Australian punter Rhys Dakin headed to Iowa
With All-American punter Tory Taylor graduating this year, the Iowa Hawkeyes are going back to the land down under to find his replacement. Today, Australian punter Rhys Dakin officially announced his verbal commitment to Iowa after receiving a visit from special teams coordinator LeVar Woods.
“I am excited to announce my commitment to study and play football on a full scholarship at the University of Iowa,” Dakin said in a statement. “Firstly, I would like to thank Pro Kick Australia, John Smith, and Tim Gleeson for making this opportunity possible with their coaching and hard work behind the scenes. Thank you also to Coach LeVar Woods for believing in my ability and coming to visit my parents and I.
“I would also like to thank the guys at Conquest Athletic Performance and The Hunt Strength & Conditioning for helping me along the way in my journey.
“And finally, I would also like to thank my parents for your love and support and for also believing in me and for providing me with the opportunity to start punting in the first place.
“With all that being said, I am excited to get to work,” said Dakin.
Overall, Dakin is commitment No. 21 for the Hawkeyes in the Class of 2024, which can officially sign starting Wednesday, December 20.
Of those recruits, there is no doubt the Australian native will be looked upon to contribute the earliest as Taylor’s replacement at punter next season.
Dakin will be enrolling at Iowa in January to get a head start on the process with the opportunity to go through spring practice with the Hawkeyes in 2024.
