College: During his time at Iowa, VanValkenburg appeared in 60 games (48 starts) and totaled 211 tackles (106 solo) and 22.0 sacks. During his final campaign in 2021, he received the Hayden Fry Award and was named Second-Team All-Big Ten by league coaches, media, and the Associated Press as well as ThirdTeam All-Big Ten by Phil Steele. VanValkenburg was named a quarterfinalist for the Lott IMPACT Trophy and named to the Ted Hendricks Award Watch List and the Lombardi Award Watch List. Against Minnesota he recorded a career-high 10 tackles (six solo). During the 2020 season, he was named Second-Team All-Big Ten by league coaches and media and Fourth-Team All-Big Ten by Phil Steele. VanValkenburg tied for first nationally with four recovered fumbles on the season. He started all eight games at defensive end and totaled 30 tackles (14 solo) and 8.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. As a sophomore in 2019, VanValkenburg transferred from Hillsdale College. He appeared in 11 games and recorded six tackles (two solo). During the 2018 season, he was named Defensive Lineman of the Year in the Great Midwest Athletic Conference. He recorded 70 tackles, 14.5 tackles for loss, and 8.5 sacks. VanValkenburg led the league in sacks and ranked third in tackles for loss. During the 2017 season, he recorded 32 tackles, 4.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one blocked kick. He redshirted for the 2016 season.
Personal: As a senior, VanValkenburg earned First-Team AllState and All-Conference. He was named Holland Sentinel Defensive Player of the Year and Detroit Free Press Dream Team. He was a three-year letterwinner as a linebacker and defensive end. He helped lead his team to three conference titles and two state championships. VanValkenburg wrestled and was a fouryear letterwinner earning All-State honors and was also a fouryear letterwinner in track. During his time at Iowa, he earned his bachelor's degree in history and a master's degree in European studies.
