Peyton Mansell is one of the top quarterback in the 2017 college football recruiting class and is committed to play his college football career for the Iowa Hawkeyes. He is not one of the most hyped up prospects in the recruiting class, however, even though he deserves a lot more attention.
Iowa was able to get back into Big Ten contention last season, finishing the year with a 12-2 record and coming up just three points shy of a conference championship. They gave the Michigan State Spartans a run for their money in the Big Ten championship game, losing 16-13. It was a huge season for the Hawkeyes to get their football program back on the map and Mansell can’t wait to help grow the program more.
Last season at Belton High School in Texas, Mansell showed a solid arm and great athleticism. He can make plays with both his arm and legs. Mansell completed 140 of his 241 pass attempts for 1,712 yards, 20 touchdowns and just three interceptions, while also rushing for 789 yards and 10 touchdowns.
Those numbers show exactly why the Iowa fan base and Big Ten conference should be on the lookout for Mansell.
He has the potential to become a star at Iowa and help them contend for a National Championship. Mansell is without question capable of being the long-term answer at the quarterback position that the Hawkeyes will need moving forward.
All of that being said, Mansell took the time to sit down for an exclusive interview with our very own Evan Massey. We hope that you enjoy this interview and follow Mansell as he looks to take the next step in his football career.
Q. What made you choose to commit to the Iowa Hawkeyes? What were the main deciding factors?
Mansell: The longevity of the coaching staff. Ferentz being there for going on 18 years is a big part. Then the family feel of the program, very friendly staff, really took the time to get to know my father.
Q. How would you describe your game to a fan who hasn’t seen much of you?
Mansell: Methodical. I’m not going to run around for 20 seconds then just throw a bomb. I’m going to stay within the offense and run the system.
Q. It has been awhile since the Hawkeyes were a powerhouse in the Big Ten. Last season was obviously a huge year. What do you think the future holds for Iowa football?
Mansell: I think the future holds whatever the players want it to hold. We can either establish the powerhouse mindsets early, or settle for mediocre 7-6 seasons.
Q. What are your goals for your career at Iowa?
Mansell: I want to develop to become the best student of the game that I can be. Team-wise, I want us to win a Big 10 championship.
Q. Is there a current NFL or NCAA quarterback that you would compare your game to?
Mansell: I actually see myself as a CJ Bethard. Great passer, not a burner with his feet, but can get yards when he needs to on the ground.
Q. Tell us about who you are away from football. Who is Peyton Mansell?
Mansell: I’m a pretty goofy guy, but I was born to compete. Everything for me is a competition. Whether it’s pool, volleyball, ping pong or anything. I really enjoy just hanging out with my friends and watching movies.
Q. When did you realize that you had legitimate D-1 talent? Who would you say has helped get you to this point the most?
Mansell: I guess when I got my first D-1 offer. My father, Mike Mansell and my QB training Jeff Blake have both pushed me to get to this point.
Q. What would you like to say to the Iowa fan base in closing?
Mansell: Thank you for all the support and get ready. The 2017 class is going to be legit!
