Ankeny defensive back Jamison Patton has verbally committed to play football for Iowa State.
Patton announced his decision via Twitter on Monday.
He tweeted: “STAYING HOME #CyclONEnation”.
Patton transferred to Ankeny in the spring from Des Moines Roosevelt, where he starred as a dual-threat quarterback. He was recruited by Power Five schools as an athlete.
The Hawks already boast one of the state’s top quarterbacks in JJ Kohl, who helped the team to a runner-up finish in Class 5A last season. Patton is expected to play safety at Ankeny, and he could also be used as a receiver.
Both Kohl and receiver Kai Black of Urbandale, another close friend of Patton’s, recently committed to the Cyclones. All three players are among the state of Iowa’s top recruits in the Class of 2023.
“It was a tough decision, but it wasn’t hard to call ISU home!” said Patton. “With Kai and JJ committed, it made it an easier decision for sure.”
Patton, a three-star recruit, held offers from 10 Division I schools. He took visits to Iowa, Iowa State and UCLA before making his decision.
With Patton’s commitment, the Cyclones have moved up to No. 22 nationally in the 247 Sports recruiting rankings.
“The atmosphere over there is amazing,” Patton said. “I just felt at home when I was there. The coaches are great, and the players are getting developed. The players within the program are great, I had a great time on my official visit, and I got a chance to connect with the players a lot.”
Patton has already made an impact at Ankeny in other sports. He joined the boys’ track team in the spring and tied for fourth place in the Class 4A state meet in the high jump with a leap of 6 feet 6 inches.
Patton is also the starting shortstop on the 10th-ranked Ankeny baseball squad, which has a 10-7 record. He is batting .362 with three home runs and 17 RBIs.