Anthony Birsa has been offered a scholarship to play football at seven MAC schools along with a couple of others.
This week, Iowa State became the first Power 5 program to match them.
“It was definitely shocking at first,” Birsa said. “They came into school, Coach Gordon did, and we talked a bit. We’ve talked over the phone too, but obviously, it’s just an awesome feeling. They’re all awesome, but with it being Power 5, it’s extra special.”
Birsa is a 6-foot-5 inside offensive lineman that helped lead his Illinois team to a Class 4A state championship and an undefeated season last year.
The three-star prospect out of Joliet Catholic Academy is rated at No. 45 nationally at his position.
“Coach (Joel) Gordon said the coaches sat down (to watch some film) and he said they really liked the way I move, the aggression that I play with and my athleticism,” Birsa said.
Birsa is already familiar with Iowa State through his cousins and is looking to take a visit during one of the April dates.
“I haven’t been down to campus yet, but I know (my cousin’s) Jacob and Ben are there,” Birsa said. “I knew they’d be excited to hear that. I’ll be getting to campus soon, I think it will be in April.”
Birsa said he would like to know where he wants to go to college prior to the start of the high school season in Illinois.
