IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) – Iowa says that St. Louis-area running back Markel Smith has finally signed his letter of intent.  Smith was ranked as a four-star back by recruiting publication Scout.com and is considered one of the best prospects in Iowa’s latest class. But Smith got snowed in during a retreat and wasn’t able to officially join the Hawkeyes until Thursday.  Smith was a first-team all-state selection in each of the last two seasons for St. John Vianney High.

Smith’s 7,144 career rushing yards ranks second-best in Missouri history. He also set the single-game mark with 541 yards.  Smith is the 19th recruit and second running back to join the Hawkeyes for the upcoming season.