For two Hartley-Melvin-Sanborn High School football players, the 2023 early signing day on Dec. 21 was a family affair. Parents, grandparents and siblings, as well as teammates and friends witnessed Kooper Ebel and Lance Berends sign their commitments to play college football.

Ebel is one of 21 high school early signees, including seven from Iowa, to commit to Iowa State University. The listing of Cyclone signees identifies Ebel as a 3-star recruit at the linebacker position.

"We are very excited about this outstanding group of young men that will be joining our program," said Iowa State he...