Iowa Eight football: Cedar Rapids Xavier OL Josh Volk projects as a big-time 2020 recruit
Matthew BainJosh Volk
School: Cedar Rapids Xavier
Class: 2020
Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 295 pounds
Position: Offensive guard
Key stats: As a sophomore last year, Volk anchored on offensive line that blocked for Xavier's buzzsaw rushing offense that racked up 2,770 yards and 37 touchdowns on nearly 6 yards per carry. Volk mostly played the right side at either guard or tackle, but he also lined up a few times at left tackle.
Why he's one of the Iowa Eight
Volk mauled his opposition on a regular basis for the Saints last season. He can do everything you'd want from an interior lineman: He shows explosiveness off the line, he can block well in space, and he moves fluidly. He's also highly versatile and Xavier utilized him as the focal point in a variety of blocking schemes.
And he was only a sophomore.
Big things are expected from Volk in his junior season as he continues to add more muscle mass to a bulking frame. Notre Dame recently expressed interest, Volk's trainer JC Moreau told the Register, and Xavier head coach Duane Schulte invited Fighting Irish coaches to watch Volk this fall.
Meet the Register's Iowa Eight:
- Cedar Falls linebacker Jack Campbell
- Ridge View offensive tackle Ezra Miller
- Lewis Central quarterback Max Duggan
- Norwalk offensive tackle Tyler Endres
- Waverly-Shell Rock defensive end Mosai Newsom
- Southeast Polk running back Gavin Williams
- Clear Creek Amana defensive end T.J. Bollers
Volk impressed on the camp circuit this summer, traveling around the Midwest and performing well at the online recruiting service camps. His performances at Iowa's camps helped earn his Hawkeye offer and he was named offensive MVP of Iowa State's big man camp in June.
247Sports gives Volk three stars and ranks him the No. 373 overall prospect in 2020 — and the No. 12 offensive guard. Rivals also gives Volk three stars and views him as an offensive tackle.
Future prospects
Volk currently holds offers from Iowa and Iowa State, and he's on the radar for Northwestern, Notre Dame, Nebraska, Minnesota and Michigan State. Vanderbilt is also in the picture.
Quotable
"When you see (this) kid after a whole season of strength work and explosion work and flexibility work, I think he's going to be so much better this year. I think he's a bona-fide, high-major, Big Ten interior guy."
— Allen Trieu, 247Sports Midwest recruiting analyst
What is the Iowa Eight?
The Iowa Eight is the Register’s preseason list of the eight best football prospects in the state, weighing past performance and future projection. Incoming freshmen through seniors are eligible. Selections are based on Register staff observations and consultation with high school, college and scouting contacts. The Register will have additional Iowa Eight lists for key prep boys’ and girls’ sports throughout the year.
Matthew Bain covers college football and basketball recruiting for the Des Moines Register. He also helps out with Iowa and Iowa State football and basketball coverage for HawkCentral and Cyclone Insider. Contact him at mbain@dmreg.com and follow him on Twitter @MatthewBain_.