Hunter Dekkers saw his tumultuous college football career come to a close on Wednesday night with a five-point loss in the JUCO national championship. The former four-star quarterback could be a (deep) sleeper pick in the upcoming NFL Draft after he was blackballed by the NCAA for gambling.
All he did was throw darts in 2024!
Dekkers, a native of Iowa, was the eight-ranked dual-threat signal-caller in the recruiting Class of 2020. He committed to play at Iowa State over scholarship offers from Indiana, South Dakota, Northern Iowa, Purdue, Central Michigan, Kansas State, Indiana and South Dakota State. The Cyclones named him as their starter in 2022.
Although Dekkers was likely going to return in the same QB1 role for 2023, he did not receive that opportunity. The NCAA revoked his remaining eligibility after a gambling probe. It found that he placed more than 300 bets at a total of approximately $2,800. 26 of those wagers were on Iowa State athletics.
The most problematic bet took place in 2021 when Dekkers was the backup. He wagered $15 on the Iowa State football team while on the active roster. A video that leaked on social media during the investigation did not help his case and made it so that a guilty plea was the only option.
— – (@Spicoli_____) August 2, 2023
Dekkers did not play college football in 2023 while finishing up his degree. He entered the transfer portal in the spring of 2024 and ultimately landed at Iowa Western Community College.
As a member of the National Junior College Athletic Association, Iowa Western is not subject to NCAA rule which meant that Dekkers was eligible to play one final season. The Reivers reached the JUCO National Championship game with one loss during his lone year as the starter.
Unfortunately, Iowa Western lost its second game of the season on Wednesday night to finish as the runners-up. It was still a great run. Especially for Hunter Dekkers. The strong-armed lefty completed 65.1% of his passes for 3,825 yards and 32 touchdowns.
Despite the loss, Dekkers was dealing. He threw for 412 yards and two touchdowns in defeat. His release his so pure and ball placement on the money.
WHAT A CATCH! Iowa Western takes the 7-0 lead to start the natty. @jucoweekly @JuCoFootballACE pic.twitter.com/jqQre9oVOC
— Charles Chaney (@ChuckChaneyBCTG) December 19, 2024
The second score was an absolute dime.
OK THEN. Most profilic passing offense this season showing why. Iowa Western up 14-0 mid 1Q@jucoweekly@JuCoFootballACE pic.twitter.com/qh3SDVrY4J
— Charles Chaney (@ChuckChaneyBCTG) December 19, 2024
This year’s NFL Draft class is highlighted by Cam Ward, Jackson Dart Shedeur Sanders, Dillon Gabriel and Quinn Ewers. It is considered “weak.” Look for a team to take a late-round flier on Hunter Dekkers after his impressive year on the JUCO level. If not, he could be one of those Undrafted Free Agents who makes some noise during training camp!