Tag: Hawkeyes Football

Pro Football Focus raves about Cooper DeJean’s versatility

America is waking up to the talent and versatility Cooper DeJean brings. Pro Football Focus thinks he could be the best for years to come.

The Cooper DeJean belief and excitement are reaching fever-pitch levels. The cornerback and one of the defensive leaders for the Iowa Hawkeyes is quickly becoming one of the nation’s most intriguing players with his versatility and athleticism.

The cornerback, who also returns punts and is a special teams ace of downing punts deep in enemy territory, has shown incredible talent whenever he is on the field. His ability to be a factor in all facets of the game has Pro Football Focus clamoring his talent. They believe DeJean might be one of the most versatile players we see for a few years.

There might not be a more versatile athlete that we’ll talk about in the next three years of draft classes. – Sikkema, Pro Football Focus

ESPN lists ‘Iowa point watch’ among most fun college football storylines

Is fun objective? ESPN says no. They claim that Iowa’s race to averaging 25 points per game is among the most fun storylines in football.

What is fun to one person or group, can truly be a miserable experience for others. Unfortunately, for many jokes, someone has to be the butt of the joke. In the case of offenses scoring points, the Iowa Hawkeyes get the short end of the stick here.

The story and joke have been beaten into the mud over and over again. We all know it. Iowa’s offense was subpar (to be generous) during the 2022 season. Something had to be done. The action that was implemented can simply be broken down into one sentence. The Iowa Hawkeyes have to average 25 points per game or Brian Ferentz is relieved of his offensive coordinator duties.

Sure, this isn’t fun for Iowa fans at all, but it is viewed as one of the intriguing storylines in college football. ESPN has “Iowa points watch” among their most fun storylines of 2023.

The Drive to 325 is on. Justifiably maligned Iowa Hawkeyes offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, son of head coach Kirk Ferentz, has overseen one of the most appalling offenses in the country of late. The Hawkeyes averaged just 23.4 points per game in 2021 and, despite a nation’s-best six defensive touchdowns, only 17.7 per game in 2022. Ferentz kept his job and a robust salary, but his amended and incentives-heavy contract will require Iowa to score 25 points per game and win at least seven games to reach full compensation.

That average would have ranked 85th in FBS last season. It also includes defensive and special teams scores. In other words, the bar is incredibly low here. However, this should create a morbidly curious air around Hawkeye games this fall. I plan on soaking this in. – Connelly, ESPN

The 325-point total is Iowa’s mark, assuming they play in a bowl game, which is a safe bet to count on. That is 25 points over 13 games.

It isn’t fun for Iowa fans, players, or coaches to have this clause in the back of their minds each week. It has the potential to create some incredibly interesting scenarios this season for Iowa.

What if Iowa is up big on Utah State or Western Michigan in the second half? Do they pile it on to provide some cushion for the scoring average? Does this make Iowa more aggressive to go for it on fourth down? With the best punter in the nation, Tory Taylor, and a top defense waiting, going for it may not be the right call for the game but could be the right move to score points. There is truly potential for chaos and tough decisions ahead.

So, while ESPN calls this scenario fun, that term is subjective. This may be fun for the impartial viewer or fan, but those involved likely have some headaches awaiting them.

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Iowa’s tight ends Luke Lachey, Erick All with an opportunity dominate in 2023

Iowa has reloaded the tight end room with Luke Lachey and Erick All. The two could be set up with an opportunity to dominate in 2023.

This season, 2023, will be the year that the Iowa Hawkeyes remind everyone that they are indeed Tight End U, at least according to Saturday Tradition.

In Cole Thompson’s 10 bold predictions for Iowa Football in the 2023 season, he indicated heavy belief in the Iowa tight ends. If his prediction is to be believed, Erick All will be one of the best transfers in the nation, leading all Big Ten tight ends in touchdowns.

Purdue’s Payne Durham led all B1G tight ends in scores last year with 8. Expect to hear “McNamara to All for the score” often this fall, especially when Iowa is in the red zone. – Thompson, Saturday Tradition

It’s not a bad call at all. All already has a rapport with quarterback Cade McNamara. The senior tight end totaled 38 catches for 437 yards and 2 scores with McNamara at the helm back in 2021. He played a big role in Michigan reaching its first college football playoffs.

With his projected season, All must be the featured superstar for the Hawkeyes offense, right? Well, sort of. While he is predicted to be the touchdown king for his position, his teammate Luke Lachey has even higher hopes. In his very next prediction, Thompson has Lachey winning the Mackey Award for best tight end, an award that he and All each appear on the preseason watch list for.

