Cyclones offer legacy linebacker
Iowa State extended a verbal offer Monday night to an Illinois high school linebacker who has some strong family ties to the football program.
Sycamore rising senior Nick Niemann has seen and heard plenty about ISU from his father Jay, who was a linebacker himself under Donnie Duncan in Ames and more recently from brother Ben, who gave the Cyclones a hard look a couple years ago before settling in Iowa City.
"I've been up there a few times, because my dad played at Iowa State and my brother went on a (Junior Day) visit there two years ago so I went with him. I watched them practice and I liked it," said Niemann. "Their facilities are top-notch and I really like that a lot. From what I've seen, I really like Iowa State."
Around four weeks after watching Niemann's junior highlight film, Cyclone head coach Paul Rhoads extended the 6-foot-3, 205-pound linebacker an offer Monday evening.
"I've been communicating with one of their coaches and he asked if I could give them a call, so I called and he put Coach Rhoads on the phone," Niemann said. "We talked for a little bit and he said they'd like to offer me. I'm also going to their Junior Day on March 7th. I sent the coach my film about a month ago and we've been in touch ever since.
"Coach Rhoads said he liked how I made plays in the open field, and that I'm tough, aggressive and play with a lot of passion. We didn't really discuss position-wise, but I think that will come with time. We talked about me getting up there first to see the place."
In addition to his I-State offer, Niemann was offered by Iowa at a Junior Day last month and also has one from Montana State. He's also hearing from Minnesota, Illinois, Indiana and Bowling Green.
"I'm pretty open right now and am not learning anywhere quite yet," he said.
Niemann said he somewhat compares to his brother Ben, who will be a sophomore in Iowa City next fall.
"I think I'm a little more similar to my brother, but a little bit longer than he is," Niemann said. "He is more of a brick wall, but I have a little more length to me."
The youngest Niemann said he looks forward to returning to Ames in 11 days.
"I just want to refresh my memory on everything about it," he said. "From what I remember about it, the facilities are really nice and Ben and I seemed to enjoy the stadium. Now they're re-doing it, so that's cool. I'm just excited to be back up there in general and get around everyone and all the coaches."