Ferentz on Schiavone

Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has talked openly on more than a few occasions this offseason about his desire for an early signing period in college football.

Well, if the NCAA had that this year, Anthony Schiavone wouldn't be a Hawkeye.

In June, the 6-6, 225-pound tight end committed to Temple. He changed his mind after making a visit to Kinnick Stadium for the Wisconsin game.

“I really liked it,” Schiavone told The Sun of New London, Conn. “I had never seen anything like it. The football facilities . . . the players and coaches. It just felt right.”

During his career, Schiavone caught 89 passes for 874 yards and 14 TDs. He was the first New London player to be named all-state three seasons. He was a captain his senior year and has already enrolled on Iowa's campus. He'll participate in spring practice on March 25.

“It wasn't because it's a bigger name or a bigger program,” said Schiavone, who also had an offer from Buffalo. “It just felt like a better vibe. . . . They have some coaches from Connecticut and the Northeast there, so they recruit down here pretty well.”

Don't look for a tight end-to-offensive tackle story here. Ferentz doesn't see it. Ferentz said a Scott Chandler tight end would be a good comparison.

"He's a linear guy," Ferentz said. "I read somewhere that he was a guy who could move inside, but I don't see that happening. He is a tall target-type guy who runs pretty well."