Replacing Sam LaPorta isn’t a breeze, but the 6-6 target looked capable of matching that production late in the year with his 89-yard performance against Nebraska in the season finale. Lachey has the size to block in the run game, is a mismatch nightmare as a receiver and will physically dismantle you in the open field for hard yards.

He’s not George Kittle 2.0, but he’s what the committee looks for in a Mackey winner. Iowa has one heck of a tight end room. – Thompson, Saturday Tradition

He’s right, Iowa does have one heck of a tight end room. Lachey impressed greatly last year alongside second-round NFL draft pick Sam LaPorta. He led the Hawkeyes with four receiving touchdowns. With an increased role and an improved quarterback situation, watch for Luke Lachey to explode in 2023.

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Iowa Hawkeyes rising in ESPN’s 2024 college football recruiting rankings

Previously unranked by ESPN, the Iowa Hawkeyes are rising up the 2024 college football recruiting rankings.

While the 2023 college football season is just around the corner, it never hurts to see what is waiting in line to replenish the pipeline. The Iowa Hawkeyes dominate the state of Iowa in recruiting and are ever so slightly becoming more of a national player in the recruiting game.

Their dominance in-state is getting the job done and Iowa is squeezing every ounce of talent out of those players. The crop of recruits slated for 2024 is helping the Hawkeyes climb up ESPN’s 2024 college football recruiting rankings.

ESPN 300 commits: 1 | Previous ranking: Unranked

Big Ten rank: 8 of 14
Top offensive commit: G Cody Fox (No. 172)
Top defensive commit: LB Preston Ries (four stars)

The Hawkeyes are building a core of talent with top in-state prospects, including commitments from four of the top five prospects in Iowa. Cody Fox has good flexibility and body quickness and is among the top interior OL prospects in the nation. They have kept two very good versatile players home in Cam Buffington and Preston Ries, who both project to play linebacker. Ries, who also plays quarterback for Monticello Community High School, has tested well on the camp circuit, and his speed and quickness translate to the field. He should only improve with a focus on defense.

Edge defender Drew Campbell, the younger brother of All-American LB Jack Campbell, can be a disruptive pass-rusher himself; he has good leverage, bend and effort. Known for developing offensive linemen, Iowa pulled out of Illinois two OTs with promising upside in high three-stars Will Nolan and Bodey McCaslin. – Haubert, ESPN

Iowa knows where its bread and butter is. As evidenced by their strong recruiting showing among the offensive line, linebackers, and pass rush, the Hawkeyes are adding more and more talent to areas where they have consistently developed players into All-Americans.

Back in July’s recruiting roundup, On3 had Iowa at No. 30 in the nation. The Hawkeyes were No. 31 in 247Sports’ rankings, No. 33 in Rivals’ rankings, and unranked in ESPN’s rankings at that time.

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Nick Jackson named to Lombardi Award Watch List

Iowa’s big defensive addition this offseason, linebacker Nick Jackson is back on another watch list. This time, it’s the Lombardi Award.

The Iowa Hawkeyes‘ big defensive offseason addition is back on another watch list.

After being named to the Butkus Award watch list last week, Virginia transfer linebacker Nick Jackson was named to the Lombardi Award watch list.

Named in honor of legendary former Green Bay Packers head coach Vince Lombardi, the Lombardi Award is one of the nation’s highest collegiate honors.

Iowa has had a pair of Lombardi Award finalists in its history. Adrian Clayborn in 2010 and Tyler Linderbaum in 2021. Six other Hawkeyes have been semifinalists for the Lombardi: Jeff Drost (1986), Mike Devlin (1992), Jared DeVries (1998), Robert Gallery (2003), Brandon Scherff (2014), and Jack Campbell (2022).

Jackson arrives in Iowa City with a ton of experience from his time in the ACC. As a member of the Virginia Cavaliers, he totaled 354 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks. He has had 100 or more tackles each of the last three years, which included 117 in 2021 when he lead the entire ACC in tackles.

Jackson registered a pair of second-team All-ACC nods with the Cavs during the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Nick Jackson will look to build on those successes in Iowa City. Jackson was also recently named to Pro Football Focus’ preseason All-Big Ten third team.

Jackson will be part of a linebacker crew that is going to feature new faces after the departures of Campbell and Seth Benson from last season. Jay Higgins is projected to start alongside Jackson in the Hawkeyes’ linebacking corps.

