Iowa

Iowa State defensive lineman Ikenna Ezeogu using Chipotle to bulk up

Published

1 year ago

April 10, 2024

Iowa State defensive lineman Ikenna Ezeogu using Chipotle to bulk up

AMES – Iowa State football player Ikenna Ezeogu realized his passion for Chipotle had reached another level when the restaurant employees recognized him from a previous trip earlier in the week.

“They know me so well to where I’ll go in and they’ll be like, ‘Make sure you get your app,’” Ezeogu said with a smile.

Chipotle meals are helping the redshirt sophomore put on some much-needed weight. The defensive end from Blue Springs, Mo., hopes to tack on even more pounds this offseason as he prepares to be a bigger and tougher part of Iowa State’s defensive line in 2024.

“It can help me a lot,” he said of the added weight.

Ezeogu is coming off a surprising season of sorts in 2023. He was part of the second unit of Iowa State’s defensive line as a redshirt freshman, tallying 16 tackles including one sack. Ezeogu also had three pass breakups and two quarterback hurries.

The contributions far exceeded anything Iowa State defensive line coach Eli Rasheed expected out of Ezeogu last season. Ezeogu, a four-star recruit out of high school, redshirted his freshman season in Ames and had made enough strides to earn some playing time last season.

“I didn’t go into the season thinking that I would play Ike as much as we did, but he kept developing into a guy that we couldn’t take off the field,” Rasheed said. “So he’s done a great job of working himself into the lineup.”

Ezeogu credits hard work on and off the field for his rapid rise. As he watched film and asked questions, Ezeogu understood what the Cyclones were trying to do on defense. His confidence soared. Then his playing time increased.

“I’m a competitive guy,” Ezeogu said. “I wanted to make sure I earned my spot and I wanted to keep my spot. “

But the work is far from done for Ezeogu, who is hoping to take on an even bigger role for Iowa State’s defense in 2024. The best way to do that is to, well, get bigger himself. Ezeogu, who finished last season at around 265 pounds, said he is up to 270. Rasheed believes it’s even more than that.

And a steady supply of Chipotle food is a major reason.

“I like to eat Chipotle a lot,” Ezeogu said.

Ezeogu said he approached a nutritionist when he came back to school in the winter about trying to tack on some important pounds. Chipotle, his go-to spot for lunch in high school, was seen as a good option. So Ezeogu began hitting it up more and more in Ames.

He said he eats there every other day. Ezeogu always leaves with his hands full of food, grabbing not one but two burritos for the day. His order includes double rice, double chicken, veggies, queso dip, spicy sauce, sour cream, cheese and corn.

“I’m loading up,” he said.

He doesn’t stop with Chipotle, either. Ezeogu will eat whatever the team gets at lunch and dinner. Then, later at night, he’ll gulp down a bowl of noodles and polish it off with his second burrito.

“I don’t really try to go out of my comfort zone and try to eat cheeseburgers,” Ezeogu said. “I barely eat cheeseburgers.”

The feasting has paid off. Ezeogu said that while he’s added some size and strength, he hasn’t lost any quickness. That combination could make him an even more valuable player for Iowa State’s defense, which continually rotated defensive linemen throughout the season.

Ezeogu’s improvements could make him a permanent part of the line.

But there’s still growing to be done, not just physically but also mentally. Rasheed said Ezeogu needs to continue to grow his football IQ. If he can do that, then the Cyclones may have a future star.

“Honestly, he has all the talent to be a difference-maker,” Rasheed said.

Tommy Birch, the Register’s sports enterprise and features reporter, has been working at the newspaper since 2008. He’s the 2018, 2020 and 2023 Iowa Sportswriter of the Year. Reach him at tbirch@dmreg.com or 515-284-8468.

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Eastern Iowa man receives award for 20 years of service with the Alzheimer’s Association

Published

12 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Press Room

Eastern Iowa man receives award for 20 years of service with the Alzheimer’s Association

CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – Every walk has a destination. Each year, The Cedar Rapids and Iowa City Walk to End Alzheimer’s ends right back where it started. But for volunteer Dave Storey, that’s not the destination.

