A Diamond in the Rough: One on One With Future Hawkeye WR Stephane N'Goumou

Just a week before college football signing day, the Iowa Hawkeyes added a new name to their already impressive recruiting class.  That name was Stephane N'Goumou, a wide receiver prospect out of Wootton High School in Rockville, MD.

N'Goumou stands at 6'4", and weighs in at 200 pounds.  According to many scouts, Iowa may have discovered a "diamond in the rough."  Not that Iowa's not known for finding those rare players.  Names like Chad Greenway from South Dakota, Shonn Greene out of Iowa, and Abdul Hodge out of Florida are just a few of the lesser known recruits Iowa has turned into All-Americans. 

Very rarely does Iowa have a great receiving core, but the class of 2009 along with the development of quarterback Ricky Stanzi figure to change that.  Along with four- and three-star recruits Keenan Davis and Jordan Cotton, the Hawkeyes have now brought in N'Goumou, who I recently had the pleasure of interviewing.

The senior hauled in 71 passes last season for 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns, and hopes to bring that type of impact to the Hawkeyes in 2009.

"I am really excited about coming to Iowa, I can't wait 'till I get out there and put that black and gold on.  Its an amazing feeling."

I think it's safe to say Iowa fans are excited to have him.  No two-star prospect has generated more buzz in Hawkeye nation, and fans of the black and gold really think this kid has great potential.

Still, there is that learning curve that comes along with the transition from high school to college, but N'Goumou appears ready to take that task headstrong, and he thinks he is ready to play in 2009.

"Well personally I feel that I can come in and contribute. I feel that physically I'm there.  The mental part of the game is still a question, and that's going to be answered during training camp."

What a battle it will be at wide receiver in training camp.  Along with the three new freshmen receivers, Iowa returns their top target from 2008 in Derrell Johnson-Koulianos, and veterans Colin Sandeman and Trey Stross.

Still, the recruiting class of 2009 brings a whole new dimension that the classes before them didn't have.  These rookie receivers combine speed and size to go along with their great high school resumes.

N'Goumou is the prototypical size that scouts look for in a wide receiver, and he has the speed to boot.  He wears number 18, like his role model formerly of the Oakland Raiders Randy Moss did.  He also prides himself on his ability to use his size to his advantage.

"The best parts of my game are my ability to go up and catch the ball, and my ability to gain extra yardage after the catch."

With N'Goumou on the field along with the rest of Iowa's potentially deadly receiving core, it adds a whole new dimension to a Hawkeye offense that is better than it has been since Brad Banks lined up under center.

One thing is for sure, Iowa fans have reason to be excited.