Q: What was the hardest part of recruiting?
SNYDER: The hardest part was probably deciding between heart and mind. I knew my heart was at Iowa, but my mind was telling me how much money I would be throwing away. At the end of the day, money can’t make someone happy.
Q: How do you feel about Iowa's recruiting class overall?
SNYDER: I haven’t had the opportunity of meeting the guys yet, but I am hearing a lot of good things. I can’t wait to come together and see what we can accomplish.
Q: How does it feel to remain teammates with West Lyon fullback/Iowa commitment Monte Pottebaum? Did you guys talk much about recruiting?
SNYDER: It feels awesome to be able to play with him again. He’s worked so hard to get where he is at, and I respect him a lot. We went on our visit together, but we never really talked about it.
Q: What does it mean to know you'll be living a childhood dream of suiting up to Iowa this fall?
SNYDER: My dream hasn’t come true yet. My dream isn’t just to go to Iowa and be a nobody, my dream is to play. I know it’s not going to be easy, but nothing is impossible.
Snyder chose the walk-on opportunity at Iowa over scholarship offers at South Dakota, South Dakota State, and Northern Iowa.
As a senior, Snyder finished this season with 32 tackles and four interceptions on defense to go along with 1,451 yards passing and 627 yards rushing with a total of 34 touchdowns on offense.
See highlights from his senior year at West Lyon 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 Kapisak - 6-foot-5, 195-pound QB from South Windsor, CT (South Windsor)
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)
Ben Subbert- 6-foot-4, 235-pound TE from Williamsburg, IA (Williamsburg)
Trey Winters- 6-foot-6, 305-pound OL from Ankeny, IA (Centennial)
Monte Pottebaum- 6-foot-2, 220-pound FB from Larchwood, IA (West Lyon)
Jaden Snyder- 6-foot-2, 205-pound DB from Larchwood, IA (West Lyon)