The annual open spring practice is a staple for the black and gold. It puts an official wrap on the spring season for Hawkeye football.
It lets us make some way-too-early observations about where the Iowa Hawkeyes might be headed in 2023. While it doesn’t decide a number of key position battles, the public spring practice at least offers a framework for how several might be shaking out very early on.
For example, per head football coach Kirk Ferentz’s post-spring practice comments, the backup quarterback job would be Wisconsin transfer Deacon Hill’s if the season started today.
More than anything, it’s just great to see football back in Iowa City during the open spring practice in any form or fashion. Perhaps bigger than that, it creates a great opportunity to welcome in the potential future black and gold playmakers.
This month in general has been very busy in that regard. April visits have netted Hawkeye offers for 2024 cornerback Jalen Todd and 2024 tight end and defensive end Julian Johnson. Class of 2025 prospects in EDGE Chris Burgess Jr., tight end Thomas Meyer and offensive lineman Nick Brooks also each received Iowa offers.
As is the case every spring, April culminated with Iowa welcoming in a talented group of recruits and visitors for the open spring practice. A pair of prospects from Immaculate Conception Catholic Prep in Illinois picked up offers from Iowa in class of 2024 tight end Eric Karner and class of 2025 linebacker Dominik Hulak.
A number of their other teammates were on hand from ICCP in Iowa City. That included key class of 2024 target KJ Parker. Let’s take a look at the list of visitors and their reaction to the Hawkeyes’ open spring practice.