We have confirmed that Jer Garman has committed to UND.  The highly decorated RB out of Iowa powerhouse Linn-Mar High School in Marion, Iowa was the Cedar Rapids Metro Player of the Year.  He also has accumulated many 1st team all-state awards as a junior and senior.

Rumors

Had a chance to talk to Linn-Mar High School Head Coach Bob Forsyth and ask him his thoughts on Garman.  He said UND is getting a great, grounded person both on and off the field who comes from a great family.  Forsyth projects Garman as a running back in college who can be a dynamic punt and kick returner.  Apparently, Garman is a weight room warrior too as Coach Forsyth mentioned the fact that Jer had squatted 550 pounds 5 times the other day in workouts.  Forsyth said Garman was a 3 year starter, 3 time all-conference selection and 3 time team MVP recipient.  He also said that Garman broke 2 conference records during his junior season for most TD’s scored in a season and most points scored in a season.  Those records were previously held by a former Iowa Hawkeye and NFL pro named Tim Dwight.  You may have heard of him.

The diminutive Garman, 5’8 – 170 lbs, rushed for 1,601 yards and had 26 TD’s his senior season.  His junior year he rushed for 1,861 yards and 29 TD’s.  He also holds 12 school records at Linn-Mar High School.  All of this at the highest level of competition in the state of Iowa -  Class 4A.

Garman could best be classified as a ‘scat back’ who was officially clocked at 4.56 in the 40 yard dash at the Under Armour combine as a junior and scored very well overall.  While he’s probably not an every down back, he will be a great change of pace to complement the between the tackle runners.  He also could potentially line up in the slot at some point in his career.  One thing is for sure – he will definitely be back returning kicks and punts for UND in the future.  In fact, we think he could be a candidate to have his redshirt pulled next year for that reason alone.

Garman was offered by Eastern Illinois and South Dakota as a junior.  Coach Forsyth also confirmed that he was set to visit Northern Iowa in the next couple weeks but that will not be happening now as he gave his verbal commitment this week.  He also said Garman had some moderate interest from Iowa and Iowa State, although neither ever offered scholarships.

Garman will be the 2nd Iowa native on UND’s roster next fall, joining K Zeb Miller.  We believe that Coach Kotelnicki has recruited the state of Iowa in the past.

His junior highlights on youtube are very impressive.  We can’t wait to see his senior highlight film.  Probably coming soon to a computer near you.

We realize he’s still in high school and has a long way to go, but does this kid remind you of any former Sioux?

Some links of interest:
Under Armour Combine

Des Moines Register 2010 All-State 2nd Team

Iowa Newspaper Association 2009 & 2010 All-State 1st Team

Eastern Iowa High School Sports 2009 & 2010 All-State 1st Team

Iowa Sports Connection 2010 All-State 1st Team

Metro Sports Report 2010 All-Metro Player of the Year

Jer Garman