Kailer Smith Holds Strong Hawkeye Ties

If Kailer Smith ends up playing football at the University of Iowa, he already knows he'll have cheerleaders in the family. The Cedar Falls tight end is the nephew of former Hawkeye basketball standout Randi (Peterson) Henderson, who is married to Duez Henderson, a former Iowa hooper. 

Smith thought of them while visiting the Hawkeyes this past weekend. 

"(Randi) has been really excited in the Hawkeye interest so far. (Duez) has also been very enthusiastic towards Iowa," Smith told HN.

"Obviously, both of them had very successful basketball careers at Iowa, and talking to them about what the school has to provide and what it’s meant to them has been great."

Smith's Iowa connections don't stop there. 

"My great uncle, Jim Waschek, was a lineman for Iowa from ‘70-‘73 in addition to wrestling as a heavyweight. So, the potential to follow in their footsteps is intriguing," Smith said.

Smith (6-6, 225) spent a lot of his reps last fall blocking for the Tigers' potent running attack. He caught three passes for 52 yards and a touchdown. 

As you can see while watching his junior highlights, Smith appears to enjoy the physicality needed in successful blocking. He provides consistent performance in doing so whether lining up in-line or at H-Back. 

"Iowa has said they like my frame the most. They’re excited to see me at camp this summer and leave some options open positionally, trying to get a feel for me and evaluate what position would fit their program the best," Smith said.

Former Hawkeye Ike Boettger played quarterback and tight end at Cedar Falls High. He arrived in Iowa City as the latter before switching to the offensive line, where he's played in the NFL for six seasons. 

Watching practice was Smith's favorite part of the visit. He got a feel for what it was like playing at Iowa. 

"The intensity, speed and physicality of the practice was really impressive. It definitely left me like, “woah, I’m not there yet.” But with that kind of staff and development, I have faith that I will be," he said.

"Obviously, the facilities were very impressive but the practice was definitely the highlight."

Smith is scheduled to camp with the Hawkeyes on June 2. Assistant coach Jay Niemann is expected to visit him at Cedar Falls High in May. 

"I feel really good about them. Obviously, as a kid growing up in Iowa, it’s really awesome to get some interest from in-state schools. Overall, I was impressed with the program and am excited to learn more about it in addition to seeing where it goes," Smith said. 

Lindenwood, Sioux Falls, Upper Iowa and Minnesota State-Mankato have offered Smith scholarships. Northern Illinois, Northern Iowa, Arkansas State, Army, North Dakota State, North Dakota, South Dakota, South Dakota State, Western Illinois and Eastern Illinois all have shown interest.

"Most of those I have already visited. However, I have return visits scheduled for Northern Iowa this week and Northern Illinois in April," he said.