Matt Hoch of Harlan, Iowa, and Mike Hardy of Appleton, Wis., both said they will sign with the Hawks next February. Both are rated among the top 30 strongside defensive ends in the country by Rivals.com — Hoch No. 22 and Hardy No. 27.
The 6-foot-5, 230-pound Hoch has an older brother, Dan, who is a starting offensive tackle at Missouri but he rejected offers from the Tigers, Iowa State, Kansas State and Stanford. Hardy, who is 6-5, 260, chose Iowa over Wisconsin, Nebraska, Iowa State, Minnesota, Purdue and Indiana.
Of the eight Iowa commitments, seven are players expected to play in the defensive front seven. Other commitments have come from linebackers James Morris, Austin Gray and Jim Poggi; defensive end Louis Trinca-Pasat, defensive tackle Anthony Ferguson; and quarterback-tight end Austin Vier.
