Information: Edwardsville (Unwell.) 2025 five-star defensive lineman Iose Epenesa has dedicated to Iowa. Epenesa introduced his dedication to the Hawkeyes over Miami, Missouri, Utah, and Penn State, amongst others.
Epenesa is the youthful brother of former Iowa defensive lineman AJ Epenesa and likewise present Iowa linebacker Eric Epenesa. Their father, Eppy, performed for the Hawkeyes beneath Hayden Fry.
Per 247Sports, Epenesa is the No. 16 general recruit within the 2025 class and the No. 3 defensive lineman.
Epenesa is the No. 14 scholarship commit within the class for Iowa and the second defensive lineman. He’s the highest-ranked prospect within the class.
Epenesa can be a standout basketball and monitor and discipline participant. He took twelfth in state in shot put this previous season as a junior and was second within the discus.
The Impression: This can be a main win for Iowa. After all, it is at all times vital to win the recruitments for a legacy prospect, however Epenesa is far more than that. Epenesa is a top-15 prospect within the nation for a motive and he’ll have an opportunity to compete early for snaps in Iowa Metropolis. Epenesa might play both inside or on the sting for the Hawkeyes down the road and his versatility will likely be welcomed in Kelvin Bell’s room. There are a variety of questions for Iowa on the defensive position after the 2024 season with the potential gamers leaving. Epenesa might not be a solidified starter, however he ought to be capable of compete for snaps early in his profession, much like his older brother, AJ. Deontae Craig is slated to graduate after this season, whereas Ethan Hurkett has yet one more yr. Iowa additionally returns Max Llewellyn and Brian Allen on the sting. If Hurkett stays, then Epenesa might work himself into that fourth spot and be concerned in numerous packages relying on how rapidly he will get adjusted. That is simply his first yr, too. He has potential to be an actual constant disruptor for Iowa on the sting and can proceed to enhance as he develops extra. Pairing him with the 2024 class that Iowa introduced in on the defensive position will likely be thrilling to look at unfold.
Scouting Report: “Probably role- and scheme-versatile defensive lineman with spectacular useful athleticism and a scorching motor. Elite throws athlete whose immense shot put and discus energy manifests in point-of-attack punch and hand violence. Flashes an anvil of an inside hand as an edge rusher. Persistently shows punchy stack-and-shed power to have an effect on the run sport. Performs with encouraging redirecting capability to all of a sudden reroute pursuit. Able to profitable with bodily traits and energy alike. Has proven promising secondary rush plan at occasions. Will get invaluable two-way snaps as a wipeout-blocking tight finish. Additionally has lengthy snapped. Basketball expertise reveals in ease of motion and physique management. Want a extra concrete thought of actual, verified bodily specs. Glorious soccer pedigree and superior bodily and technically, however might that have an effect on long-term ceiling? Seems like one of many high front-line defensive prospects within the 2025 recruiting cycle. Initiatives as an influence high-major defensive stalwart who might turn into an early-round NFL Draft candidate.” – 247Sports’ Gabe Brooks.
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