Wirfs thrilled with his decision
This week, Mount Vernon offensive lineman Tristan Wirfs became the third recruit to commit to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Class of 2017. What really sold the 6-foot-5, 280-pound Wirfs on playing his college football in Iowa City was the family atmosphere and the type of people that the coaches at Iowa have proven to be from day one during the recruiting process. We caught up with Wirfs to talk about his decision, his future with the Hawkeyes, and much more.
Q: What really sold you on Iowa overall?
WIRFS: I went on a visit to Michigan State two weeks ago when they played Penn State. I was going up there thinking it would blow my mind and it would be a tough decision. I didn't like it at all. Seeing what was out there made me realize how much I liked Iowa. I told my mom on the way home that Iowa was the place for me. I really liked the coaches there and the incredible family atmosphere that they provide.
Q: When did you end up making the commitment and what was the reaction?
WIRFS: It was Monday morning. I called Coach Reese Morgan and told him. He sounded really excited and I was really excited. Then I called Kirk Ferentz and then Brian Ferentz and we were all really excited.
Q: How does it feel to have recruiting behind you?
WIRFS: It is kind of like a weight off your shoulders just to know that you'll be at a place where you feel at home and know you belong.
Q: How much did the Iowa coaches factor into your decision?
WIRFS: They coaches were really great. Coach Morgan has been the one recruiting me and he is nothing but good. He is a really nice guy and a great coach. Both Brian and Kirk Ferentz are amazing coaches just like Coach Morgan. I talked to Kirk a couple of times and he asked me how my mom was doing and how I was doing in school. They are really good guys who care about how you are doing.
Q: What have they said about your role with the Hawkeyes?
WIRFS: Coach Morgan thinks I can play a lot of positions but what I heard from both Ferentz coaches is they want me at offensive tackle.
Q: Do you think Solon tight end Jacob Coons is the next commitment for Iowa?
WIRFS: I haven't actually talked to him in a couple of weeks. After I committed I was going to talk to him about that. Maybe we'll get him soon.
Q: Have you bonded with any of the other Iowa recruits?
WIRFS: Coy Kirkpatrick is one I have a really good friendship with. We have been talking on twitter and he has been texting me and stuff. I have gotten really close with him.
Q: Did you seriously consider Iowa State?
WIRFS: Yeah, they were the first ones to offer and that was pretty great. Then right after they offered me I had Iowa camp. That went a lot better than I thought it would and then Iowa offered. My coach said that I should wait to see what is out there. Going to Michigan State may not have been seeing everything but it was another place. I knew that Iowa was the place I wanted to be at.
Q: How do you feel about the Iowa season so far?
WIRFS: It has been great. Going 12-1 is not too bad. I went to at least 80% of their home games and they were always playing really hard. They may have fallen short of the Big 10 title but the Rose Bowl is not too bad either.
Q: How big are you now?
WIRFS: 6-5, 280 pounds. I put on twenty pounds and grew an inch this summer.
Q: How is wrestling going?
WIRFS: Pretty good. The football guys didn't wrestle in the first dual because it was the day after the state title game. In the wrestling meet on Saturday, I lost to the #2 ranked kid in 2A in double overtime. I improved a lot but have a lot of stuff I can still get better.
Q: What are the main areas you want to improve on as a football player?
WIRFS: It is just footwork for when those guys are going hard off the edge. It is easier to stay with them with good footwork. We have speed and agility as a football team and that will definitely help. I also want to get stronger upper body wise.