Three-star defensive lineman Tucker Robertson has committed to Iowa State. The 6-foot-3, 260-pound prospect is rated as the No. 65 strong-side defensive end in the class by 247Composite.
Robertson took an unofficial visit to Ames back in November. It was that trip that really opened his eyes to the possibility of playing at Iowa State.
“I couldn’t give higher praise to what Matt Campbell’s done in the past and what he’s doing right now,” Robertson told Cyclone Fanatic on Thursday. “Having visited Iowa State back in November, the community and all that support is just phenomenal. That’s something I’d never experienced before. Oh man, it felt like I was being recruiting by everyone. I was in a small country cooking kind of place and there was an old woman trying to persuade me. It’s just awesome.”
God is so good! Incredibly excited to announce that I have committed to Iowa State University!! #Cyclones #AStormIsBrewing #Big12 🏈🌪️🌪️ pic.twitter.com/xBX1OjHPcg
— Tucker Robertson (@TuckerRobertson) January 12, 2017
Robertson, a native of Simi Valley, Cali., picked Iowa State over offers from Nevada, San Diego State, Washington State, Air Force and a handful of others. Despite being list on 247 as a defensive end, he’ll project as a defensive tackle at the next level.
Communication had gone silent between Robertson and Iowa State over the past several weeks, but a conversation with Campbell earlier this week reopened the door between the two. Once Robertson knew of Iowa State’s continued interest, making his decision was a no-brainer.
“He reassured me that he believes in me,” Robertson said. “Basically just how they still wanted me. It was a brief conversation, but I met with Coach (Eli) Rasheed at my school today and we had a long conversation. Our conversation was great today and we basically just got to know each other.”
Iowa State now has nine defensive linemen committed in its 2017 class that has 21 prospects pledged. Robertson is the class’ first high school commit from the state of California.
The Cyclones’ class is currently ranked No. 48 nationally and fifth in the Big 12. Robertson will be in Ames the weekend of Jan. 20-22 for his official visit.
“In a word, tenacity,” Robertson said when asked to describe himself as a player. “I go out there and I just kind of become a different person. My head coach at my high school likes to joke to people that I’m a Christian off the field, but on the field he doesn’t know who I am.”
