It is one of the most puzzling realities in college football: Iowa football under Kirk Ferentz has churned out one really strong NFL-quality tight end after another.
George Kittle.
T.J. Hockenson.
Dallas Clark.
Noah Fant.
And more are on the way.
As part of our USC Big Ten Tour, we asked Hawkeyes Wire editor Josh Helmer why Iowa can be so great at developing tight ends but doesn’t generate the same elite wide receivers.
It is one of the many contradictions of coach Kirk Ferentz’s tenure, which has now lasted almost a quarter of a century in Iowa City.
Hawkeyes Wire noted the following earlier this week:
“Peanut butter and jelly. Steak and potatoes. Pancakes and syrup. These all go together just about as well at the Iowa Hawkeyes and tight ends. No one produces NFL-caliber tight ends like the Hawkeyes do.
“This production has earned Iowa the rightful ownership of “Tight End U” and for good reason. The pipeline from Iowa City to the NFL is strong and only continues to grow as Sam LaPorta just joined the Detroit Lions.”
Here is the full podcast episode on the legacy of Kirk Ferentz and his significance within the larger story of Iowa football:
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