One of the top tight ends in the 2024 class trimmed down his list of potential schools. The Iowa Hawkeyes are among the final five schools for four-star tight end Eric Karner out of Immaculate Conception in Elmhurst, Ill.
Iowa joins Alabama, Florida, Michigan State and Texas A&M in Karner’s top five schools.
Karner picked up his Iowa offer on April 22 and seemed to really enjoy his visit to Iowa City during that time. Now, the Hawkeyes appear primed to be in this race until the finish line.
Next 4?@MattBowen41 @MDohertyICCP @AllenTrieu @EDGYTIM @angcalsebastian @On3Noah @ICCPFootball pic.twitter.com/OwagMar2ZE
— Eric Karner (@erickarner) May 11, 2023
Karner is ranked as a four-star talent by On3, as the No. 18 tight end and as the No. 7 player from Illinois. Rivals, 247Sports and ESPN each have Karner rated as a three-star recruit.
ESPN lists Karner as the nation’s No. 6 tight end and as the No. 11 player from Illinois, while 247Sports ranks Karner as the No. 40 tight end and as the No. 16 player from Illinois.
In the On3 consensus rankings, Karner checks in as the nation’s No. 485 player overall, as the No. 29 tight end and as the No. 11 player from Illinois.
Per MaxPreps, Karner reeled in 12 grabs for 196 yards with three touchdowns last season.
According to Rivals, Karner has summer visit dates scheduled with Michigan State, Florida and Iowa. He is slated to visit the Spartans on June 2, the Gators on June 9, and the Hawkeyes on June 23.
If he chooses the Hawkeyes, Karner would join an Iowa class that already features quarterback commit James Resar, running backs Brevin Doll and Xavier Williams and offensive linemen Cody Fox, Bodey McCaslin, Will Nolan and Josh Janowski.
Karner was initially committed to Purdue on March 7, but he decommitted from the Boilermakers on April 13.
After John Hersey High School offensive tackle Will Nolan’s commitment on Monday, Iowa now has 11 commits in its 2024 class. The class is ranked No. 14 nationally by 247Sports, No. 17 by Rivalsand No. 21 by On3.
Here’s a look at Karner’s Hudl highlights. Plus, his full recruiting profile below.
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