Maddox McGinnis, a 6-foot-4, 300-pound offensive lineman, will visit five programs’ summer camps before his recruitment gets going over the summer and fall months.
The 2027 prospect will be in Ames on June 1, before taking other trips to Kansas, Missouri, Florida and Ohio State in the ensuing weeks.
“Honestly, with them starting off my recruitment at such a young age and offering me as a freshman, them being my first offer just plays a big role in all of that,” McGinnis said. “I love Coach Campbell, he’s a great guy. Coach Clanton’s good, I love him.”
The Cyclones became the first to offer McGinnis in January and stand as his lone offer so far in the process.
This isn’t an unfamiliar strategy from coach Matt Campbell, and it’s one that’s paid off for Iowa State in the past.
The Cyclones were the first to offer New York Jets running back Breece Hall out of Northwest High School in Kansas – which is where McGinnis attends.
“We really have a pipeline here at Northwest (High School) with Iowa State with Breece Hall,” McGinnis said. “Breece was down here with them and coach Campbell asked how I would feel if he offered me. When he did, I was shocked.”
Hall has turned into one of the best running backs in the NFL, and McGinnis hopes to take steps towards the next level like he did.
“It’s crazy knowing that he was in my shoes at one time,” McGinnis said of Hall. “We do it really different here. We’re working out every day at 6:30 a.m. and we’re taking care of ourselves so that we can make it to the next level.”
It’s still early in McGinnis’ recruitment, but Iowa State will have another shot to work with him during the camp season, which is now less than a month away.
“I’m just looking for a place that I’m going to fit in to as a family and a place that’s going to give me a chance,” McGinnis said.
