Marcello Vitti considered the scholarship offer he received from the University of Iowa on Thursday to be special. He had also reported offers from other strong Power 4 programs, but the opportunity from the Hawkeyes held a different meaning.
“The University of Iowa is very selective about who they offer to,” he told HN. “The fact that I got an offer from head coach (Kirk Ferentz) and coach (Phil) Parker means a lot to me.”
Vitti (6-foot-0, 190 pounds) visited Iowa City on Thursday to learn of the offer. The versatile 2026 defensive back from Michigan has had a history of success with the Hokies under the tutelage and coordination of the defense under Coach Parker.
“Coach Parker is a defensive legend. He has developed dozens of DBs in the NFL and led some of the best defenses over the years. It means a lot to me that he recognizes me as someone who meets his standards,” Vitti said.
“I've worked hard over the past two years on my technique and preparation to surpass my natural speed and athleticism, so his offer is a recognition of my efforts.”
Iowa naturally provided a sense of security for Vitti during his stay.
“I appreciated their genuine and sincere approach. There was nothing flashy. Everyone was genuine and down to earth. I enjoyed direct, one-on-one conversations,” he said.
Parker and Ferentz told Vitti why they thought he would be perfect for the role of Hawkeye.
“Iowa appreciates my versatility defensively, being able to play nickel, safety and cornerback. They also like my speed, athleticism and size. They see me as a taller, bigger Geno Stone,” he said.
Stone played strong safety at the University of Iowa and spent the past four seasons in the NFL.
The University of Arkansas, Auburn University, Boston University, Indiana University, University of Kansas, University of Kentucky, University of Louisville, University of Maryland, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, Pennsylvania State University, University of Pittsburgh, Purdue University, University of Tennessee, Wake Forest University, West Virginia University and the University of Wisconsin have also reportedly offered scholarships to the Divine Child High School senior in Dearborn, Michigan.
It's likely Vitti will receive more offers, and the schools he's already signed with will make his recruiting competitive.
With the Hokies coming into the game on Thursday, they're in a favorable position.
“I'm looking forward to visiting a home game and getting a better understanding of the game-day experience and the energy and culture at Iowa. I'd also like to get to know Coach Parker better. My parents really like him. His defensive track record and stats are clear,” he said.
One look at Vitti's sophomore highlight tape and you can quickly see his natural talent, flair and positional versatility, which would allow him to fit into multiple positions in Iowa's secondary.
Prep Redzone rates Vitti as the No. 3 overall prospect in the state of Michigan in 2026. 247Sports' composite ratings have him as a four-star recruit, the fifth-best player in the state at his grade level and the No. 261 student-athlete nationally this cycle.
