The Iowa football team received a commitment from defensive lineman Dean Tsopanides on Wednesday, according to a Connecticut newspaper.

Dan Podheiser of the Register Citizen reported that Tsopanides, a 6-2, 220-pound end from Torrington, Conn., will join the Hawkeyes in the fall.

Tsopanides was an all-state selection for Torrington High, where played on both the offensive and defensive lines. He led the Red Raiders to a 7-3 record in 2010 and also won a state wrestling championship in the 215-pound division.

“He’s one of the hardest working kids I’ve ever coached,” Torrington head football coach Dan Dunaj told Podheiser.

Tsopanides reportedly caught the eye of Iowa offensive coordinator Ken O’Keefe last week while participating at a four-day combine in Milford, Conn.

“I did really well [at the combine],” Tsopanides told the Register Citizen. “[O’Keefe saw me play, asked for my highlight tape, and then I got an invitation to go visit the campus … Simply put, one word: It’s an honor.”

Tsopanides will begin summer workouts with the Hawkeyes on Aug. 3.

— by Seth Roberts