“Almost everyone you talk to either has had a direct involvement with Alzheimer’s or knows somebody that’s dealing with it,” Storey told TV9.

For Dave, those events are about the mission.

His own mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in the early 2000s. That’s what inspired him to start his own journey with the Alzheimer’s Association – helping other families cope and pushing for a cure.

“I’ve been to Washington DC multiple times to lobby to legislators for more money through the NIH. I’ve been to our state house to talk to legislators at the state house,” said Storey.

The group says all those steps Dave has taken along the way have made a difference in countless lives. It’s why they are honoring him with the Gary Wicklund Lifetime of Service Award.

“Dave’s been around for 20 plus years as a volunteer and so he is a great connector, he’s great to learn from in terms of what the Alzheimer’s Association has meant to the Iowa chapter as a whole,” said Tad Hulst with the Alzheimer’s Association.

Dave knows an end Alzheimer’s is a long trek, so he’s not close to done walking it. And he’s hoping to help others he meets along the way.

“That’s the biggest thing, is communicating and elevating the awareness that we are here to help you and we can help you through your challenges,” said Storey.

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Leistikow: Way-too-early look at Iowa football’s NFL Draft prospects in 2026

Published

1 day ago

April 27, 2025

Press Room

Leistikow: Way-too-early look at Iowa football’s NFL Draft prospects in 2026

TV announcers often say during Iowa football broadcasts something about the Hawkeyes being known for their offensive-line play. After all, that was the position specialty of longtime Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz. So, it’s a familiar narrative.

Yet when it comes to the NFL Draft, Iowa really hasn’t been shuttling a ton of offensive linemen to the next level. Sure, there have been a handful of recent high-profile (and successful) picks – with first-rounders in tackle Tristan Wirfs (No. 13 overall) in 2020 and center Tyler Linderbaum (No. 25) in 2022. But entering the April 24-26 draft, those were the only two Hawkeye offensive linemen picked in the previous six drafts. And the 2025 draft only marginally reflected Iowa’s offensive-line resurgence of 2024, when the Hawkeyes ranked No. 2 in the Big Ten Conference in rushing.

The 2026 NFL Draft, though, should restore Iowa’s offensive-line prominence.

Yes, Iowa in 2025 did have multiple offensive linemen selected in the draft for the first time since 2015, when tackles Brandon Scherff (first round) and Andrew Donnal (fourth round) heard their names called. But both were taken in the seventh and final round, with Mason Richman (Seattle Seahawks) going No. 234 overall and Connor Colby (San Francisco 49ers) going No. 249 out of 257 picks.

Let’s take a spin through some of Iowa’s potential top prospects for the next year’s draft, which will take place April 23-25, 2026, in Ferentz’s hometown of Pittsburgh.

First-round talent: Gennings Dunker

Dunker (6-5, 316) plays a premium NFL position, offensive tackle, and has supreme strength and mobility that will translate well to the next level. Given the success that Wirfs had going from right tackle to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a rookie in 2020, some team will find comfort in adding a plug-and-play starter in Dunker, who never even thought of entering the 2025 draft – instead wanting to play a fifth year for offensive-line coach George Barnett.

The decision could pay off with first-round millions, as Dunker will be viewed as one of the top tackles in the country in 2025. If Iowa plays well and he stays healthy, Dunker will be mentioned as an Outland Trophy candidate. According to Pro Football Focus, Dunker was the highest-graded tackle in the Big Ten Conference and No. 5 nationally in his 588 snaps in 2024. He is mauler and finisher in the run game.

Dunker may need to slide to guard in the NFL, but we’ll see. Nonetheless he has a chance to become the seventh offensive lineman under Ferentz to be taken in the first round, joining Robert Gallery (2004), Bryan Bulaga (2010), Riley Reiff (2012), Scherff, Wirfs and Linderbaum.

