Iowa Football Freshman Preview: Landyn Van Kekerix

Landyn Van Kekerix is experiencing combined feelings as his date to report back to Iowa Soccer nears. The Class of 2022 linebacker from Boyden Hull-Rock Valley (IA) Excessive is because of be a part of the Hawkeyes on June 12. 

“I might say I am feeling a little bit bit excited to get down there, get to work and meet extra folks,” Van Kekerix mentioned Friday. “However I am additionally simply having fun with proper now right here at dwelling for the final little bit earlier than I head down there.” 

It is a life-changing transition for he and his Iowa classmates. They’re saying goodbye to childhood pals and transferring on to new relationships. 

Van Kekerix (6-2, 205) hails from Inwood, a metropolis of lower than 1,000 folks. He is following the trail of different small-town Iowa guys seeking to make it huge on a big stage. 

He is been getting ready for what awaits him in Iowa Metropolis.

“I have been lifting and doing what I can with that to attempt get as prepared as attainable for once I head down there,” he mentioned.

Iowa returns its three beginning linebackers together with a a bunch of backups. Van Kekerix is available in with real looking expectations for his freshman season. 

“Actually, all I can do is simply put my head down and get to work once I get there as a result of I am beginning on the backside now. I hope to be taught from them, as nicely, being as they’re skilled they usually’re fairly educated with every thing, too,” he mentioned.

“I might say I need to put a little bit weight on, for certain, and get stronger, too, for certain. I’ve simply acquired to place my head down and get to work. Possibly I may presumably get in right here or there.”

Van Kekerix was named Iowa’s Class 3A Participant of the 12 months as a senior. He earned first-team all-state honors final fall after touchdown on the second staff the yr earlier than. In his remaining season as a linebacker and receiver, he recorded 76 tackles and three sacks to go along with 1,574 all-purpose yards and 36 whole touchdowns. 

Throughout this previous winter, Van Kekerix led his staff to a state championship with 26 factors and 10 rebounds within the remaining. He averaged 13.1 factors and 6.2 rebounds.  

Van Kekerix seems to be ahead to specializing in one sport and one place in faculty to see the place it takes him. He’ll be taught from place coach, Seth Wallace. 

“Our relationship is fairly good, I might say. He is fairly intense and he’ll get on you, however he is simply attempting to get one of the best out of you. That is one thing that I like about him,” Van Kekerix mentioned.

Van Kekerix shares a bond with others in his Iowa class. 

“We have not talked a complete lot about our objectives, however we’ll get to work and see what we will do,” he mentioned.