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Courtesy of CycloneReport.com


San Antonio (Tex.) Warren offensive tackle Shaban Dika had been leaning towards committing to Iowa State for some time. After a couple of heart-to-heart family conversations over the weekend, he went all in and decided to make the call. CycloneReport.com was the first to talk with Dika after his commitment was made to get more from the talented lineman on his big decision.

The 6-foot-5, 295-pound Dika - who is of Albanian decent and is already a favorite of Albanian sports fans worldwide - came to his final decision over the weekend.

Offensive tackle Shaban Dika is verbally committed to Iowa State.

"My father and I talked about it Saturday night, and then we talked about it again on Sunday night," Dika said. "I know it's the school for me. I really like the coaching staff and the direction the program is going. I've camped with them, I've made an official visit, I've seen how they are doing this season. I had all that I needed to make a decision."

Dika said it took two phone calls to get the commitment made.

"I called Coach Bleil first and he didn't answer so then I decided I would just go ahead and call Coach Rhoads," said Dika. "He did answer and I told him that I wanted to commit. He got very happy and excited. Then I did get to talk to Coach Bleil last night. He'll be my position coach and so my relationship with him is important."

Dika said that Iowa State projects him to play the glamour position on the offensive line.

"They told me they want me there as a left tackle," Dika explained. "I love that position, I love knowing it's the hardest one. You've got the blind side of the quarterback most of the time so it's important and that's where I want to be."

Dika was also being recruited by Kansas and Oklahoma State of the Big 12. Both of those conference rivals of Iowa State were calling Dika this fall but neither had offered. His commitment, Dika said, will bring and end to conversations with all other schools.

"I am locked onto Iowa State."