Iowa State has landed a commitment from three-star in-state defensive end Zach Petersen. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound prospect announced his college decision on Twitter Monday night.
Thank you to everyone that has been apart of my life I’m happy to say that I will be going to Iowa State University to play football for @ISUMattCampbell #Committed #cyclonenation 🌪 pic.twitter.com/NjXOeM9Rsr
— Zach Petersen (@zpetersen22) December 19, 2017
The North Scott product is rated as the No. 68 strong-side defensive end in the class and the No. 7 prospect in the state of Iowa by 247Composite. He officially visited Ames the weekend of Dec. 8 after picking up a scholarship offer on Dec. 6.
His father, Troy, played nose guard for the Cyclones from 1991-94.
Petersen, who compiled 52 total tackles, 16 tackles for loss and 10 sacks during his senior season, also holds offers from Kansas State, Iowa, and Illinois. He visited Kansas State this past weekend.
“High-motor player who gets off the ball well. Runs well straight line, but can still improve lateral agility,” 247’s scouting evaluation on Petersen profile says. “Pursues hard, closes quickly, and plays with physicality. That should only improve as he adds weight and strength. On the lighter side right now, but has the frame to add the weight. Father played college football, and we do not foresee any issues with college strength and conditioning. Shows good discipline on the edge, does not overrun plays and does a good job of reading and recognizing. Late bloomer who blew up as a senior and schools will be catching him on an upward trajectory.”
Petersen’s commitment moves Iowa State back to 18 commitments for the 2018 recruiting cycle. It came just a few hours after the Cyclones lost the commitment of three-star Florida defensive back V’Lique Carter.
Currently, 17 of Iowa State’s commits are expected to sign during the early signing period that starts on Wednesday.
He joins Creston offensive lineman Trevor Downing and Dowling, West Des Moines offensive lineman Zach Ross as in-state commitments in the class. Stay tuned to Cyclone Fanatic for more on this story.
