It’s tough to crack the Iowa Hawkeyes‘ defensive two-deep.
Year after year, Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker is churning out some of the nation’s finest defenses and some of the country’s top players. What does that mean for those that come to Iowa City?
Oftentimes, it means plenty of waiting.
A three-star signee in Iowa’s 2019 class, Castro had appeared in 14 games before last season. But, he’d only accumulated six career tackles and he hadn’t started a game for the Hawkeyes.
Now a fifth-year senior, Castro says he’s happy with the way things have played out in Iowa City.
“Well, I can say I’m kind of glad it happened. It’s like coming in to Iowa and having to wait to play and just learning the whole time, it’s a humbling experience. All I can say is I’m grateful for taking the time. Wanting to play of course, but knowing that I wasn’t really ready. But now, I’m here now. Old guy again, so I’m just ready to play,” Castro said.
Even though his younger self might not agree.
“I mean, if you told the 17-year-old me that, I probably wouldn’t like it, right? But, like I said with the other question, I’m grateful it all happened now. It was a big learning experience, a big maturity jump by just being here in Iowa and having to wait. I’m grateful for it,” Castro said.
As it stands now, the 5-foot-11, 205 pound defensive back is an integral piece of the Iowa defense heading into 2023. Listed as the Hawkeyes’ starting CASH, Castro is expected to lead by example and produce.
“I feel like the old guy, you know. I feel very comfortable with where I’m at. I know the defense. Being the old guy, telling the young guy. They look up to you, they’re following in your footsteps,” Castro said.
As he gears up for a starring role in 2023, Castro is embracing how his experiences at Iowa will help in his leadership role, too.
“The way I feel it will help is just, you know, we’ve been through what they’ve been through, so they can come to us with any questions. And I’m sure they know that. I hope they know that. It’s just, like I said, we’ve been through this process. I’m not saying I know everything, because no one knows everything, right, but I’m telling what I know from my experience. That’s all I can do,” Castro said.
Given his first major playing time, Castro responded in 2022. The Oak Lawn, Ill., native saw action in all 13 games and started eight at CASH. That included six of the Hawkeyes’ final seven contests.
Castro finished with 33 tackles, five passes defensed, three tackles for loss, a pair of forced fumbles and one sack. In Iowa’s 21-0 shutout of Kentucky in the TransPerfect Music City Bowl, Castro delivered arguably his best performance.
Castro registered five tackles, two pass breakups, a sack and a tackle for loss.
“That bowl game I felt very, like I was getting into my own skin. I felt like I was getting more experience. That game I just felt very comfortable, so that’s why I’m really looking forward to this season is just because I know what I can do and what this team can do. So, it’s going to be fun, playing with this team especially,” Castro said.
Iowa opens its season on Sept. 2 as Utah State arrives in Kinnick Stadium for an 11 a.m. kickoff.
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