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CEDAR RAPIDS The fledgling football program at Mount Mercy will not play any real games for another year.
There will be many chances for position struggles and development between now and the fall of 2026.
Texas native Alex Estrada and former Solon prep Tyler Bell seem to be the front-runners at quarterback.
Following Saturday’s scrimmage between the NCAA Division-III Grinnell and the NAIA-level Mustangs at Hadzic Field, Mount Mercy coach MD Daniels remarked, “They’re both very respectful young men.” They adore football. They each have distinct qualities that set them apart, even though they study, ask questions, and play the game as it should be played.
Bell and Estrada are among the 57 players on the Mount Mercy roster who are freshmen, with the exception of three. In his two seasons as a starter at Solon, the 6-foot, 190-pound Bell threw for 3,265 yards and 33 touchdowns. The team won 18 of 23 games during that time and advanced to the 2023 Class 3A state quarterfinals.
Bell wasn’t expected to run a much and tuck the ball at Solon. But at Mount Mercy, that seems to be part of his toolbox.
Bell laughed and remarked, “I enjoy running, but I don’t mind getting hit, but today was a pretty hard one.” I’ll use my legs, but I’ll grow used to it. I enjoy doing that.
Bell was drawn to the chance to be on the inaugural roster and support the launch of a new football program in his home state, even though there are no games to play this season.
Bell remarked, “Coach Daniels has a way with words.” In addition, he is a good man. as well as the other members of the coaching staff. There’s something positive happening here, so why wouldn’t I join in? It’s cool, the new part. You receive all of the new equipment. A brand-new football stadium. a brand-new team with all members starting from the beginning.
Daniels was the link between Texas and Iowa for Estrada, a 5-10, 170-pound lefty. Daniels’ hometown of Lake Jackson, Texas, is only 38 miles away from Bay City, Texas, where Estrada passed for 3,620 yards and 43 touchdowns the previous season.
According to Estrada, he only texted me once during the academic year. I wanted to come here after hearing everything he had to say. He is aware of my history and the kind of ball we play down there.
With a deep scoring ball to Fort Myers, Florida receiver Thomas Murphy, Estrada concluded the contest. Daniels also lauded offensive lineman James Baumler, a graduate of North Fayette Valley, and receiver Gabe Harrell, who hails from Sylacauga, Alabama.
California lineman Armani Cortez-Castillo and Easton Sanchez, along with linebacker Shermark Francis (Freeport, Texas), were scrimmage standouts on defense.
This fall, Mount Mercy will also scrimmage Simpson and Clarke before facing Grinnell in its program debut.
Daniels added, “Our guys are also aware that they receive a year of development in the weight room and in our schemes.” so that they still have four years of eligibility the following year. In contrast to other programs, they receive a full year of physical development in the weight room. It is somewhat similar to having the best of both worlds.
