Mason Knipp is committed to developing as a football player. It's a work ethic that led him to Iowa state high school wrestling titles the last two winters.
The Waterloo Columbus Catholic senior thought about accepting a scholarship from the University of Northern Iowa. He decided that the way he's wired, walking on at the University of Iowa was his best choice.
"I considered UNI as my other top option during recruitment. I walked on at Iowa because they are the best program at developing players," he told HN.
Knipp (6-3, 260) shine for the Sailors in 2023. The two-way lineman piled up 36.5 tackles for loss and 11.0 sacks, earning first-team all-state honors on defense from the Iowa Print Sports Writers Association. Columbus rushed for 2,022 yards with him anchoring the O-Line.
The Hawkeyes are bringing Knipp in as an interior offensive lineman. He looks forward to proving himself on the field.
"They believe in earning your spot with hard work, which is something my dad taught me early on with all the sports I play," Knipp said.
That's turned out to be sage advice. In addition to the back-to-back championships on the wrestling mat, he seeks to improve upon a fifth-place finish in the Class 2A shot put at last spring's state track meet. He may compete against fellow '24 Hawkeye recruit Derek Weisskopf, who was second for Williamsburg.
Knipp believes being a multi-sport athlete will help him when he begins focusing on just one of them. Iowa enjoys a strong history with standout prep wrestlers.
"Wrestlers have a natural leverage and power. Also, it helps tremendously with hand and foot work," he said.
Undecided on a college major, Knipp is considering a path in Eduction. The key to succeeding academically and athletically, again, goes back to him working hard.
"I have to give my best at all times and be very coachable," he said.
Knipp stands out as one of the top athletes to come through Columbus Catholic. He sees the community there as being a big reason he's chasing more goals in Iowa City,
"It prepared me by teaching me to be a good person," he said.
His senior highlight video reveals a guy that enjoys physicality no matter where he lines up on the field. The power with leverage combination gives him a high ceiling that can be reached with further development.
Knipp appears focused on getting there.
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