Eric Simmons, a center for Iowa Western Community College last fall, committed to the Hawkeyes on Thursday. He'll be a sophomore at Iowa with four years to play three season. He played prep football at central Iowa power Madrid.

This is a case of the Iowa coaching staff finding what it believes is a gem.

Here’s what says “gem”: Iowa wasn’t in the market for a junior college offensive lineman. Eric Simmons just completed his freshman season at Iowa Western Community College, so he was sort of on the market but not totally. And here’s what really says Iowa believes it has a “gem”: Offensive line coach Reese Morgan offered a scholarship early this week and Simmons accepted Thursday.

So, Iowa has one very excited Iowa native ready to play football for the Hawkeyes beginning next week, when winter workouts begin with the start of spring semester next Tuesday.

“I just got the offer a little while ago,” Simmons told HawkeyeReport.com. “Coach Morgan called and said they were offering me for this semester. I still have some stuff to take care of here as far as dropping classes and everything, but I should be there by next week.”

Classes resumed at Iowa Western Community College this week, so Simmons started classes Monday while he waited to hear back from Iowa. A full qualifier out of Madrid High School, Simmons, 6-3, 300, is eligible to transfer immediately, which is the plan.

“I’m kind of still in shock to be honest,” Simmons said. “I’m really happy. I’m ecstatic, but I don’t think it’s even hit me yet.”

With four years to play three, Simmons has the option to redshirt next season. He also could end up at center or guard.

“The center we had last year, Dallas Hendrikson, signed with Rutgers and we thought it was going to be tough replacing him, but Eric stepped right in his shoes,” Iowa Western offensive coordinator Mike Strohmeier told HR.com. “From game one until the end of the season, he just continually improved, and by our bowl game we knew we had something special in him.”

All of Simmons’ offers were from FCS-level school: Northern Iowa, Missouri State, Eastern Kentucky and Youngstown State.

Simmons is Iowa’s 18th recruiting going into the 2012 class. The national signing period begins Feb. 1. On paper, Iowa has four open scholarships.

Here’s a link to a Rivals.com video.

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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.)

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.)

Eric Simmons, OL, 6-3, 300 Iowa Western Community College/Madrid