By Chris Williams, CycloneFanatic.com Publisher
The experts will tell you that defensive tackle is the hardest position to recruit in college football.
Paul Rhoads just snagged one for his class of 2012 in an unconventional way.
Mitchell Meyersplays defensive end for his high school in The Woodlands, Tex. When Meyers arrives on Iowa State’s campus in the summer of 2012, he’ll be a defensive tackle. Meyers’ goal from now until then is simple. Put on weight.
"I am relieved that this process is over," Meyers told CycloneFanatic.com. "Now that I know where I’m going, I can just focus on my season and try to put weight on. I’m going to hit the weights hard."
Meyers welcomes the challenge in becoming a Big 12 defensive tackle. It won’t be completely foreign to him upon arrival in Ames though. Meyers has experience up the middle. Meyers was second-team All-District at nose guard as a sophomore.
"I feel like I can play any position on the defensive line," Meyers said. "Obviously, I just need to put on weight."
Rice was Iowa State’s biggest competition to land Meyers on the recruiting trail. Meyers liked Rice’s proximity to home and academics, but his unofficial visit to Iowa State last week sealed the deal.
"I felt like it had the whole package," Meyers said. "I loved everything about Ames. The people, the coaches, the facilities. That’s what I picked Iowa State."
RHOADS’ REACTION
When Meyers made up his mind to commit to Iowa State, he picked up the phone and called his primary recruiter, Cyclone offensive coordinator Tom Herman. After that, Meyers put a big smile on the face of head coach Paul Rhoads.
"He told me that I made his night and that he’s excited for me to move to Ames."
HOUSE DIVIDED
Meyers’ mother, grandparents and two uncles all graduated from Texas. Meyers has a cousin who is a Baylor Bear.
"My whole family grew up within Big 12 country," Meyers said.
In two years, who will this family be rooting for on Saturdays?
"I’m sure that my parents will root for the Cyclones," Meyers said.
Good luck with the others Mitchell.
In all seriousness, the new look Big 12 helped Iowa State land this future defensive end.
"Playing in the Big 12 and in Texas at least twice a year is great," Meyers said. "I’m going far away but I’ll still be playing games in or close to Texas. That makes it not that big of a deal."