Video: Logan Jones on decision to return to Iowa for 2025 season

Logan Jones discusses a variety of topics on December 20, 2024.

Another can’t-miss lineman: Logan Jones

Jones (6-3, 293) also surprised many by returning for a sixth-year season rather than entering the 2025 draft. His return was also motivated by playing another year for the well-liked Barnett (and Ferentz), and it’ll also be accompanied by Rimington Trophy hype as the nation’s top center.

Jones will be a fourth-year starter for the Hawkeyes and wears the same number (65) as Linderbaum did, flashing similar athleticism and strength as the former Rimington winner from Solon. Jones in 2024 received the fourth-highest grade of all FBS centers from Pro Football Focus. While center isn’t a premium NFL position, the second and third rounds are often sweet spots for top players at that position to be drafted.

Iowa has not had two offensive linemen selected in the first three rounds since Eric Steinbach and Bruce Nelson (both second-rounders) in 2003. Dunker and Jones could break that 23-year drought.

Video: QB Mark Gronowski details his decision to transfer to Iowa

Iowa quarterback Mark Gronowski meets with the media on April 10, 2025.

Keep an eye on the quarterback: Mark Gronowski

Gronowski (6-3, 230) put off the NFL for one more year to transfer from South Dakota State to Iowa as a sixth-year senior. How he comes through offseason (throwing) shoulder surgery and performs regularly against power-conference competition will ultimately determine his 2026 draft stock.

But before his shoulder injury, he was viewed as a draftable prospect in the 2025 quarterback class. Gronowski’s accuracy against Big Ten defenses will be a big factor in his professional outlook. No question, he’s viewed as a winner (49-6 as a starter) with the ability to scramble for first downs.

Video: Max Llewellyn preparing for bigger role on Iowa defensive line

Iowa defensive lineman Max Llewellyn meets with the media on April 3, 2025.

Who will be Iowa’s highest-drafted defender?

There are at least four obvious candidates and a wild-card fifth. Let’s look at each of them quickly.

Defensive end Max Llewellyn (6-5, 258): Edge rushers are a premium position in the NFL, and Llewellyn ranked No. 18 nationally in that category, according to PFF, among FBS players in 2024. Llewellyn’s strength is on the pass rush (getting 288 snaps in a backup role last year) but needs to improve his run defense as a first-time starter in 2025.

Defensive tackle Aaron Graves (6-4, 300): The fourth-year senior has supreme physical traits and has racked up decent stats despite a system at Iowa that minimizes sheer numbers for interior defensive linemen. Graves showed durability last season, too, logging 612 defensive snaps and was graded as the No. 79 overall interior defender by PFF.

Safety Xavier Nwankpa (6-2, 215): Loaded with promise, the former five-star recruit needs to deliver with a big senior season to take the next step to the NFL. With his physical traits, Nwankpa could increase his stock considerably by flashing the ball-hawking skills that made him such a prized prospect out of Southeast Polk High School. Nwankpa hasn’t had an interception since the 2023 season opener.

Video: Iowa DB Koen Entringer talks development ahead of 2025 season

Iowa defensive back Koen Entringer meets with the media on April 3, 2025.

Defensive back Koen Entringer (6-0, 207): A fourth-year junior in 2025, Entringer probably has the most athleticism in the entire Iowa secondary and has a chance to explode this season with a starting role – either at strong safety or cash for defensive coordinator Phil Parker. Entringer could become a fast riser with a 2026 draft decision to make.

Linebacker Karson Sharar (6-2, 232): Including Sharar’s name on this list because of how highly his teammates and coaches have spoken of his raw ability. Now, the oft-injured fifth-year senior finally gets a chance to start after waiting his turn behind Nick Jackson for two years at weak-side linebacker. Breakout year loading?

