‘Edgy’ Tim: Riordan commits to Iowa, Ericson-Staton to Iowa State

Hinsdale Central junior defensive lineman Tommy Riordan (6-foot-5, 245 pounds), rated four stars by Rivals, last week gave the Iowa Hawkeyes his verbal commitment.

“The development and culture at Iowa is unlike any other,” Riordan said. “They develop players to become great. Iowa also feels like home and I have a high level of familiarity with the program.”

Riordan will follow in the footsteps of his older brother Gene, who is already enrolled at Iowa and taking part in spring football for the Hawkeyes. Tommy Riordan made a recent spring practice visit, then posted his college announcement to his X account.

Riordan, who possesses an 80-inch wingspan and a 35-inch vertical jump, decided on Iowa over offers from the likes of Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, Purdue and Kansas State. Riordan joins Fenwick junior safety Jake Thies as the Hawkeyes’ second pledge from Illinois in the Class of 2027, and the seventh verbal commitment overall for Iowa.

Ericson-Staton to Iowa State

Montini Catholic junior three-star ranked offensive lineman Gavin Ericson-Staton (6-5, 275 pounds) announced his verbal commitment to Iowa State via his X account on Saturday.

“Thank you to my parents for all that they have sacrificed for me throughout the recruiting process! After a lot of conversation with my family, I am excited to announce my commitment to Iowa State University!”

Ericson-Staton discussed why he decided to wrap up his recruiting process and pledge to Iowa State.

“The relationships that I have been able to build up with the coaches at Iowa State is a big factor,” he said. “I trust the coaches’ process and coaching methods at Iowa State.”

Ericson-Staton also considered Minnesota and Kansas State before committing to Iowa State.

Geneva’s Peterson emerging

Geneva junior quarterback Ben Peterson (6-4, 210 pounds) has emerged as one of the top remaining signal callers in the Class of 2027 in Illinois. Peterson, who holds Mid-American Conference offers, made a recent spring visit to Cincinnati.

“Overall I had a really good visit to Cincinnati,” Peterson said. “Cincinnati might have the most organized school when it comes to practices along with just talking with recruits and making everyone feel welcomed.

“They always have a lot for us to do on a visit. I was able to talk with more of the coaches at Cincinnati including quarterback coach Pete Thomas,” he said. “We talked about Cincinnati’s quarterback recruiting and where I fit in.”

Look for Peterson to remain busy this spring and summer.

“We are expecting quite a few college coaches to be back in school this spring,” he said. “I’m excited to get the chance to throw for the college coaches again. I’m still lifting with the team along with getting my throwing sessions in.

“I don't have any college camp plans just yet,” he said. “My plan is to see how my spring recruiting goes, then see which schools have real interest in me. I can see myself doing a few one-day camps with schools who have real interest in me.”

Carmel’s Miles drawing interest

Carmel Catholic is loaded with impressive underclass talent. Four-star ranked sophomore linebacker Jameer Miles (6-4, 190 pounds) is already drawing national recruiting attention. His offers include Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Nebraska, Ohio State and Oregon.

Miles made a recent spring game visit to Nebraska and spent time with his former Carmel teammate, junior four-star ranked quarterback and Cornhusker commit Trae Taylor

Expect Miles to bring serious Power Four coaching visitors when the NCAA open recruiting period begins on Wednesday.