Iowa Recruit: Ray Hamilton

Ray Hamilton

6'5, 230 lbs. TE

Strongsville High Strongsville, OH

Received offers from Iowa, Notre Dame, Wisconsin, Oklahoma, Oregon, Stanford and many more.

Here were my 5 Questions for Ray: 

Q:What are you most excited about being a Hawkeye?

A: I am most excited about being a Hawkeye because of all of the fans and the tradition of the program. There is nothing better than the die hard fans and atmosphere around the campus during football season. And when it's not football season, they are always on top of what is going on with football.

Q: What are your goals for your freshman year at Iowa?

A: My goals as a freshman are to contribute to the team in any way that i can. I want to make a positive impact on the field my freshman year, in the classroom my freshman year, and in the community my freshman year.

Q: What players have you already built a bond with? Recruits/Current?

A: I have built a bond with several recruits during the process. I got to spend a lot of time with Rodney Coe and John Raymon during my official visit. I keep in touch with both of them. I got the luxury of playing with Jordan Walsh and Austin Blythe in an All American game in Myrtle Beach in December. I also have recently gotten in contact with Johnny Lowdermilk, Quinton Alston, and Nico Law. I can't wait to call them my teammates. Current players at Iowa is DT Steve Bigach who is around the same area I am from, and is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet. I always got to spend some time with Rick Stanzi during my visits. He's from Northeast Ohio and is one of the funniest and hardworking guys to ever come through college football.

Q: What was your reaction to the 13 Iowa players who were hospitalized?

A: My reaction the hospitilzation of the players is that Iowa's strength program is the best in the country. No questions asked. Whatever happend, will get fixed and continue to be the best.

Q: Who do you most resemble your game after?

A: I do not compare my game to anyone else. I want to create my own image in football at the tight end position. I look up to Dallas Clark a lot, especially because he is a former Hawk. I love Tony Moeaki too, and I got the chance to spend some time with him on campus last year during my visit. He is truly unbelievable with his abilities. Growing up, I always loved how smooth Kellen Winslow was at the position playing for the Browns. I always loved the passion and intensity for the game Jeremy Shockey has. You have to be a little crazy too play football at any level, and I think he embodies just that. Jason Witten is another guy who has a knack for the position and knows how to get open. I believe being a play maker is a big part of the tight end position and Witten knows how to do that as well as anybody in the game.

After being able to speak with Ray I am beyond excited for him to be a Hawkeye!  There is a lot of competition at TE for the Hawks but so far every TE that has started for Kirk Ferentz has been drafted into the NFL.  Good Luck Ray!!

Joseph Larsen

Community Contributor