Why Iowa soccer’s Lukas Van Ness is a dream NFL draft prospect
“Hercules” has arrived on the NFL Scouting Mix in Indianapolis. And as you may think with such a nickname, there’s loads of tantalizing intrigue surrounding Lukas Van Ness.
Hockey was Van Ness’ main sport in highschool. He by no means began a soccer recreation in three seasons at Iowa. But the chiseled, 6-foot-5¼, 270-pound defensive lineman is considered as an on the spot NFL starter by folks within the know.
No marvel the sudden inflow of consideration as a possible first-round draft decide has been such a shock to Van Ness and his household. They didn’t anticipate to be right here, both, after simply 2½ years of school.
His father, Jason Van Ness, remembers initially pondering when Lukas signed with Iowa, “Wow, if he stays 5 years, he might get a grasp’s (diploma).”
Now?
The potential of a formidable Mix efficiency and Van Ness changing into the Hawkeyes’ twelfth first-round decide within the 24-year Kirk Ferentz period – and positively the primary with zero school begins – may be very actual.
“I’ve labored with 4 first-round picks within the final 4 drafts, and I’ve seen nothing however first-round movie on Lukas,” stated Eddy McGilvra, a Los Angeles-based coach who’s working pre-draft with Van Ness as he did with No. 2 total decide Aidan Hutchinson a yr in the past. “He’s a Day 1 starter within the NFL with the work ethic and traits to be a Professional Bowler through the years. I’d be shocked if he doesn’t go within the first 20 to 25 picks of this yr’s draft.”
How Van Ness made his NFL resolution and why Iowa does not see beginning as an enormous deal
Simply six days after Iowa’s 21-0 win towards Kentucky within the Dec. 31 Music Metropolis Bowl, Van Ness arrived at a premier coaching facility in Thousand Oaks, Calif., to start preparations for the Mix and NFL Draft. The story of how he ended up there and signed with the profitable Athletes First company is an fascinating one.
Van Ness’ girlfriend is Iowa pupil Frankie Kmet, whose brother, Cole, is a decent finish for the Chicago Bears. Van Ness was again in his hometown of Barrington, In poor health., a northwest Chicago suburb, throughout Iowa’s bye week final season and attended a Thursday night time Bears recreation at Soldier Subject with the Kmet household. There, Van Ness met Cole Kmet’s agent, Kyle McCarthy, and didn’t assume a lot of it. However a seed had been planted.
A couple of month later, Van Ness was listed because the No. 25 total prospect within the 2023 draft by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler.
“After that got here out, I might say every part accelerated,” stated Jason Van Ness, who all of the whereas had been doing the accountable Dad factor and gathering as a lot data as he might from potential brokers whereas permitting Lukas to concentrate on Iowa’s 8-5 season. Ultimately, Van Ness and the household settled on McCarthy and Athletes First, which might have as many as six first-round picks in April.
What Van Ness’ father realized by all of the suggestions was that NFL scouts beloved Lukas’ considerably restricted movie. Some even apologized for not having carried out a full analysis sooner. He simply wasn’t on their radar as a university backup. However as soon as the phrase bought out on Van Ness, his inventory started to rise. And the hype has continued to develop. He was lately pegged because the No. 12 total decide by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. CBS Sports activities on Sunday had Van Ness going No. 17. Brugler most lately had Van Ness at No. 18 in a mock draft. NFL Community’s Daniel Jeremiah has him at No. 22.
And although the “no school begins” factor is fascinating, it’s not deflating his draft inventory. One of many causes Iowa had the No. 1-ranked protection in FBS final season was due to Van Ness’ versatility and the way he was utilized by line of defense coaches Kelvin Bell and Jay Niemann. He performed inside and outdoors, one thing he might do towards greater offensive linemen due to his explosive burst on the snap and a motor that doesn’t stop. In a Week 4 recreation towards Rutgers, Van Ness led the nation (in accordance with Professional Soccer Focus) that weekend with 9 quarterback pressures. He blocked two punts in a Week 2 recreation vs. Iowa State.
Iowa strategized methods to seek out mismatches and switch Van Ness’ uncooked energy free.
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“To me, he simply goes. He’s full go,” Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker advised the Register. “He’s bought his foot on the gasoline, 100 mph. That’s what I see.
“And I’ve by no means actually seen him in a nasty temper. He’s such a optimistic man, such a optimistic participant.”
Iowa likes to rotate eight or 9 defensive linemen a recreation. Regardless of not beginning, just one Hawkeye defensive lineman (Logan Lee) performed extra snaps than Van Ness final fall.
