Garmon gives Iowa a running back

Greg Garmon, a two-time all-state selection at Erie (Pa.) McDowell, said Tuesday he will play running back for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Garmon, 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, announced his choice at the Semper Fidelis All-American Bowl in Phoenix. He picked the Hawkeyes over an estimated 45 scholarship offers he's received from NCAA Division I programs. His final three were Iowa, Miami (Fla.) and Arkansas.

"I'll be attending the University of Iowa," Garmon said while putting an Iowa hat on and having a family member hold a Tiger Hawk banner. "Go Hawkeyes!"

Garmon gained 2,859 yards and 27 touchdowns for McDowell since 2009. His best season was 2010, when he rushed for 1,225 yards and 11 touchdowns. Last season, Garmon rushed for 1,050 yards and nine scores despite injuries. He also helped the Trojans advance to the quarterfinals of the WPIAL Class AAAA playoffs, where they lost to finish 8-3 overall.

Iowa goes into 2012 without any definite answers at running back. Freshman Jordan Canzeri led the Hawkeyes in rushing against Oklahoma in the Insight Bowl, gaining 58 yards on 22 carries. He subbed for junior Marcus Coker, who was suspended for the game because of an unspecified violation of the UI Code of Conduct.

Mika'il McCall confirmed to the The Gazette on Tuesday that he is leaving the UI.

Canzeri, Damon Bullock and De'Andre Johnson were freshmen running backs for the Hawkeyes in 2011.

Garmon was one of three "specialists" named to the Pennsylvania Sports Writers Class AAAA All-State team. That category meant Garmon also was honored for his performances as in returns on special teams and cornerback on defense.

Garmon is the 18th recruit for 2012, a recruiting class that likely will end up in the low 20s. The national signing period begins Feb. 1.

Mitch Keppy, OL, 6-5, 287, Riverdale High School (Port Byron, Ill.)

Cameron Wilson, WR, 6-2, 193, Jerome High School (Dublin, Ohio)

Drew Ott, DE, 6-4, 235, Giltner (Neb.) High School

Maurice Fleming Jr., CB, 6-1, 185, Curie High School (Chicago)

Connor Kornbrath, K/P, 6-7, 210, Bridgeport (W.V.) High School

Jaleel Johnson, DT, 6-4, 290, Montini High School (Westchester, Ill.)

Ryan Ward, OL, 6-6, 270,  Providence Catholic (New Lenox, Ill.)

Michael Malloy, RB/WR, 6-0, 180, Sioux City Heelan

Laron Taylor, LB, 6-0, 205, Cass Tech (Detroit, Mich.)

Ruben Lile, S, 6-3, 200 Cass Tech (Detroit, Mich.)

Greg Mabin, WR, 6-2, 190 Calvary Christian Academy (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)

Daumantas Venckus, DE, 6-4, 220 Cypress Bay (Weston, Fla.)

Faith Ekakitie, DL, 6-3, 285 Lake Forest (Ill.) Academy

Kevin Buford, CB, 5-10, 165 Canton (Mich.) High School

Anthony Morgan, S, 6-1, 185 Prestonwood Christian (Plano, Texas)

Tevaun Smith, WR, 6-2, 186 Kent (Conn.) School/Chaminade College High School (Toronto)

Cody Sokol, QB, 6-2, 210 Scottsdale (Ariz.) Community College

Greg Garmon, RB, 6-2, 200 McDowell High School (Erie, Pa.)