We’ve reached the midpoint of the 2018 football slate and it seems like a great time to reset where things stand with Iowa State’s 2019 recruiting class. Get an idea of where the class’ final numbers will stand, where the biggest needs are moving forward and who some of the gems of the class are, below.
Expected final class numbers – 20ish
I added the “ish” at the end because the Cyclones already hold 20 commitments in its 2019 class, but they also have a few holes they would like to fill in an ideal world. That number could climb higher into the low-20s, although it would take finding the absolute right fits for those spots.
Expect things to move pretty slowly for Iowa State on this front over the next several months as they can really afford to take things slow with having such a full class already.
Remaining Needs
Linebacker – Iowa State already sits in a much better spot at this position at this point in the season than they did entering the year. True freshman Mike Rose‘s emergence at middle linebacker as well as redshirt freshman O’Rien Vance and sophomore Jake Hummel proving they’re capable of filling roles has made the losses of Willie Harvey and Reggan Northrup to graduation much less daunting.
It seemed likely entering the season Iowa State would need to take a junior college linebacker, but with those three guys mentioned above all standing out so far this season, taking a JUCO does not seem like an absolute, especially after Fullerton College linebacker Caleb Johnson decommitted last week.
Defensive back – Similar to linebacker, Iowa State has had a few youngsters push their way into playing time during the first half of the season with redshirt freshman Datrone Young and true freshman Anthony Johnson specifically standing out during the team’s upset win over West Virginia.
But, losing two secondary stalwarts in Brian Peavy and D’Andre Payne makes adding a junior college defensive back a possibility just to even out the numbers in the room. As of now, Iowa State does not have a single junior class defensive back on scholarship.
Class Gems
Jirehl Brock and Breece Hall, RB – These two have proven why they combine to form one of the best running back classes in the country during their senior seasons. Hall has helped Wichita Northwest average more than 60 points per game and they are one of the top teams in the state Kansas entering the season’s final weeks. Brock became Quincy (IL) High’s all-time leading rusher earlier this year and remains a threat to make a house call every time he touches the football.
Blake Peterson, DE – We will have more on Peterson on Friday, but his talents have helped Beresford (SD) High host their first state playoff game in 20 years.
Easton Dean, QB – Dean has accounted for more than 2,000 yards of total offense and 13 total touchdowns during his senior season at Labette County (KS). His team has struggled at times, but opposing defenses have also struggled to slow down his production at the quarterback position.
Darien Porter, WR – Porter has helped Des Moines Register Class 4A No. 4 Bettendorf reach the final week of the regular season at 7-1 with the only slip-up coming against No. 2 Cedar Falls. The speedster has caught 15 passes for 282 yards and five touchdowns. He’s also added three touchdowns and 123 yards on just nine carries rushing.