Iowa always has a tight end, it seems

Iowa’s recent tight-end pipeline has gone from T.J. Hockenson to Noah Fant to Sam LaPorta to Erick All Jr. to Luke Lachey … to now Addison Ostrenga (6-4, 251).

Ostrenga has the physicality and athleticism to play in the NFL, but his stats have been muted in Iowa’s passing-challenged offense over the past several years. How he connects with Gronowski in each of their final years will determine whether he’s a draftable NFL prospect. Given Iowa’s pedigree at tight end, he’ll get a strong look.

Beau Stephens bullish about Iowa’s offensive line in 2025

The fifth-year senior should slot in as the Hawkeyes’ starting left guard again. He also talks about up-and-coming guard Kade Pieper.

Two more offensive linemen worth mentioning

It’s hard to say now how recently signed Division II transfer Bryce George (6-5, 314) will translate to the NFL until we see him going against Big Ten competition (like Penn State and Oregon) for nine regular-season games. George is expected to slot into a starting tackle spot (probably on the left side) for Iowa in 2025.

Additionally, it is on the table that left guard Beau Stephens (6-6, 322) sees a breakthrough as a fifth-year senior with a lot of experience.

How can terrific Iowa placekicker Drew Stevens get better yet?

Now going into his senior year, Stevens talks about the preparing coming off a year of great success.

Another Iowa specialist on the watch list

Tory Taylor was plucked as an elite punter in the fourth round of the 2024 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. Could senior placekicker Drew Stevens (6-0, 205) follow suit? Stevens has a rocket leg with extreme accuracy, connecting on 20 of 23 field goals a year ago with his only misses coming from 50-plus yards.

Given the ability of NFL kickers like Brandon Aubrey to change games by consistently hitting from 60-plus, Stevens does have a chance to show he’s a difference-making kicker who deserves to be drafted. Three kickers were taken in the 2024 draft (all in the sixth round).

Hawkeyes columnist Chad Leistikow has served for 30 years with The Des Moines Register and USA TODAY Sports Network. Chad is the 2023 INA Iowa Sports Columnist of the Year and NSMA Co-Sportswriter of the Year in Iowa. Join Chad’s text-message group (free for subscribers) at HawkCentral.com/HawkeyesTexts. Follow @ChadLeistikow on X.

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Colts pick Iowa State OT Jalen Travis in NFL draft fourth round: Highlights, stats

Published

2 days ago

April 26, 2025

Press Room

Colts pick Iowa State OT Jalen Travis in NFL draft fourth round: Highlights, stats

The Indianapolis Colts picked Jalen Travis with the 127th overall pick in the fourth round of the NFL draft.

Here is what you should know about Travis.

Jalen Travis draft grade

Nate Atkins of the IndyStar gave the pick a B.

“The Colts entered Day 3 with needs at a couple starter spots at weak-side linebacker and right guard. It appears, at least initially, that they went in another direction in the fourth round after trading back 10 spots with the Rams to acquire an additional sixth-round pick.”

Does Jalen Travis fit Colts’ needs?

While the Colts needed a guard, they opted to draft a tackle instead. Jalen Travis will add to Indianapolis’ offensive line depth after allowing center Ryan Kelly and right guard Will Fries to depart in free agency. It could free up Matt Goncalves to move to right guard.

Watch the NFL draft on Fubo

Jalen Travis college

Jalen Travis attended Iowa State and Princeton.

Jalen Travis highlights

Jalen Travis stats

Jalen Travis spent four seasons at Princeton before transferring to Iowa State. He played in 12 games for ISU (11 starts). He was part of an offensive line that helped the Cyclones rush for 27 touchdowns (tied for fourth-most in program history).

Jalen Travis height

Jalen Travis is 6-8.

Jalen Travis weight

Jalen Travis weighs 339 pounds.

Jalen Travis combine results

At the NFL combine, Jalen Travis was ranked the 19th-best offensive tackle in the production category. Travis ranked third at his position in the athleticism category and was 14th overall in total score for tackles.