Wiltfong said at the end of his show this afternoon that before his Iowa visit lose was for sure not going to sign with Iowa but the visit really swayed him. But Miami is still in great position for him. 36:20 mark.
Iowa Offers Class of 2025 Iose Epenesa (pronounced Yo-say)
- Thread starter Franisdaman
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If that’s true, say goodbye. He’s been around Iowa for years with his brothers. If he wasn’t sold on it before, one official won't do it.
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Yeah, I agree it does not appear he will end up at Iowa IMO
Why? Just because his Dad and AJ were Hawks doesn't mean that's Iose's path. There are pretty good indications that Utah, Miami and maybe even Mizzou are at least on part with Iowa. There are family connections both at Utah and Miami. Wiltfong suggested that Iowa wasn't likely before his visit.
We'd all love to see him in Kinnick but it's 50/50 at best.
I admittedly know less about this situation than some, so no new insight. I would just think though with the experience and involvement of this family that they would be looking as college as a stepping stone to the league, right? So who can you entrust your future with? Who can you trust? Who will be there in 3 or 4 years? What environment is the most conducive to succeed?
Saying that, that means a hard no for Miami, Mizzou and PSU. You just can't trust the stability at any of those programs. I could see Utah because their coach is also a stand up guy and has built a respected culture as well Iowa of course. But Iowa is so deep here and insulated. If something happens to KF there are others in the program to rely on and I am sure there is a contingency plan. That would be worth it's weight in gold to me.
So I just have a hard time seeing anyone but Iowa.
Saying that, that means a hard no for Miami, Mizzou and PSU. You just can't trust the stability at any of those programs. I could see Utah because their coach is also a stand up guy and has built a respected culture as well Iowa of course. But Iowa is so deep here and insulated. If something happens to KF there are others in the program to rely on and I am sure there is a contingency plan. That would be worth it's weight in gold to me.
So I just have a hard time seeing anyone but Iowa.
I just feel like Iowa City is a second home to the Epenesa family. AJ coming to Iowa City for Iose's official visit really showed that.
And the family loves and trusts Iose's (hopefully) future position coach and we all know how much they love KF.
We'll see, but I think there are a lot of people here going to be VERY disappointed. I hope not, but. We've been recruiting him for 4 years. He's been to Iowa 50-60 times. Still he hasn't committed and saved his last two stops for other schools. That tells me he's FAR from decided, and I'd say 50/50 at best even is a stretch. I think the leader right now is Utah. Hope I'm wrong.....
Maybe the initial dollars aren't as much, but with the new $21M annual pot and football's allocation being 80%+, I don't think this will be an issue.
Only time will tell. Would hate to see Iose go someplace other than Iowa, but everyone must choose their own path. If I was checking the boxes, Iowa would seem the logical choice
+ School and coaches have a proven track record of putting young D-linemen in the league
+ Program stability
+ Play for a great defensive coordinator and d-line coach. Very good defenses, year-after-year.
+ Legacy recruit and he can join his brother in Iowa City - Iowa and the Epenesa family, go hand-and-hand.
+ Coach Ferentz is a developer of men
Not for everybody. There are Hawkeye legacies that play elsewhere. It can also work against you. After years of making trips to Iowa City Iose may want to carve out his own niche rather than being AJ's little brother. (Wiltfong seemed to have some insight on that).
I hope he chooses to be a Hawk, No doubt he would flourish in Iowa City. But I won't be surprised if he doesn't.
There is nothing that includes everybody.
It is a pretty big “just because.” Why else is he even considering Iowa? Obviously it is working in Iowa’s favor.
Of course, it's a good thing. The Eppy family has a special connection to Iowa. (though I think Parker's defense being among the best in the Nation has something to do with it).
Still, there's no guarantee. Some kids want to go their own direction. We'll find out soon enough. Let's hope he's EPPY #4 in black and gold.
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If Iowa wants Iose, they better open up the wallet.
I will add in response to all the fans pissin’ and moanin’ that Iose and family are taking their time and going through the process to make a decision that is right for Iose: in the era in which verbal commitments mean jack shit, whenever Iose does commit, Iowa or elsewhere, you can be sure that verbal is going to be an exception and actually be solid.
I would rather have that scenario than Iose hastily verbal to Iowa out of pressure to do so then come November get cold feet and flip to Miami or Utah. Maybe that’s just me.
I will add in response to all the fans pissin’ and moanin’ that Iose and family are taking their time and going through the process to make a decision that is right for Iose: in the era in which verbal commitments mean jack shit, whenever Iose does commit, Iowa or elsewhere, you can be sure that verbal is going to be an exception and actually be solid.
I would rather have that scenario than Iose hastily verbal to Iowa out of pressure to do so then come November get cold feet and flip to Miami or Utah. Maybe that’s just me.
Maybe another way to look at the Miami and Utah trips is it was a cheap way to visit relatives! Possible....
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I don’t really see anybody pissing and moaning about the timeline. As you said, these are the kind of people who will take a commitment seriously. That’s a good thing
Those schools don't have the best DC in college football. And none of them develop talent better than Iowa does.
We certainly develop some talent. Two and three-star recruits turned into four-star worthy players…very true.
BUT…..five-star recruits already equipped with the skills to play and maybe even succeed at a high level may not be so concerned about “development.”
Yes.
I didn’t say he’s committing to Iowa, if that’s what you’re reading from me. I have no idea what he’s going to do.
I do think the legacy is an enormous factor in the recruitment of Iose. Almost certainly the biggest factor in Iowa’s favor. I think maybe we agree, but you felt I think he’s in the bag? I most certainly do not feel that way.
If you don’t think legacy is a major factor, we’ll have to agree to disagree.
Yes, let’s hope he is #4
I would be thrilled if he ended up at Iowa.
Utah is respectable.
Penn St. and Miami? No...
Utah is respectable.
Penn St. and Miami? No...
I'll put it this way: If Iose wants the best preparation possible for his time at Iowa and possibly the NFL afterwards, he'll come to Iowa. Nobody does it better than Kirk and his staff. NFL scouts and coaches have spoken about it for years.
Can we stop for a moment and appreciate the fact that we have a coach on staff who uses Chappelle/Rick James memes?
It’s a celebration bitches
The whole family would be thrilled if Yo is a Hawk....which I expect is going to happen. If not, so be it. They have the means to fly to his games due to Eppy's work. He has family at all the major universities he is visiting. That family is the epitome of humbleness and class. They deserve every ounce of success they get.
Things we have in our favor:
Iowa City is within driving distance
They love our coaches
They trust our coaches and the potential position coach
Eric is already on the team
Already had a son go through the current program and had amazing success
If any family truly bleeds black and gold it's the Epenesa's. If Sam would've gotten an Iowa offer she would've been a Hawk. AJ was named after Jared Devries for god's sake
Ultimately, it is up to Yo and where he wants to spend his 4 years. He's earned the right.
That family embodies everything that is right with this world.
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