INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (670 The Score) -- Before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago, Lukas Van Ness was part of a Barrington High School hockey program set to play in the semifinals of the state tournament and which was eyeing a championship.
That opportunity never presented itself as the Illinois state tournament at the United Center was shut down. Though Van Ness missed out on that experience, he gained plenty from the game of hockey as he now looks toward the NFL Draft as a prized prospect. A standout pass rusher at Iowa, Van Ness credits his hockey background for his football prowess.
“The balance I have today,” Van Ness said. “Hockey requires a lot of agility. It’s a hard sport to play. It's very physical. It’s very demanding. A lot of those attributes contribute to the player I am today on the football field.”
A 6-foot-5, 275-pound prospect, Van Ness is viewed as a prototype for his position and is projected to be a first-round pick when the NFL Draft begins on April 27. But despite his talent, Van Ness never started a game at Iowa across three seasons. He redshirted as a freshman, then was a rotational pass rusher the following two seasons, over which he posted 13.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for a loss.
The Iowa football program prioritizes playing upperclassmen, as Van Ness explained to reporters – and surely to teams – at the NFL Combine this week. Of course, Van Ness' role isn't alarming to scouts who view him as one of the top edge rushers available. Van Ness has earned the nickname "Hercules" ahead of the draft.
“A great human being but also a hell of a football player,” Iowa linebacker prospect Jack Campbell said of Van Ness. “I feel like his potential is through the roof. Just being able to play behind guys like that just made my job easier.”
A Barrington native, Van Ness grew up as a Bears fan, but his opportunity to land with his favorite team would likely only come if Chicago traded down and outside of the top 10. The Bears hold the No. 1 pick and are looking to move down.
When Van Ness arrives in the NFL as a rookie, he’ll be eager to validate the belief that scouts have in his future.
“It’s just my versatility,” Van Ness said. “Being able to play all over the defensive line. It's also just the mentality that I have.
“I’ve never started a game at Iowa, so I'm looking forward to getting that first start at the next level. Coming in with a chip on my shoulder. I’m just ready to put my nose down and work.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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