Iowa State first to offer 2027 West Lyon lineman Jerrence Knoblock
The Cyclones became the first to offer an in-state prospect in the 2027 class with family ties to the football program.
West Lyon (Inwood) defensive lineman Jerrence Knoblock, who’s uncle, Luke Vander Sanden, started on Iowa State offensive lines in the early 2000s got the news of his during a game day visit this past weekend.
“Derek (Hoodjer) texted me to come down and I did last weekend,” said the high school junior. “I talked to him at breakfast and then I talked to Eli Rasheed, then we went on the field. I got to talk to some of the players.
“Derek said he wanted to talk to me after the game, and then that’s kind of how it went and he offered me on the spot. The visit itself was amazing. The defense really got the ball rolling, and the fans were on point. It was a good environment. I think that’s the environment they have around their players.”
The 6-foot-6, 220-pound Knoblock said he also learned more about the inner workings of the Cyclones’ program.
“I learned how Iowa State really tries to make a connection with you while you’re down there,” he said. “The coaches do a fabulous job right before, while they can, getting to know you, especially with how many people are down there and the number of recruits. They do a fantastic job of trying to get to know you and coming up to you and starting a conversation.”
The northwest Iowa prospect is in the midst of a junior season breakout in which he’s recorded 19 tackles, 6.5 tackles and 5.5 tackles-for-loss from his spot on the defensive line.
He’s helped least West Lyon to an undefeated season to this point. The Wildcats are just one game away from the state semifinals and trip to the UNI-Dome.
“I would say they liked how I got off the ball, and how long I was,” Knoblock said. “I’m just holding down the defense. I haven’t really posted much film, but they got a hold of it somehow. I haven’t made any highlight clips, but I’m pretty sure my coach sent some of the whole game and they picked some out that they liked.
“They like how physical I am and how I got off the ball, how quick I am. I’m pretty athletic and am a four-sport athlete. I’m constantly in the weight room, just trying to better myself.”
Iowa has also shown interest in Knoblock and hosted the in-state prospect on a game day visit earlier this season.
