Iowa lands 2017 prospect A.J. Epenesa

Iowa is trying to close out its 2016 class with only three weeks left until signing day, but that doesn’t mean it isn't focused on the future as well. The Hawkeyes received some huge news in the form of a commitment Sunday afternoon from a 2017 prospect.

ESPN Junior 300 defensive end A.J. Epenesa tweeted that he's decided to commit to Iowa and end his process.

It's a great day to be a Hawkeye!!=$=% #LetsGoHawks pic.twitter.com/rhgTNM74nf

— AJ Epenesa (@ajepenesa24) January 17, 2016

Epenesa is the No. 53-ranked prospect in his class and gives Iowa its highest-ranked commitment since at least 2006. Ross Pierschbacher was ranked No. 48 in the 2014 class, but later flipped to Alabama and ended up…