Cyclones offer in-state prospect

Bettendorf, Iowa 2017 offensive tackle Mark Kallenberger has picked up his first two Power Five offers of the recruiting process over the last week, including one from an Iowa State program he has a strong connection with.

"I had gotten letters from (Iowa State), but had no idea they were even thinking about offering me," Kallenberger remarked.

Iowa State extended the offer to Kallenberger on Tuesday during a phone call between the junior and a couple staff members.

"I actually called Coach (Todd) Sturdy first," Kallenberger said. "He just talked to me and handed the phone off to Coach (Paul) Rhoads. I talked to him for 3-4 minutes and then Coach Rhoads offered me."

The connection between Kallenberger and the Iowa State program is related to Sturdy, the Cyclone's quarterbacks coach.

"Coach Sturdy is a long-time friend with my dad and my mom," Kallenberger said. "They have known each other since college at St. Ambrose, so that's a connection. I was definitely more comfortable talking to him than any of the other coaches I've talked with just because of the relationship he's had with my parents."

The Iowa State offer was the third of the process for Kallenberger. He was offered by Eastern Michigan early in the fall, and Nebraska joined his list last week.

"The Nebraska one was actually the biggest surprise to me. I hadn't received anything at all prior to that," Kallenberger said. "That was the night of my first playoff game. All of the coaches followed me on Twitter and Coach (Mike) Cavanaugh, their offensive line coach, direct messaged me on Twitter and said, 'Call me.' I called him and 15 seconds into the call he offered me a scholarship.

"I really don't know much about the program. When I hear the name Nebraska, I know they have a good football program and that's what I think of."

The 6-foot-6, 240-pound Kallenberger said his recruitment has taken off so fast he has not had time to formulate a game plan. His current priority, though, is helping his 11-0 Bettendorf team navigate the post-seasn.

"Nebraska wanted me to come to their game against Iowa on the 27th," Kallenberger said. "I still have to look and see what my schedule is, but during playoffs I will not be able to go on any visits."

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