Tallahassee, FL -- The journey was not conventional, but Clifford Stokes dream is now a reality.

"Out of high school I wanted to go Division one, but the Lord had other plans for me and he allowed me to make a better opportunity for myself."

After spending two seasons in Athens, Texas playing football for Trinity Valley Community College, Stokes will continue to play football, now for Iowa State.

Stokes adds, "Now I feel I'm ready to make that transition to a division one school, but it all came with maturity. I really think I'm ready now."

Something he had to learn even during his senior season at Rickards. A foot injury sidelined him for three games.

"He really didn't get the looks that he wanted to," adds Rickards head coach Rudy Hubbard. "He stayed after it, went to community college, and here he is against signing with Iowa State."

Stokes adds, "It was a minor set back, but it was for a major comeback."

He had over thirty offers including Baylor, Minnesota, and Arkansas. He gave his verbal to the Cyclones after his official visit when Iowa State upset then second ranked Oklahoma State.

"The motto all in. That stood out to me and I just felt it, felt the presence of being all in."