From IHOP to sporting events, Erick All Jr. embraces Iowa City as new home

IOWA CITY — As Erick All Jr. sat at an IHOP restaurant on his first day in Iowa City, an elderly man pulled up next to him.

“He just sits down and talks to me for about 20, 30 minutes and then buys my food,” All said in disbelief.

They had never met before. As All knows, the man didn’t realize that All was a close finish for the Hawkeyes.

“Was just a great guy,” All said.

The IHOP encounter is part of the transfer portal’s warm welcome to Iowa’s newest soccer player.

“The waitresses were so nice,” All told reporters Thursday. “Everywhere I go it’s crazy how nice everyone is – even her.”

Less than two months into the spring semester, All has already taken note of the team’s chemistry, whether at offensive line Friday lunches or other off-field moments.

“It’s a great feeling to be in this building and also to be with the guys on offense and defense,” All said.

All attended the Cy Hawk men’s basketball game on December 8th and the Ohio State Game on February 16th during his visit. He also watched the wrestling match between Iowa and Nebraska.

When it’s time for Iowa athletes from other sports to attend his games and not the other way around, expectations are high for All.

“I think we have two really good tight ends and hopefully the same situation,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said in December. “And that’s certainly good for us.”

All, a former All-Big Ten Honorable Mention, had 38 catches for 437 receiving yards in 2021. A back injury that required surgery ended his 2022 season.

His 38 catches in 2021 were the most for a Michigan tight end since Jake Butt had 46 in 2016.

“I feel like I’m more of a natural pass catcher and route runner,” All said. “But I want to be everywhere. I also want to be a great blocker.”

Now All is one of the top 2 tight ends at a school that has had a tight end with 50+ catches in consecutive seasons.

“They definitely have a recipe with those tight ends,” All said.

All also have the benefit of already being in a relationship with new Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara, who also joined from Michigan after the 2022 season.

“It’s always great to have someone close to you who you’ve known for a while,” All said.

All and McNamara were roommates in Michigan, although they don’t live together in Iowa.

“We grew from that,” All said.

As All continues to adjust to Iowa City with his former roommate and other teammates, he will have another reason to return to the Coralville IHOP.

“I got their chicken and waffles and it was great,” All said. “I went to Atlanta, and it was up there with them.”

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