Iowa Football Freshman Preview: Aaron Graves

Aaron Graves knew he needed to be a Hawkeye in June of 2019. That is when the Gowrie (IA) Southeast Valley defensive lineman verbally dedicated to Iowa Soccer. 

It makes excellent sense Graves is likely to be extra thrilled than anyone within the Hawkeye ’22 recruiting to report back to campus subsequent month. He is champing on the bit. 

“I am feeling pure pleasure,” Graves informed HN. “I am able to get this factor rolling.”

Graves (6-5, 270) joins a defensive entrance with three returning starters and a number of other others who noticed vital time final season. He is approaching his arrival maturely. 

“I am stepping into with the humility to not count on that I deserve a beginning spot however with sufficient confidence to know if I compete and study the playbook, I may presumably work into the rotation,” he stated. 

Offseason coaching round basketball and wrestling (sure, he competed in each sports activities) through the winter, and observe now, is making ready him for the trials of faculty soccer. 

“I carry 4 occasions every week and do 5 dash coaching exercises every week together with observe practices. I am feeling assured in my bodily talents. I simply must study the playbook as quickly as potential,” Graves stated.

He believes the Iowa coaches will do what’s finest for him and the crew in Yr 1.  

“I would like to work into the rotation, though I do know that is uncommon at Iowa for a freshman. If I obtained on particular groups and even redshirted, I would be assured the employees has my finest curiosity in thoughts, and I would not get down about it,” he stated. 

Graves was a person amongst boys in main Southeast Valley to the Class 2A state championship final fall. The 2-way lineman recorded 63.0 tackles (43.0 solo, 14.0 for loss) and seven.5 sacks, and recovered two fumbles. He kicked off 47 occasions and averaged 38.0 yards on 26 punts. He 3 times earned first-team all-state honors and performed within the prestigious All-American Bowl throughout January in San Antonio. 

Graves led the Jaguars basketball crew in scoring (22.0 PPG) and rebounding (8.2 RPG), and completed second in assists (2.8 APG) this winter. On the mat, he completed 31-4 after reaching the state semifinals, the place he fell to Easton Fleshman, a Hawkeye wrestling dedication. He certified eighth in Class 2A shot put at this week’s state observe meet. 

It would attention-grabbing to see the place Graves finally ends up on the defensive position. He boasts the athleticism to play off of the sting, however that might play up much more if he strikes inside together with his energy and leverage. He would possibly begin out outdoors and find yourself inside. Time will inform. 

“I like each of my (Iowa) place coaches (Kelvin Bell and Jay Niemann). They’ve proven me they’ve a variety of curiosity in my talents as a participant and are excited to work with me. I simply cannot wait to study as a lot as I can from them,” Graves stated. 

As the primary member of the category, Graves has watched it come collectively from begin to end. 

“I’ve a great relationship with the opposite members in my class. I simply have not had a complete lot of in-person time with them but. That is one other factor I am excited for, to get to know them higher,” he stated. 

This 12 months, Graves will room with Kale Krogh, an offensive lineman from Huxley (IA) Ballard Excessive. 

The ’22 class has mentioned objectives. 

“Proper now, the consensus is that we need to win as many video games as we will and go so far as we will come postseason. I assure we’ll set extra objectives in stone as soon as we’re all collectively in Iowa Metropolis,” Graves stated. 

You’ll be able to watch Graves’ senior soccer highlights HERE.