Ames High RB to be preferred walk-on

One of the most talked about prep players in the state of Iowa has committed to Iowa State.

Ames High School running back Clifford Kwaw-Mensah accumulated 2,806 yards and 36 touchdowns on 285 carries during his senior season (that’s an average of 9.8 yards per carry). On Sunday evening, he tweeted the following: "I’m proud to announce that I will be playing football at Iowa State next fall! Thanks to everyone for all the support!"

The Des Moines Register’s Tommy Birch followed up and tweeted that Kwaw-Mensah will be a preferred walk-on and not a scholarship athlete. 

Ames High finished its 2013 season with an 11-1 record. 

So how could a kid who put up those numbers in Iowa’s best league not receive more attention from colleges? Rivals.com lists Kwaw-Mensah at 5-foot-8, 185 pounds. That’s why.

Chris’ take

Why the heck not? It all comes back to my theory that a kid like Kwaw-Mensah, who grew up dreaming about being a Cyclone, has a better chance of surprising you than a random flyer from Florida who is just wanting to play in the Big 12. 

I have no clue if Kwaw-Mensah will ever earn a scholarship at Iowa State. No clue at all. But I am excited to see how this plays out.