South Dakota State, South Dakota, Northern Iowa and Colorado State saw enough talent in DJ Vonnahme to offer him scholarships. He thought about the opportunity from the two-time defending FCS champion SDSU Jackrabbits. After moderate deliberation, the choice became clear – take a shot at the big time. Being an Iowa Hawkeye carried too much weight for the smaller schools to overcome. “I considered South Dakota State because I liked the coaching staff,” he told HN. “That’s really the only other one I considered. Walking on was the best option for me because I feel I can grow the most in Iowa’s program, especially since they have a long history of developing great tight ends.

“I’m excited to grow and learn here. And it’s always been a dream of mine to play for Iowa. I didn’t want to turn down the opportunity of a lifetime.” The Carroll (IA) Kuemper Catholic standout accepted Iowa’s preferred walk-on last July. He committed as a tight end after playing multiple positions for the Knights, including quarterback. The Hawkeyes boast a proud history at tight end. That’s exciting for Vonnahme. “It fits my skill set in the fact that I believe I can stretch the field vertically, and I have the recognition to find soft spots and get open,” he said. “Iowa is all about hard work and development. I’m super excited about what I can achieve through their program because I don’t even feel like I’m to 1 percent of my true potential. I can’t wait to learn and grow from the best.”

Vonnahme caught 28 passes for 567 yards (20.3 YPC) and 12 touchdowns as a senior this past fall. He also threw for three scores and ran for another. He paced the team with five interceptions on defense, including one he returned for a TD. 247Sports ranks Vonnahme (6-4, 205) as the No. 22 player in the state’s 2024 Class. During his senior highlights, the Kuemper Catholic star pops off the film with speed, good route running and excellent hands. Vonnahme embraces the grind that it takes to succeed. He believes the approach makes him a good fit at Iowa.

“Working hard will never be the wrong option in and outside the classroom. And being disciplined is so important because I have very high goals and I gotta do the things I hate to do but act like I love them to get me towards that ultimate end goal of winning titles and graduating,” he said. The business field interests Vonnahme. He favors Sales and Marketing. He appreciates the Carroll community for preparing him on and off of the field. “They’ve taught me a lot about not giving up, seeing it through and just enjoying the journey. At the end of the day, it’s a blessing to be in the spot that I am. I want to take advantage of it in every way I can,” he said.