For most preferred walk-ons, earning a scholarship is a long, difficult process, if it happens at all. Recent roster rule changes in college football make it even more difficult on these guys.

Iowa’s DJ Vonnahme (VOH-NAH-ME) didn’t allow those circumstances to deter him, however. The tight end from Kuemper Catholic in Carroll turned down scholarship offers from smaller colleges in hopes of eventually earning a full-ride with his home-state Hawkeyes. He began that journey last summer. What he accomplished in that short time can be classified as rare.

The program let Vonnahme (6-4, 240) know after spring practice that he’d earned a scholarship, a source tells Hawk Fanatic. He joined seven other current players at his position on scholarship, three of them being true freshmen, after appearing in four games and earning a letter last season.

Vonnahme should at least see action on special teams in 2025. And with only three Hawkeye tight ends – Addison Ostrenga, Zach Ortwwerth and Hayden Large – having more experience than the redshirt freshman, he’s positioned for reps on offense.

A first-team all-state selection as a Kuemper senior, Vonnahme gashed defenses in a variety of ways during his prep career. He threw for 1,803 yards and 25 touchdowns, rushed for 652 yards and 14 TDs and piled up 697 receiving yards with 14 scores. He also lined up at safety on defense, picking off 11 passes with two defensive touchdowns.

Vonnahme is an impressive all-around athlete. He earned three letters in basketball, and two of them in soccer and track. He twice qualified for Iowa state track meet in the 100 meters, also qualifying in the 200 as a junior.