ADAMS — Ever since he was a sixth grader, Southland senior Jackson Koenigs has dreamed of playing college football. Now he’s ready to give it his best shot.

Koenigs has committed to play football at NJCAA Iowa Central and he has a chance to earn a scholarship if he can be one of 20 out of state football players to make the opening day active roster.

“It’s always been a dream of mine [to play college football] since I was a little kid,” Koenigs said. “I’m pretty excited to go to the next level and try it out. Hopefully it works out.”

Koenigs was a staple on the Southland defense this past season as he was named Mid Southeast District defensive player of the year. He racked up 129 tackles and five sacks.

Koenigs is hoping to compete for a spot at middle linebacker at Iowa Central, which is coached by Kevin Twait, who has a record of 132-58 in 19 seasons.

Koenigs will move to Fort Dodge, Iowa in July and begin working out with the team. Right now his focus is on getting bigger, faster and stronger and he will run for the GMLOK track and field team this spring.

Koenigs said he picked Iowa Central because the school and football team remind him a lot of Southland.

“Iowa Central felt nice and they have a nice Ag program that I’m interested in,” Koenigs said. “It felt like it does here. Everyone knows each other it’s an atmosphere that I’ve liked here.”

Koenigs was able to get a preview of college over the past few years as he watched Southland grad Alan May find success as a wide receiver at Winona State University. Koenigs is hoping he can have that kind of an impact on the college football scene.

“I went and watched [Alan] every year,” Koenigs said. “It gave me goose bumps to watch him and it makes me want to do that too so people can watch me and get that same feeling.”