Jordan Bernstine (5-11, 200, 4.45), from Lincoln High School in Des Moines, says he favors Iowa solidly over UCLA, Texas A&M, Pittsburgh and Nebraska. All have offered.
"After my official visit on December 8, Iowa is my favorite school," Bernstine said. "I really like their coaching staff and they're close to home. My mom would like me to stay close to home. All of the schools are recruiting me for safety and are suggesting that I can play early. But the Hawkeyes' coaches are really down-to-earth and easy to talk to--especially Coach Reese Morgan (offensive line). He takes the time to really talk with me and understands that this is a big decision with a lot of things to consider.
"UCLA comes in second," said Scout.com's No. 31 ranked safety. "I had my official visit on December 2. I got to watch a great game as the Bruins won over USC (13-9). I like their style of defense and Coach Todd Howard (defensive line) is an amazing coach. He takes time to review with each player. There is a lot of one-on-one coaching.
"Nebraska was a top favorite but aren't any longer. The Cornhuskers call me a couple times a week. They're ready for me to commit, and I'm just not ready yet. I need a few more weeks. I plan on making my decision sometime before Christmas. There has been pressure from Coach Dennis Wagner (offensive line) for me to give them a commitment. They said that a lot of other guys are committing and their roster is filling up. They were the first to offer and I appreciate that, but I can't be pressured into making a decision now because they want me to.
"Texas A&M is a great school," said the four-star prospect. "My uncle, Rod Bernstine, played for them, then he went on to play for the Denver Broncos and the San Diego Chargers. I turn to my mom and my uncle for advice. They will be making the decision with me. I know Texas A&M can produce great players. They have a good program and are having a heck of a year. I know a lot of their coaches and I know a lot about their program from my uncle. I'm taking them into consideration, but I still favor Iowa.
"I may be going to Pittsburgh this weekend," Bernstine said. "I don't know yet. They have an up-and-coming program. They also have a great coaching staff. I'm really looking at the coaching staffs. I think that's the key to becoming a better player. The Panthers have hard working coaches. Coach Paul Rhoads (defensive coordinator/secondary) took the time to really talk to me. He calls often and it's not always about me making a commitment. We talk about academics, my future, my strengths and weaknesses. The coaching staff is very well-rounded.
"I have a lot to learn about these schools. I never really followed football until I was starting to be recruited my junior year. "I'll be making my decision some time around Christmas," he said. "I've been approached about having a press conference, but I don't know if I will. I just want to make a decision first, then worry about the media."
Final senior season (7-3) stats: 5 interceptions/91 tackles/56 solo/930 rushing yards/12 TDs. "Football comes naturally to me. Not to say that I don't have anything to work on, but it's a natural talent."
Bernstine reports a 3.6 core GPA and 18 ACT score--will possibly retake.