Iowa’s Dane Belton was selected by the New York Giants in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL draft with the 114th overall pick. It leaves a hole in the Hawkeyes’ defense, particularly in the secondary where he reeled in a team-high five interceptions for a unit that led the nation in that category with 25.
Belton played the hybrid CASH position for Iowa, though, so he operated differently than a typical safety would. With his departure, it means more snaps for Hawkeyes linebacker Jestin Jacobs.
Jacobs was listed atop the depth chart for Iowa at the CASH position at the beginning of the spring and, really, it’s a natural progression. The 6-foot-4, 236 pound junior started eight games for Iowa last season, logging 53 total tackles.
The Englewood, Ohio, product has already had some bright moments with the Hawkeyes, including his lone interception of last season during Iowa’s 23-20 win over Penn State that set up the Hawkeyes’ first score.
There’s sure to be more on the way as the calendar turns to 2022. Here’s a look at Jacobs’ Iowa Hawkeyes career thus far through these fantastic photos.