Ryan Murken

Your Prep Sports

SOLON – Tyler Linderbaum made his college choice nearly eight months ago when he verbally committed to Iowa.

Officially verbal commitments are non-binding.

In the case of Linderbaum, who grew up 10 miles from Iowa City and dreamed of playing at Kinnick Stadium before he starred at Solon High School that verbal commitment was as solid as could be.

Linderbaum made things official on Wednesday when he signed his letter of intent on the newly implemented early signing day.

 “I grew up around Iowa City and being an Iowa fan so it was a pretty easy decision for me,” Linderbaum said. “Once I committed it was nice getting it done and to officially sign today is awesome.”

The 6-foot-2, 270-pound Linderbaum was a three-year starter and two-time first-team all-state pick as a two-way line at Solon.

Linderbaum became a major college prospect following his junior season and committed to Iowa last May over an offer from Iowa State.

On Wednesday he lived out a childhood dream when he signed with the team he grew up cheering for.

“I’ve been committed to Iowa for a while now but it’s nice to get it officially done with,” Linderbaum said. “I was ready to sign.”

Linderbaum was a force from his defensive tackle spot, making 34.5 tackles as a senior while helping Solon to an 11-1 record and a Class 3A semifinal berth.

As a center, Linderbaum was the anchor of the Solon offensive line.  

“He was a catalyst on both sides of the ball,” Solon coach Kevin Miller said. “Certainly he demanded a double team on the interior and he was fundamental to our success as a defense.”

A three-star prospect ranked as the third best player in the state by Rivals, Linderbaum is projected by many as a defensive tackle in college.

Miller isn’t sure which side of the ball Linderbaum will end up on but says he has the tools to be successful at several spots on the field.

“The question is where does he project on offense or defense and I really don’t know because he is versatile enough to play on both sides,” Miller said. “I’ve talked to people that know a lot about football and if he concentrated on offense that he has a bright future on that side of the ball too.”

Before he can focus on his college football career Linderbaum has a few more things to take care of as a high school athlete.

A four-sport athlete at Solon, Linderbaum is in the middle of an undefeated wrestling season and ranked as the third best 285-pounder in Class 2A.

He is also a state track medalist in the shot put and a starter on the Solon baseball team.

“I enjoy all the sports that I do it’s fun to do them one more time before I head off to Iowa,” Linderbaum said. “I’m excited about that.”

Linderbaum also has one final high school football game ahead of him.

He leaves for San Antonio, Texas on Dec. 31 to take part in the US Army All-American Game on January 6.

 “It’s exciting it’s going to be the best football players that I’ve ever gone against,” Linderbaum said. “It’s going to be a fun time for sure.”