The standout kickers on the Ankeny and Ankeny Centennial football teams have made their college choices.
Ankeny’s Ryan Harrington has verbally committed to South Dakota State.
“I was going all over the place in the Midwest ranging from D2 and D3 teams,” said Harrington. “I had lots of visits and got to see different cultures and styles the teams ran, which was cool during the recruitment process. At the end of the process, it was nerve-racking with SDSU coming in late to the recruitment process along with Sioux Falls–which ended up being my top (two). Overall, through the end of the process, I said if SDSU offers I’m going there. And if not, I’m going to Sioux Falls.
“SDSU offered on the visit Tuesday and I committed on the spot!” Harrington said.
Fellow senior Ryan Bendezu of Centennial, meanwhile, has committed to Concordia St. Paul. He received a partial scholarship.
“I had a few other offers, but Concordia looked like my best opportunity,” said Bendezu. “I liked the coaching staff there.”
Harrington converted all 27 of his PAT attempts and 11-of-15 field goals last season. He also recorded 31 touchbacks on 45 kickoffs while helping the Hawks to a 6-5 record.
Harrington was named to the Class 5A all-state first team by the Iowa Football Coaches Association. He was a repeat pick to the District 6 first team.
Bendezu also earned first-team honors in District 1 after helping the Jaguars to an 8-3 record and a trip to the Class 5A quarterfinals. He was a second-team all-state selection.
Bendezu made all 52 of his PAT attempts, which set a school record. He also connected on 7-of-9 field goals.
Neither kicker felt like it was a difficult decision.
“I knew in my head what I wanted and if I didn’t get SDSU, I had a back up,” Harrington said. “But in the summer I had a camp at SDSU, and I really liked the facilities and had some connections up there. I enjoyed how I was treated on the visit and how they had everything I need to make myself a better kicker and maximize my potential.”