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Jay Norvell has his eyes on a two-way prospect to solidify a growing 2027 class

The Michigan product had a solid junior season on both sides of the ball in 2025
Iowa running backs coach Jay Norvell watches practice April 9, 2026 in Iowa City, Iowa.
Iowa running backs coach Jay Norvell watches practice April 9, 2026 in Iowa City, Iowa. | Julia Hansen/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Jay Norvell, one of the newest additions to Kirk Ferentz's staff, has been cooking on the recruiting trail.

The Iowa running back room has the potential to be very deep next season, with at least four players expected to get carries.

To keep bolstering the room, Norvell and company have offered highly productive 2027 running back prospect Keyon Thomas from Indianapolis, and they are now trying to add another solid two-way prospect from Grand Rapids.

Lundon Hampton would a solid addition on either side of the ball

The Iowa program has been actively recruiting two-way prospects to add to its roster, underscoring how much it values positional versatility.

The program has its eyes on another two-way prospect who was lined up at running back, linebacker, and defensive back for Kenowa Hills High School in Grand Rapids, Michigan, last season as a junior.

2027 athlete Lundon Hapmton showcased his ability as a speedy running back and a solid run-stopping defender last season, but with Jay Norvell as his primary recruiter, it suggests that Iowa values him more as a running back.

Hampton has the athleticism to blow by defenders on the outside or hit the hole quickly with his speed and vision on offense, and he showed excellent downhill running on defense to help in the run game.

Hampton stands at six-foot-two, which is a good size for a defensive back, so it will be interesting to see where he lines up if Iowa secures his commitment.

247Sports composite currently ranks Hampton as a three-star prospect, Michigan's No. 17 overall prospect, the No. 80 overall athlete prospect, and the No. 963 overall prospect in the 2027 recruiting class.

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