A strong bond with his positional coach was high on Olando Trader’s wish list when he decided to go to college. The Michigan defenseman found one with Iowa Football’s Phil Parker.
The veteran Hawkeye assistant has an impressive track record with members of his secondary school. Guys like Bob Sanders, Micah Hyde, Desmond King and Amani Hooker stood out in the Black and Gold before they made it to the NFL.
“I have a really good relationship with Coach Parker,” Trader told HN. “He’s the main reason I choose Iowa over any other school. He knows what he’s talking about and he’s the best at it.”
Trader (6-0, 185) and the rest of the 2022 Iowa recruit class is due June 12 on campus.
“I feel really good on campus and can’t wait to start the next chapter in my life,” said Trader.
The Jackson (MI) high cornerback spent the offseason preparing for the next level. He exercised and stretched daily.
“I’ve prepared a lot to make sure my body is in its healthiest state. I’ve been nutritionally smart about what I’m putting in my body,” Trader said.
“I also watched a lot of Iowa games and really just watched their defense. I paid close attention to Matt Hankins because he has a similar style of play.”
Iowa is returning reigning Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year Riley Moss to a cornerback starting spot. Veterans Terry Roberts and Jermari Harris battle for the spot vacated by Hankins. Several other players come back to the position.
“My attitude towards Iowa was the same. Yes, there are older players who start in my position, but all I can do is work hard and try to learn from them so I can be the player who I should be.” said Trader.
“There have always been people before me and there will always be someone ahead of you. But that just drives me to work harder to pass them and get better than yesterday. I just hope I get the opportunity to show that.”
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Trader strives to see the field in year 1.
“My goal for my first year as Hawkeye is to learn as much as I can, hopefully take 15-30 snaps a game and just get out,” he said.
Trader has a good feeling about the 22 class in Iowa. He believes it will add to the Hawkeyes now and in the future.
“I have a good relationship with the other members of the Recruiting class. We text each other daily, and I think that’s just a start of how strong our bond will be when we get up there and start working,” he said.
Members of the group share similar ambitions for college.
“We all have pretty much the same goals. We just want to get away. If we go up there and work hard and get the chance, we’re going to go crazy this season.”
Trader received accolades from all states, regions and conferences as a senior when he was named Conference MVP. He played cornerback and wide receiver for Jackson and set a school record for receiving yards. He was team captain for three years.
The rivals ranked Trader as a three-star prospect, the No. 54 cornerback nationally in the Class of ’22 and the No. 13 overall in Michigan for the cycle.
Nebraska and Vanderbilt were among the other schools reportedly offering traders.
Trader was born in Liberia, Africa.
Check out highlights of Trader’s high school career HERE.