We know the Iowa Hawkeyes are “Tight End U,” but they are rapidly growing their case to take over the name of “Linebacker U” as well. Their duo of Jack Campbell and Seth Benson manning the middle has been dominant this season.
Campbell and Benson each find themselves named to Pro Football Focus‘ top graded linebackers this season. Iowa is the only school with two of their linebackers finding their way onto the list.
Top graded Linebackers in the country this season🔥 pic.twitter.com/yDhZjabc8F
— PFF College (@PFF_College) November 9, 2022
Joining the two is Cincinnati’s Ivan Pace Jr., fellow Big Ten member Ohio State‘s Tommy Eichenberg, and Pittsburgh’s SirVocea Dennis.
On the season, Campbell and Benson are one and two on the Hawkeyes in total tackles. Campbell leads Iowa with 89 tackles while Benson has 71. Each of them has 3.5 tackles for loss, an interception, and four quarterback hurries.
Going into the matchup against run-heavy Wisconsin, the two are going to be challenged with taking on sophomore phenom Braelon Allen in an effort to slow down him in the run game.
Not only do the two contribute greatly on the field, but they are helping develop younger players into future contributors on the team.
“You know, Jack Campbell’s been through some hard times in football, been through some hard times in life, too, so that helps those younger guys,” head coach Kirk Ferentz said when asked about Iowa’s camaraderie.
Iowa kicks off against the Badgers at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday for the Hawkeyes’ “Military Appreciation Blackout Game.” History has typically served Iowa well when the Hawkeyes bust out there American-flag-themed alternates.
Look out, Wisconsin. They’re back this weekend.
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