Interview: Game Changing 3-Star 2021 Iowa WR Brody Brecht has Two Official Visits Set
Written by Ryan Wright
Twitter: @RyanWrightRNG
The talented ones make the game look easy, and after watching Brody Brecht in action, even the arm chair quarterbacks believe they can attack the ball in the air and find the end zone just like the Class of 2021 three-star recruit. Trouble is for the uninformed, Brecht is not a typical high school receiver and his potential seems to have no limits.
When football engineers were tinkering with the ideal receiver, Brecht got all the key pieces. Towering at 6-4, 200-pounds, the Ankeny High School target dominates in the red zone and on 50-50 balls with his size, wingspan, and jumping abilities. His 4.48 speed in the 40-yard dash and ability to get past corners with ease commands double-teams freeing up passing windows for other receivers and running lanes for his running backs. The total package was put on display during the 2019 season seeing Brecht earn first team All-District, first team All-State and Elite All-State honors after hauling in 35 passes for 796 yards with seven touchdowns posted.
College football coaches looking into central Iowa have responded with six offers dropped. For those looking for a dynamic presence on the field that can be utilized anywhere on the field, they best get to it. Brecht already has two of his five official visits set.
In an RNG exclusive interview, Brecht details his growth on the field during the 2019 season while updating his recruiting process.
Interview
Brody, I don’t know where the question is here yet, but I don’t think I’ve seen a receiver as talented as you get behind the defense as often as you do when they are already playing 8- to 10-yards off of you. Your speed is there, but what else was going on allowing you to burn these defensive backs repeatedly?
(Laughs) “Most of the deep balls were posts. Them playing off, they not trying to let me get outside. I burst off the line to close the gap, get them to flip their hips, and I’m gone. I have a great quarterback, who is getting some offers and his recruiting is speeding up. He puts the ball there and I have to make the play. My height, my ability to jump and win the one-on-one battle is the difference.”
As mentioned, you got some wheels. What is the fastest timed run you’ve posted?
“Last summer at an Iowa camp, I ran a 4.51. I am much faster now than then. I ran and timed 4.48 recently. At our last meet, I ran a 7.1-flat in the 60.”
What offense were the Hawks running last season and what were some of the routes you were running within the scheme?
“We run an RPO offense. Our quarterback does a great job of reading the defense and knowing where to go with the ball. We were running deep routes like posts and some screens to get me in the open field to make the defender miss.”
Was there a challenge you faced last season on the field?
“Being double-teamed a lot. I was bracketed with a corner on the outside and a safety inside.”
How did that challenge help make you better?
“It made me become more disciplined. I kept running my routes, and my other teammates were making plays. It helped me become a better teammate.”
In what other ways did you see your game improve last season?
“I started to run better routes, I was getting out of my breaks quicker, making people miss in open field, and winning the one-on-one battles.”
Are there going to be any tweaks to what you do on the field in 2020?
“On offense, I might move around more to avoid the double-teams. On defense, I will play some safety and some corner in the red zone. On special teams, I will be on kick return again and maybe punt return.”
What all are you working on this spring?
“Running routes. I am working on routes, getting out of my breaks quicker, faking defenders, and blocking – I got better at it this year, but I still want to improve on that.”
Let’s talk recruiting. Which schools are showing interest?
“Northwestern, Notre Dame, and Minnesota some earlier.”
How many offers are on the table?
“Six.”
Brecht’s Offer Sheet: Iowa, Iowa State, Kansas, Kansas State, Nebraska, and William & Mary
Have you visited any programs over the last few months?
“Yes. I’ve taken visits to Nebraska, Iowa, and Iowa State. I was supposed to see Kansas and Kansas State over spring break.”
How did the Nebraska visit go?
“It was good. I was there for their game against Ohio State; it did not turn out the way we were hoping. But the crowd was electric; that was cool to see.”
And the Iowa visit, how did that turn out?
“That was good too. We went to three of their games last season. The Penn State game went down to the wire. Iowa has a cool atmosphere and a cool environment.”
Last one. How did the Iowa State visit go?
“We also went there for three games. They were good visits. It is cool to watch them throw the ball around with Brock Prudy. The way they throw the ball is fun to watch. It is exciting watching them play.”
Once things open back up with recruiting, are you planning on taking any visits, official or unofficial?
“I have two official visits set to Iowa and Iowa State. I’m not sure when, we will see what happens with the virus.”
Understood. A few minutes ago, you mentioned running track, which events are you running?
“In our indoor meet, I ran the 60 and 200. I will run the 100 in the outside meets and I might run the 400.”
Brody, it was great getting time in with you today. Wishing you continued success with your offseason workouts.
“Thank you.”
Photo credit: Brecht family; Brody Brecht at Iowa and Iowa State