Iowa Falls-Alden Alumnus Karson Sharar is gearing up for his redshirt junior season with the University of Iowa football team. Sharar is currently studying Sport and Recreation management with a concentration in coaching, and has spent the summer helping run youth football camps in Iowa City.
The Iowa football team is on the doorstep of transitioning from the offseason to regular season routine ahead of their season opener on August 31.
Sharar says the Hawkeyes used the offseason to team build and continue to grow physically.
“The offseason has been going well, we’ve been getting in each and every day, working out, being with the guys, being together as a team,” says Sharar. “It’s a great opportunity to get in each and every day, to continue to get better, stronger, bigger and faster, and get prepared for the upcoming season.”
Sharar as a linebacker returns with a nationally ranked defense. The Hawkeyes under the leadership of Defensive Coordinator Phil Parker ranked 4th in scoring defense, 7th in total defense in Division I in 2023.
Sharar says Parker knows the game unlike anyone else and pushes his players to achieve their best.
“I think it’s very valuable learning from one of the best, Coach Parker, because his knowledge of the game is so high and he’s been around it so often, and knows so many players. There’s no other coaches like him. He’ll push you and He wants you to get the most out of you and be the best that you can be. No matter your potential, you’ll improve, get better day by day, and the sky’s the limit with Coach Parker.”
Sharar shares advice on what it takes to be a Division I student-athlete.
“It’s tough adjusting from high school to college. Once you develop a routine, you get into your daily habits, that you do every day, it’s easy to maintain. You get what you need to get done, your schoolwork, your film, your tape, your studying, all that goes into play with your success and how you handle yourself on and off the field. Not everyone gets the opportunity. If you keep working hard and you stay dedicated to your craft and love the game, you can always make something happen. There’s always opportunities out there that you never know will come up. Just keep working hard, keep representing, and you’ll get there someday.”
Sharar recently developed his own branded apparel through an NIL deal with RTI Threads.
Learn more information on how to purchase Sharar’s branded apparel here
Iowa kickoffs the new season against Illinois St. on August 31st.
