Cotton-Moya says Ames felt like home

The Iowa State football program added another defensive back to its 2013 recruiting class on Sunday as Kamari Cotton-Moya, a future safety, pledged his commitment on an official visit.

Cotton-Moya, a 6-foot, 181-pound safety out of Bakersfield, (Calif.) Ridgeview said that he flew to Iowa knowing much about the state, but left with a new home.

“As soon as I got here, I felt home,” said Cotton-Moya. “It’s a place that I feel very comfortable at. I feel very welcomed by the coaching staff.”

That coaching staff includes head coach Paul Rhoads, who flew out to California to visit Cotton-Moya a week ago.

“My head high school coach loved him and so did my parents,” said Cotton-Moya. “He’s a cool guy who I look forward to playing for, for four or five years.”

According to Cotton-Moya, Rhoads was thrilled when he finally made the decision.

“He was very excited," said Cotton-Moya. "Coach Rhoads showed me much love.”

Iowa State wide receivers coach Todd Sturdy has served as Cotton-Moya’s primary recruiter. Sturdy, a former Washington State offensive coordinator, recruited California for the Cougars as well.

Cotton-Moya was a quarterback at the high school level. As as senior, he ran for 2,258 yards and 27 touchdowns. He threw for 1,341 yards and 13 touchdowns too, while leading Ridgeview to its first Central Sectional D-III title in program history. 

Cotton-Moya said that Iowa State plans on playing him at one of the two safety positions.

“I’m an athlete,” said Cotton-Moya. “Coaches label me as one of the leaders. I’m not much of a stat guy. I’m more of a guy who wants to win and wants to get better as well as my teammates around me. I’m always looking for a way to better myself.” 

Cotton-Moya chose Iowa State over Fresno State, Nevada and Utah State.

For another story featuring quotes from Cotton-Moya, CLICK HERE a link from the Ames Tribune.