(Atlantic) Tyler Moen dreamed of competing in college athletics somewhere, and on Wednesday the senior signed a National Letter of Intent to play college football as a preferred walk-on at Iowa State.
“I remember growing up and watching Iowa State playing football with my dad,” said Moen. “He said that could be you someday Tyler and I thought yeah, whatever, and here is the day I’m signing to play for them. This is pretty cool.”
Moen, a Class 2A first-team all-state selection by the Iowa Print Writers Association, set a single-season rushing record for Atlantic this past fall with 1,909 yards. He scored 20 touchdowns and rushed for 523-yards in week 8 which currently stands as the second-highest single-game rushing performance all-time in the state.
“I never went out with the idea of setting records and just wanted to play, have fun, and have a good season,” said Moen. “I was just lucky.”
Moen received some NAIA Division II offers but accepted an invitation as a preferred walk-on at Iowa State.
“But, Iowa State was showing the most interest at the DI level,” said Moen when asked about his decision to sign with ISU. “It’s a preferred walk-on spot so there’s not any money involved, but how could you pass up going DI with a chance to earn. And like I said, I’m a huge Iowa State fan, so it was an easy decision.”
The Cyclones coaching staff recruited Moen as a running back, however; he admits he could be switched over to safety on defense. He says in all reality first and foremost he’s focusing on making the special teams.
Moen will head to Ames on June 8. He says the first week will be testing and a physical to get an idea of where he is at. He will be enrolled in a summer class and stay on campus with other football players.
Moen is also coming off an outstanding junior track season. He is currently the school record holder in the 400 Meters, (49.55), was a member of the Trojans state championship 4×400 Meter and Distance Medley Relay teams. In addition to that, he placed 5th in the Class 3A 200 Meters at the State Meet.
(Photo: L-R, Tyler’s Mother, Laura, Tyler, and sister, Addie)
