After months of being sought after by various Division 1 football programs, Josh Mueller, senior offensive and defensive tackle, has committed to Iowa State University after his official visit on Dec. 12.

Mueller had 15 offers from D1 football programs across the nation, but recently narrowed his interest down to two: the University of Wyoming and Iowa State University. He credits his visit to Iowa State to helping him finalize his decision to join the Cyclones.

“I picked Iowa State because of the people. I love the coaching staff and the players that I got a chance to meet on my official visit. I also really loved the facilities and the stadium they have,” Mueller said regarding his decision.

The  6’6” 270 lb defensive tackle played a huge role in Homestead’s defensive success in the 2015 season and he executed vital plays in Homestead’s State Championship game. Mueller was named to first team all-conference, all-area and received honorable mention for all-state. At his position, Mueller is ranked second in the state of Wisconsin.

“Josh holds the point of attack as well as anyone you will find at his position in high school.  We were forced to move him around regularly, so that teams would not identify him and run away from him. As seems to be the case every year, D-Line coaches Tom Fugate and Jim Schara do a tremendous job developing technically sound defensive linemen that play with a high level of intensity,” Coach Matt Wolf, defensive coordinator, said.

Although it may seem that football has always been his dream, Mueller did not even play football freshman year. When he was younger he never considered football as his main sport; instead, basketball was his passion.

“He was always pretty talented, but I think he really started wanting to play after the State Championship game in 2012. It was then I believe he wanted to excel in football,” Mike Mueller, Josh’s father, said.

“A few months ago Josh mentioned that he always dreamed about playing in the NFL. It surprised me because we thought Josh was going to be a college basketball player. So I think he always loved football.”

So, during sophomore year, he put on the pads again and took the field for the Highlanders, never looking back. The more he played, the more he grew to love the game.

The coaching staff at Homestead deserves credit for shaping Mueller into the hardworking, goal-driven athlete that he is today. “I really appreciate how much work Coach Fugate puts in day in and day out to make the defensive line better. He taught me every technique I know as a defensive lineman,” Mueller said.

This season, Mueller played on both sides of the line of scrimmage instead of just his normal position on the defensive line. The switch took a while to get used to, but once Mueller grasped the concept, he was able to thrive at the offensive position well. “I want to thank Coach Brodie Brown for holding my hand through my offensive linemen work. He really helped me through the process,” Mueller said.

“The program at Homestead is so good, it just draws the kids in and keeps them playing,” Mike Mueller said.

Head Coach Dave Keel has been known throughout the years to promote his athletes that he believes will perform well at the next level, doing just that with Mueller, who is very thankful for the way in which Coach Keel went about that process.

“It was a great process. Josh and I spent so much time together visiting many universities. We are very proud of him, and know that he will get a great education and be a part of something that will give us many great memories in the future,” Mike Mueller said.

Although the Highlanders will miss the aggression that Mueller brought to the team, the coaching staff and the players are excited for his future as a Cyclone.

“With Josh’s size and technique I’m certain he will be successful at Iowa State,” Coach Wolf said.

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Hannah O'Leary

Seniors Josh Mueller and Jake Bruner celebrate before the state championship game.