Karson Sharar

Iowa Falls-Alden athlete Karson Sharar (14). 

Iowa Football picked up its 17th known verbal commitment in the 2021 recuiting class when Iowa Falls-Alden High senior Karson Sharar announced his intentions Friday on social media. He had been committed to Northern Iowa before the Hawkeyes offered a scholarship. 

Sharar (6-3, 205) is a good athlete who is considered a Division I basketball recruit. He could project at a number of positions on the gridiron but will likely start out at linebacker. Iowa position coach Seth Wallace extended the offer to him Friday. 

"I really like the (Hawkeye) coaching staff," Sharar told HN. "I enjoy building relationships with many different coaches. It is also is a great school with great tradition. I plan on studying business or something in construction."

The Cadets reached the second-round of the Class 2A state playoffs this fall with Sharar rushing for 1,166 yards and 13 touchdowns on 214 carries as a running back. He also caught 10 passes for 159 yards, returned four punts for 67 yards and handled the team's punting duties. 

On defense, Sharar led his squad with 80.5 tackles (73 solo) with nine going for loss as a linebacker. Through four games this basketball season, he's averaged 21.3 points and 6.8 rebounds. 

"Coach Wallace really likes the way I attack the ball and the instinct I have for the ball. I have pretty good size and quickness to be pretty versatile and able to play multiple LB positions," Sharar said.

247Sports sees him as a three-star recruit while Rivals ranks him as a two-star. He also reports a scholarship offer from South Dakota State. 

Here's a look at Sharar's senior football highlights: 

2021 Iowa Verbal Commitments (17)

Karson Sharar, LB, Iowa Falls-Alden

Joe Labas, QB, Broadview Heights, OH

Jeremiah Pittman, DE, Arlington Heights, IL

Keagan Johnson, WR, Bellevue, NE

Brody Brecht, WR, Ankeny, IA

Arland Bruce IV, WR, Olathe, KS

David Davidkov, OL, Winnetka, IL

Beau Stephens, OL, Blue Springs, MO

Max Llewellyn, DE, Urbandale, IA

Cooper DeJean, S, Ida Grove, IA

Jeff Bowie, DE, West Branch, IA

Zach Twedt, S, Story City, IA

Justice Sullivan, LB, Eden Prairie, MN

Griffin Liddle, DT, Bettendorf, IA

Jaden Harrell, LB, Urbandale, IA

Connor Colby, OL, Cedar Rapids, IA

Gennings Dunker, OL, Lena, IL