Danan Hughes stood out as a big-bodied receiver for Iowa earlier than having fun with a six-year NFL profession with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. The Hawkeyes have been searching for move catchers within the 2023 recruiting class. It had them providing a scholarship to a prospect with a robust connection to Hughes. 

Ismael Smith Flores reported receiving a possibility from Iowa on Thursday. It represented his first scholarship supply for soccer. 

The Arlington (TX) Martin Excessive wideout/tight finish can be taught extra in regards to the Hawkeyes from Hughes, his godfather, and father, Leroy Smith, who performed at Iowa with Hughes. Smith is the Huge Ten single-season sack chief with the 18 he recorded in 1991. Ismael’s mom, Laura Flores, additionally attended Iowa. 

“We speak in any case my video games,” Smith Flores informed HN of his conversations Hughes. “He is at all times giving me tips about the best way to advance my recreation. We’ve not actually talked a lot about Iowa. It is at all times simply been about issues I can do to enhance my recreation.”

Smith Flores will discover out extra in regards to the Hawkeyes when he visits campus for his or her homecoming recreation towards Northwestern on Oct. 29. 

“I simply need to have the ability to see the kind of tradition they’ve at Iowa. I’ve heard quite a lot of good issues from my mother and father, and a few of the gamers and coaches, but it surely’s massive for me to have the ability to see it in particular person,” he mentioned.

Basketball Smith Flores’ ticket to varsity athletics. Then he began turning heads on the gridiron this season. 

In six video games, he is caught 10 passes for 294 yards and two touchdowns, based on MaxPreps.com. He is additionally rushed one time for 28 yards. 

At 6-foot-5, 210 kilos, Smith Flores might line up at receiver or develop into a good finish on the subsequent stage. Iowa is not positive the place it could use him. 

“Proper now, they’re making an attempt to determine what place I would play. There are not any ensures, and I haven’t got a choice. I am simply grateful for the chance to even have a possibility to play at a program like Iowa,” he mentioned.

Iowa Athletics inducted Leroy Smith into its corridor of fame in 2019. He arrived on the college as a operating again and left as a consensus All-American defensive finish. 

“I appreciated getting the supply (from Iowa) as a result of it was my first that I’ve obtained taking part in soccer. It additionally means an incredible deal to me as a result of Iowa is my mother and father’ alma mater. I just like the model of play Iowa has,” Ismael mentioned. 

Smith Flores is trying ahead to seeing the tutorial facet of Iowa. He is contemplating majors in Communications or Kinesiology. 

Here is a have a look at a few of Smith Flores’ senior highlights – LINK.