Although it's a dead period for visiting recruits and bringing them on campus, NCAA coaches are still allowed to contact prospective student-athletes, and the high school wrestlers are still allowed to verbal. One of the nation's best did just that today as Drake Ayala committed to Iowa.

I’m excited to announce that I will be continuing my athletic and academic career at the University of Iowa. Thank you to everyone who has helped me get to this point. Go hawks!? pic.twitter.com/BkZfP5r8r8

— Drake Ayala (@drakeayala38) March 18, 2020

The two-time Fargo champ is currently ranked second at 120 pounds and may be the heir apparent at 125 for the Hawkeyes after Spencer Lee graduates.

The junior at Fort Dodge high school is a two-time state champ in Iowa's largest class (3A) and recently won the Dan Gable award for wrestler of the year in the state.

Ayala trains at Sebolt Wrestling Academy, and several of his club teammate are also committed to the Black & Gold. Cullan Schriever, who beat Ayala in the 3A state finals two years ago, is one of Ayala's closest friends and the two will be future teammates in Iowa City.

One of the focuses of a recent recruiting article was highlighting as of yet uncommitted juniors, and we mentioned that Ayala had visited Michigan, North Carolina, and Iowa State. He also was looking at Ohio State among his final schools.

Coming in #9 on the 2021 Big Board, he was no doubt one of the most highly sought-after lightweights in this junior class. During his trips to Fargo, Ayala was coached by Ryan Morningstar, a Hawkeye assistant who was in his corner during his most recent final.

Tom Brands and his staff are already putting together a strong 2021 recruiting class, which includes Pennsylvania AAA state champ Wyatt Henson and another Iowa 3A champ in Caleb Rathjen of Ankeny. Henson is ranked eighth and Rathjen #18 at 138. Also committed is 152lb Colorado state champ Cam Lucero of Pagosa Springs.