Is this the year in which we finally get to see the real version of Ethan Hurkett?
It feels as though we’ve just been waiting for the Cedar Rapids, Iowa, native to break out for the Hawkeyes, but due to some unfortunate circumstances out of his control, it just hasn’t materialized yet. There was a lot of hype surrounding Hurkett entering the 2021 Hawkeyes season. After redshirting a year and transitioning from linebacker to defensive end, Hurkett faced a setback in his freshman year.
A knee injury knocked him out of commission for 11 games, derailing any sort of momentum he had entering the season. Last year was sort of a recovery year for Hurkett, trying to get himself back to where he was pre-injury. Now, if you believe defensive coordinator Phil Parker, he is back and ready to make an impact.
Phil Parker says that Iowa’s defensive line is the deepest part of the team. Adds that Jeremiah Pittman has had a great spring and Ethan Hurkett is back to his preinjury self.
— David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) April 20, 2023
While Iowa returns a ton of experienced starters along its defensive line, they will be looking for new faces to step up as featured rotational pieces. The Hawkeyes lost a dynamic disruptor in Lukas Van Ness this offseason and are seeking a new generation of Hawks to seize the opportunity.
Can this be the year where we finally see Ethan Hurkett take full advantage of that opportunity?