“The line of defense, keep in mind, each play they’re hitting somebody. And also you’ve bought the leaders of the D-line,” Parker stated. “He’s bought to develop that management capability sooner or later. … And he performed much more than the opposite guys, although he didn’t begin. To us, beginning – it’s not like that’s your aim.”
Because it has unfolded, Van Ness’ low mileage and excessive ceiling have grow to be promoting factors for groups. 5 years of school wear-and-tear is more and more changing into a adverse. NFL groups are attempting to get youthful; and the youthful gamers leap into the NFL, the nearer they’re to their second (probably extra profitable) contract.
That was one factor he discovered from Kmet’s father on that Thursday night time in Chicago. When you get a chance, take your shot. After getting a first-round grade from the NFL Draft Faculty Advisory Committee, taking the professional plunge was probably the most good selection for Van Ness, who had two years of school eligibility left.
“Lukas went into this 100% realizing he may very well be a first-round draft decide or he may very well be a fourth-rounder,” Jason Van Ness stated. “He stated, ‘Dad, if I do every part I can and I’m a third- or fourth-round draft decide, I’m OK with that.’ It’s a must to go in not simply listening to the shiny stuff. However I’m happy with him, as a result of he’s believing in himself.”
Maybe the most important think about Van Ness’ rise? A pure well being historical past
How did “Hercules” − as he was first publicly dubbed by defensive-line teammate Noah Shannon final April − attain this nearly legendary level? Genetics actually performed an element. Mother Leanna’s father is 6-foot-6 and so are her brothers. Like Lukas, they had been lengthy, late bloomers. Jason Van Ness is bodily match as effectively, understanding six to seven occasions every week. He’s a chiropractor in Barrington and stresses pure meals and correct diet.
“All of our (4) youngsters are very athletic … and really match,” Jason stated. “That’s an necessary a part of their life-style, is consuming proper and exercising.”
From August:Meet Lukas Van Ness, the ‘Hercules’ of Iowa soccer’s protection
And get this: Regardless of a historical past of taking part in bodily sports activities like hockey and soccer, Lukas has by no means skilled a major damage. Nothing greater than “bumps and bruises,” Dad stated, over 21 years.
How is that potential?
“I’ve taught Lukas easy methods to handle small accidents on his personal. I’ve skilled him to evaluate his actions,” Jason stated. “They’ve all been adjusted since they had been born. By being proactive, Lukas has been in a position to keep away from loads of the accidents that I see different youngsters (have). Possibly they don’t handle it and kick the can down the highway and it turns into an even bigger deal. Little sprains and strains, if unmanaged, can find yourself resulting in a tear.
“Limits of movement can result in a tear. Lack of hip mobility and suppleness leads into knee accidents and ankle accidents. One hundred percent, Lukas is in contact along with his physique.”
That clear damage historical past is a big think about Van Ness’ draft-board ascent. An enormous piece of the NFL Mix is a deep medical analysis on each participant. Each previous damage is assessed and scrutinized. Van Ness’ Mix expertise in that class was anticipated to be a breeze.
As is commonly stated in soccer, the perfect capability is availability. Van Ness is sort of seen as a unicorn in that sense, a pure, unhurt bodily specimen at a premium NFL place – a five-technique edge rusher – which any staff would like to develop and mildew right into a pass-rushing machine.
“He’s nonetheless younger, and that’s the factor,” Parker stated. “He hasn’t reached his full potential. There’s much more upside.”
Whereas coaching at Proactive Sports activities in California, Van Ness has entry to a personal chef and elite services. His father set him up with a chiropractor, too, to ship changes as wanted. After the Mix, he’ll return to Thousand Oaks. McGilvra, the non-public line of defense coach whose current first-rounders embody Quinnen Williams (No. 3 total in 2019), Jalen Phillips (No. 18 in 2021), Kwity Paye (No. 21 in 2021) and Hutchinson (No. 2 in 2022), stated Van Ness’ post-Mix focus can be on creating counter rushes, hand placement and physique management off the sting.
“He has a fantastic understanding of his energy strikes and what counters to work with the intention to disengage from the blocker,” McGilvra stated. “He has lengthy arms and understands leverage. That (mixture) may be very transferable into NFL play.”
What may be anticipated on the Mix? For starters, Jason expects his son will ship a “spectacular” run within the spectacle’s most anticipated occasion, the 40-yard sprint, on Thursday.
Little question, for good causes, loads of eyes can be on Iowa’s “Hercules” in Indianapolis.
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Hawkeyes columnist Chad Leistikow has lined sports activities for 28 years with The Des Moines Register, USA TODAY and Iowa Metropolis Press-Citizen. Observe @ChadLeistikow on Twitter.
