Iowa Hawkeyes Add 2017 Illinois RB Ivory Kelly-Martin to Class
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @HogManInLA
The Hawkeyes added a big piece to their 2017 recruiting class on Monday landing running back Ivory Kelly-Martin out of Oswego East High School.
Kelly-Martin played for Nazareth Academy in 2015 helping the Roadrunners to a 12-2 record cementing himself as a tough and dynamic playmaker along the way. Kelly-Martin broke loose for 2,036 yards on the ground off 190 carries with 33 touchdowns. Led his team to a state title beating Lincoln-Way West 42-21 for the trophy. During the offseason, Kelly-Martin transferred to Oswego East High School.
Iowa chased off interests from Tennessee, Wisconsin, and Vanderbilt along with offers from Northern Illinois, Toledo, Western Michigan, New Mexico, Indiana State, Illinois State, Central Michigan, Bowling Green, Arizona, and in-state power Illinois for Kelly-Ivory’s commitment.
Kelly-Martin made his announcement official on Twitter posting, “I would like to thank all of the coaches whom I have met and spoken with throughout the recruitment process. You have all made positive and lasting impressions that I will remember and appreciate throughout my life. I would now like to announce that I have committed to continue my academic and athletic career at The University of Iowa! Go Hawkeye Football!”
The Hawkeyes now have eight verbal commitments to their 2017 recruiting class picking up offensive tackle Mark Kallenberger and Kelly-Ivory in the last four days.
Iowa Hawkeyes 2017 Verbal Commitment List (8)
CB Djimon Colbert, 6-0, 210, Bishop Miege HS, Mission, KS
DE A.J. Epenesa, 6-5, 230, Edwardsville HS, Edwardsville, IL
DE Coy Kirkpatrick, 6-4, 240, Madrid HS, Madrid, IA
DT Juan Harris, 6-4, 368, North Fayette HS, West Union, IA
OT Mark Kallenberger, 6-6, 250, Bettendorf HS, Bettendorf, IA
OT Tristan Wirfs, 6-4, 265, Mount Vernon HS, Mount Vernon, IA
RB Ivory Kelly-Martin, 5-11, 195, Oswego East HS, Oswego, IL
ATH Jacob Coons, 6-3, 215, Solon HS, Solon, IA
Photo credit: 247sports.com; No. 1 Ivory Kelly-Martin breaks free.