JC lineman commits to ISU
In search of some immediate help along an offensive line that should have a few openings heading into the 2016 season, Iowa State got one in the form of a mid-year JUCO transfer that can play all five positions along the front.
Northeastern Oklahoma A&M sophomore Karson Green committed to the Cyclones on Sunday morning as he wrapped up his official visit, saying he particularly enjoyed the group of coaches now in place.
"I just loved Coach (Matt) Campbell and the coaching staff," said Green. "I've been to a lot of really nice places and bigger schools, but I really wanted to play in the Big 12. That was a factor for me. But when I got there, it didn't even matter what conference Iowa State was in or who they played because that coaching staff is unbelievable. People are going to be really surprised when they get this thing turned around way faster than what people are expecting. They're great guys, great recruiters and know what they're talking about."
The addition of the 6-foot-5, 290-pound Green also signifies the direction the Cyclones will be taking in future classes as far as the offensive line position is concerned.
"The mold they want in an offensive lineman is tough-nosed kids and nasty players; kids that have chips on their shoulders," Green said. "They want guys that are passionate about the game and great people in the program. They want athletic guys that are smart and play with an extra effort.
"They recruited me because I fit that mold. I'm also very versatile. I was a high school center and an offensive tackle in junior college. They said I could play anywhere from center to tackle and am kind of like a utility guy in this class. I'm a mid-year guy that can try to win a starting job at any number of spots."
ISU offensive lineman Nick Fett hosted Green during the visit.
"The whole place blew me away," Green said. "Ames was great. There was something about Iowa State that it felt right and like home. It's a small country-type town and that fits me as a person because I grew up on a farm. I'm ready to get to Ames and strap it up. I'm proud to be a Cyclone."
Green was a full qualifier with a 4.0 GPA and National Honor Society member coming out of Class 3A Madill High School in southern Oklahoma, but says it wasn't until he went the JUCO route that his recruiting took off.
Akron, East Carolina, Florida Atlantic, Middle Tennessee State, New Mexico and Texas-San Antonio had also offered the offensive lineman, who will have two seasons of eligibility to exhaust over three years.