The Iowa Football team picked up its 3rd verbal commitment yesterday. Austin Blythe, an in-state kid (and life-long Hawkeye fan) from Williamsburg, joins 2 wide receivers, Marcus Grant and Jacory Shepherd, in the class of 2011. Scout has Blythe as a 3-star offensive lineman and he is part of Rivals 250 prospects to watch.

Blythe in High School

Blythe currently attends Williamsburg High School. He is perhaps known better for his accomplishments in wrestling as he won the state title as a heavy weight the last 2 years and was 2nd as a freshman. He was also an outstanding football player on the offensive and defensive line. He is projected as either an offense guard or defensive tackle. In high school he led his team to a 7-0 record in their division and an 8-2 overall record. They lost to Pella in the first round of the playoffs.

Stats:
  • Defense - 40 tackles, 19 TFLs, 9 sacks

Quick Thoughts:
Iowa's immediate needs in 2011 will be along the defensive line as Clayborn, Klug, and Ballard all graduate. However, I see Blythe as an offensive lineman. He'll probably red shirt then have a chance to compete for a spot in 2012 or 2013. He sounds like he is ridiculously strong (330-lb bench, 420-lb squat) and as a wrestler should be excellent in the trenches. I look forward to seeing this kid play and always like keeping the Iowa guys in state.