Faith Ekakitie Commits To Iowa Hawkeyes Via YouTube Video

Faith Ekakite, one of the better defensive ends in the country, has committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes. The four-star from Lake Forest Academy in Illinois stands 6-foot-2 and weighs in at 255 pounds. Ekakite held over 20 offers, but focused on strong academics and fit. He chose Iowa over Boston College and Georgia Tech. And he did so via YouTube video!

While he lacks ideal height, Ekakitie is stout against the run and has a solid motor. He's a perfect fit in Iowa's conservative zone defense that asks its ends to play the run and rush the passer.

SB Nation's tremendous Iowa site, Black Heart Gold Pants, has some thoughts on Ekakitie

Ekakitie looks like a star: Powerful, agile, and relentless on the field, and smart, collected, and articulate off.

Iowa now has 13 commitments and looks to close strong on signing day, particularly in Illinois:

It gives Iowa three of the top four players in the state, at least according to Rivals, with a shot at #6 Jordan Diamond (and there are some whispers that they may be back in the running for #1 Tommy Schutt, another defensive lineman who had previously committed to Penn State). In a year where Wisconsin is playing in a second consecutive Rose Bowl, such dominance over the state is extremely impressive, and a testament to the recruiting ability of Lester Erb and the rest of the staff.

For more on Iowa recruiting, visit Black Heart Gold Pants.