ISU Goes Back to Garland for CB

(This article originally appeared at iowastate.rivals.com.)

A coveted Garland (Tex.) cornerback is hearing the praises of Iowa State on a regular basis as sung by a member of the extended Cyclone family.

Jarrett Ben, a 5-foot-10, 160-pound corner, shares a barbershop with the father of fellow Garland products DeAndre Jackson (played at ISU, 2003-06) and Devin McDowell (redshirt freshman at ISU) and says he likes what he's heard about Ames.

"Yeah, I go to a barbershop with their daddy," Ben said. "He tells me how nice Iowa State is up there, and how good the Big 12 is."

Ben currently lists Iowa State in his top five schools, along with Kansas State, Rice, Iowa and TCU. Ben says TCU is running slightly ahead of the pack, but insists "there's still a long way to go." Doggedly pursuing the Horned Frogs is Iowa State with assistant coach Scott Fountain on the point.

"Coach Fountain up at Iowa State, I like that guy," said Ben. "He really tries to keep in touch every day, and I like that."

For the time being, Ben and Fountain may have to communicate from afar. In the midst of a busy summer track schedule that includes trips to the west coast, Ben says he'll be hard-pressed to visit many schools before his senior year. Therefore, a decision on his commitment likely won't be forthcoming until close to signing day. But that's just fine with Ben.

"I really want to take my time and evaluate everyone and everything," said Ben, a 4x100 specialist for the Garland track squad. "But I'm getting offers from Duke and Rice, so I know my academics are in order. Its just wait and see."

Ben also holds an offer from North Texas.