Iowa tight ends coach Abdul Hodge has done incredible work in just his first full season with the Hawkeyes. The former Iowa linebacker joined the coaching staff in March of 2022 and has already put together a solid tight ends group for next season. It began with landing Erick All from Michigan in the transfer portal. Today, Grant Leeper signed with the Hawkeyes, adding to their 2023 recruitment class. He is the second tight-end recruit to sign with Iowa in the class of 2023 after Zach Ortwerth inked his letter of intent in the early signing period last December.
Tight End Grant Leeper Signs with Iowa
Upside at Iowa
Leeper is a 6’-7” 215-pound three-star tight end from Fort Wayne, Indiana. He landed at Iowa over Indiana, Army, and Wake Forest. Iowa offered Leeper a gray shirt meaning he will not be on scholarship for his first semester in Iowa City. Afterward, he will be on scholarship to finish out his Iowa career. Leeper was originally offered as a preferred walk-on last fall. Last week, Iowa elevated the offer to a gray shirt. The tight end visited campus on January 28th, committed to the Hawkeyes via Twitter on the 30th, and signed his letter of intent today.
The upside for Leeper is immense. His long frame is ideal for developing at the position, especially at Iowa where tight-end usage is paramount. Leeper also plays basketball for Homestead High School. He only started playing football in his senior season for the Spartans. Leeper played in nine football games as a senior and had a team-high six touchdown receptions. He hauled in 27 catches for 376 yards, averaging north of 13 yards per reception. Showing that kind of capability in just one season of play is impressive and speaks to his athleticism and football acumen.
On the basketball court, Leeper is currently averaging 9.1 points per game this season for Homestead. He also leads his team with a 59% field goal percentage. The multi-sport capability adds to Leeper’s upside potential as an athlete on the Hawkeye offense. It will play a big role in his development as a pass-catcher at Iowa.
Grant Leeper Signs with Iowa
Iowa’s 2023 recruiting class is now up to 22 signees, two of which have already enrolled this winter. Iowa currently sits at the number 40 overall ranking in the class of 2023, with the seventh-best class in the Big Ten. Leeper has a rating of 88 according to 247Sports. He is not listed on the composite ranking. However, his rating is in the top third of this signing class at Iowa.
