Reece Vander Zee Commits to Iowa Football

Hawkeyes Haul In Central Lyon/G-LR WR After Weekend Official

Author:
Rob Howe
Publish date:
Jun 27, 2023 12:21 PM EDT

In this story:

Iowa Football travels to rival Iowa State Sept. 9 for the annual Cy-Hawk game. It will do so with a summer victory against the Cyclones.

The Hawkeyes picked up a verbal commitment from in-state receiver Reece Vander Zee on Tuesday. He told HN earlier this month that he would be choosing between them and ISU after visiting both officially.

Iowa played host to him for an official this past weekend. He told HN he really enjoyed it. It was enhanced former Rock Rapids (IA) Central Lyon/George-Little Rock (CLGLR) teammate and Hawkeye freshman Zach Lutmer hosting him on the visit and being joined by classmate Graham Eben, who committed to the program on Monday.

"What really clinched it was just the family feel of the program," Vander Zee told HN. "Everyone is so welcoming. Obviously, having Graham and Zach there was also amazing as well, but I truly believe I would've been a Hawkeye either way.

"I also like how they pay attention to the details and have a proven system that has worked for them and will continue to work."

Vander Zee (6-5, 190) also reported offers from Nebraska, Air Force, Yale and others. He became Iowa's 15th known verbal commitment in the 2024 Class.

"I'm feeling great. It's been a long time coming, and I can't wait to become part of Hawkeye Nation," he said.

Vander Zee teamed up with Lutmer, Eben and others in helping Central Lyon win state championships in football and basketball last school year. In football, Vander Zee caught 32 passes for 768 yards and 10 touchdowns during '22 in earning first-team all-state honors from the IPSWA. That organization tabbed him as a second-team all-state pick in basketball, where he averaged 17.8 points and 6.7 rebounds.

"As to why CLGLR is so successful, I would say that we just have amazing people and we are pretty similar to Iowa in the way we do things - detail oriented and we do things the right way," Vander Zee said.

"I credit that to our coaches and our leaders the last couple years. And we definitely have more players in the tank. It's just incredible to be in a program like that. It brings so much pride to our community, and it shows kids around here how kids like us can make an impact and be a part of something bigger than yourself."

Vander Zee shows excellent body control and ability to catch the ball over defensive backs during his junior highlights. He also impresses on defense, where he intercepted four passes last fall.

On3 and 247Sports see Vander Zee as a three-star prospect. The latter ranks him as the No. 8 in-state prospect overall, while the former puts him ninth.

'24 Iowa Football Verbal Commitments

Cody Fox, OL, Winthrop (IA) East Buchanan

Derek Weisskopf, LB, Williamsburg (IA)

Cam Buffington, LB, Winfield-Mount Union (IA)

Preston Ries, LB, Monticello (IA)

James Resar, QB, Jacksonville (FL) Bishop Kenny

Josh Janowski, OL, Tinley Park (IL) Lincoln-Way East

Drew Campbell, DL, Cedar Falls (IA)

Xavier Williams, RB, St. John (IN) Lake Central

Brevin Doll, RB, Adel (IA) A-D-M

Body McCaslin, OL, Saint Charles (IL) East

William Nolan, OL, Arlington Heights (IL) Hersey