Jaleel Johnson has been committed to Iowa for almost a month now, but he says the glow has not yet worn off.
"It feels great," the 6'3, 290-lb four-star said. "It just feels great to know I'm going to be part of a great coaching staff and a great school with great tradition. It feels pretty good."
While many recruits want, and are promised early playing time, Johnson says he is in no rush.
"I don't see myself playing as a freshman, maybe sophomore year, so that way, I develop more."
He says he has parts of game he wants to work on, and he has been doing that all summer. He continued that work on Saturday at the Junior Rank/Marines Camp in hopes that he will be selected to the game.
In addition to the physical and technical work he has done, attitude is another element that he wants to keep building.
"I want to get better with that mental toughness, just knowing that I can go out there and demolish people."
The Hawkeyes have struck hard in the Windy City this year, grabbing several commitments from touted Chicagoland prospects. Johnson and his counterparts say they will keep working to get others to join them.
"I have a friend, Maurice Fleming that committed to Iowa too, and we got an offensive tackle, Ryan Ward too, so that's pretty good. We'll be working on guys."
Johnson will also be working on a state title. He transferred last semester to a school, Lombard Montini, that is looking for a third straight state title. He says that environment has already made him a more complete player.
"I love it. It's a great program. Competition every single day and I can see myself getting better, so I love it over there."