I had a great time when I went to college at the University of Iowa and am very thankful that they took a chance on me coming out of high school. Coach Kirk Ferentz believed in me and my abilities, and the school was the only one from a Power 5 conference to offer me a scholarship. I worked hard, and although I didn't get a ton of playing time at first I earned my place on the team eventually.
From a personal perspective, it was a culture shock moving from New Jersey to Iowa. Everybody from New Jersey liked to act tough, weren't very courteous, and most people had an attitude. It wasn't all bad but it could be a toxic environment in a lot of places. In Iowa though, everyone is so much nicer. A lot more mellowed out. The whole culture was just different I guess.
Along with all of that, there is a reason Iowa is known as a party school. There's not much else to do! I wasn't a big party animal by any means - I had too much to focus on - but when I was young and dumb I couldn't stop myself from going to a few. Those guys go harder than I thought was possible. And there were hotties everywhere! Not to mention that being a football player opens a lot of doors if you know what I mean. Those were the days. I really enjoyed my time at Iowa.
From a personal perspective, it was a culture shock moving from New Jersey to Iowa. Everybody from New Jersey liked to act tough, weren't very courteous, and most people had an attitude. It wasn't all bad but it could be a toxic environment in a lot of places. In Iowa though, everyone is so much nicer. A lot more mellowed out. The whole culture was just different I guess.
Along with all of that, there is a reason Iowa is known as a party school. There's not much else to do! I wasn't a big party animal by any means - I had too much to focus on - but when I was young and dumb I couldn't stop myself from going to a few. Those guys go harder than I thought was possible. And there were hotties everywhere! Not to mention that being a football player opens a lot of doors if you know what I mean. Those were the days. I really enjoyed my time at Iowa.