Edwardsville senior defensive end and Iowa recruit Iose Epenesa turning heads in San Antonio before All-American Bowl
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Edwardsville senior Iose Epenesa is turning heads in the lead up to the U.S. Navy All-American Bowl on Jan. 11 at noon from the Alamodome in San Antonio.
According to Sam Spiegalman of Rivals, the 6-foot-4 defensive end Epenesa stood out during the second day of practices.
“Iose Epenesa was a resounding MVP during Day 2 of the All-American Bowl practices. The Iowa signee played like he was shot out of a cannon during Wednesday’s competition. Epenesa fired off the ball and moved extremely easily off the edge. The future Hawkeye blew past opposing tackles from both the left and right sides, won with speed and power, and showcased his length and bend working at end. That also opened up the door for some easy wins working some offensive tackles with his inside move — and impressing along the way.
“The NFL bloodlines dominant Day 2 inside the Alamodome will be well-documented for the finals Rivals rankings update — as will Epenesa’s position versatility working off the EDGE and projectable traits elsewhere on the DL.”
Rivals currently ranks Epenesa as a four-star recruit and the 115th best recruit in the country, including the fifth-best in Illinois and eighth-best at his position.
For comparison, 247Sports has Epenesa as a five-star recruit and the 14th best recruit in the country, including the top prospect from Illinois and the third-best at his position.
Iose Epenesa will become the third Tiger to play in the All-American Bowl, joining his brother A.J. in 2016 and Rodney Coe in 2011.
The All-American Bowl Selection Committee was comprised of the All-American Bowl, 247Sports and NXGN.
All-Americans are eligible for the All-American Bowl Player of the Year Award, Anthony Muñoz Lineman of the Year Award, Defensive Player of the Year Award, All-American Bowl Man of the Year and All-American Bowl Game MVP Award.
This is the second national high school all-star game invitation for Iose Epenesa, who will also play in the 2025 Polynesian Bowl game on Jan. 19 at Kamehameha High School in Honolulu, Hawaii. He received that invitation during his sophomore year in April 2023.
Iose Epenesa recently ended his Edwardsville football career with 173 tackles, including 40 for loss and a program-record 22 sacks. He also had three four forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
In his senior season with the Tigers, Iose Epenesa had 51 tackles, including 11 for loss and seven sacks. He led the team in tackles for loss and sacks. Epenesa also had a forced fumble and fumble recovery.
Iose Epenesa was named to the Illinois High School Football Coaches Association Class 8A All-State Team on Nov. 13 and the Champaign News-Gazette All-State team on Nov. 27.