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Pro Football Focus plants Iowa among the top 10 secondaries in college football

Laden with experience and star power, Pro Football Focus has the Iowa Hawkeyes ranked among the best secondaries in all of college football.

At this point, the Iowa Hawkeyes and their defensive prowess is a machine that runs itself. Year after year their units are among some of the best in the country across the board.

The secondary is certainly one of the self-operating machines for Phil Parker’s defense. Recent stars such as Desmond King, Dane Belton, and Riley Moss have made the jump to the NFL. The current roster includes future NFL talent in Cooper DeJean, Xavier Nwankpa, Jermari Harris, and Quinn Schulte. That talent earned Iowa the No. 5 spot on Pro Football Focus’ top 10 secondaries in college football.

The quartet of DeJean, Schulte, Nwankpa, and Harris brings nine years of experience to the Hawkeyes’ secondary. The group has tallied a total of 203 tackles, 12 interceptions, and 31 pass breakups. Not only do they get their hands on the ball, they have converted four of those interceptions into touchdowns.

With a defensive line that is flashing right now and an offense that could provide at least some life to the Hawkeyes, this secondary could have ample opportunities to feast in games they are ahead. Iowa’s defense can stonewall the ground game and if they get a lead, this group can sit on routes and dare quarterbacks to throw into dangerous areas.

Also in the top 10 secondaries hailing from the Big Ten are the Michigan Wolverines at No. 2 and the Penn State Nittany Lions at No. 6.

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Iowa Hawkeyes ranked in initial 2023 Associated Press Poll

The first AP Top 25 Poll of the year is out and the Iowa Hawkeyes have cracked the top 25. The Hawkeyes sit at No. 25 in the first rankings.

The first Associated Press Top 25 Poll has hit the streets and the Iowa Hawkeyes will find themselves sporting a number right by their name to start the season.

While Iowa was snubbed from the USA TODAY Sports AFCA Coaches Poll, the Hawkeyes come in at No. 25 in the AP Poll.

The Hawkeyes come in just ahead of Texas Tech for the final spot in the initial rankings. They are the second team from the Big Ten West to be ranked behind the Wisconsin Badgers who are ranked No. 19.

All of the other ranked Big Ten members come from the Big Ten East. The Michigan Wolverines are ranked No. 2, Ohio State No. 3, and Penn State No. 7. The Wolverines and Buckeyes were two of just three schools to receive first-place votes.

Nearly sweeping the first-place votes with 60 and headlining the rankings are the two-time defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs.

Fellow Big Ten West members, Minnesota and Illinois, while not ranked, did receive votes and have a path to the top 25 with a strong start to the season. Incoming Big Ten members ranked include the USC Trojans at No. 6, the Washington Huskies at No. 10, and the Oregon Ducks at No. 15.

The Hawkeyes will look to start their ascension in the rankings on Saturday, Sept. 2 when the Utah State Aggies come to Kinnick Stadium.

Here is the full AP Top 25 (the parentheses represent first-place votes):

Rank Team Record Points Change
1 Georgia 0-0 1572 (60) –
2 Michigan 0-0 1490 (2) +1
3 Ohio State 0-0 1400 (1) +1
4 Alabama 0-0 1398 +1
5 LSU 0-0 1276 +11
6 USC 0-0 1245 +6
7 Penn State 0-0 1177 –
8 Florida State 0-0 1147 +3
9 Clemson 0-0 1032 +4
10 Washington 0-0 977 -2
11 Texas 0-0 882 +14
12 Tennessee 0-0 868 -6
13 Notre Dame 0-0 863 +5
14 Utah 0-0 811 -4
15 Oregon 0-0 732 –
16 Kansas State 0-0 501 -2
17 TCU 0-0 416 -15
18 Oregon State 0-0 406 -1
19 Wisconsin 0-0 386 –
20 Oklahoma 0-0 296 –
21 North Carolina 0-0 292 –
22 Ole Miss 0-0 281 –
23 Texas A&M 0-0 227 –
24 Tulane 0-0 224 -15
25 Iowa 0-0 131 –

Others Receiving Votes:

Texas Tech 101, South Carolina 73, UCLA 66, UTSA 64, Arkansas 22, Boise St. 17, Pittsburgh 16, Kentucky 14, Louisville 10, Troy 10, Kansas 10, Auburn 7, Minnesota 6, Toledo 4, Duke 4, Mississippi St. 4, Florida 4, Illinois 3, Baylor 3, Coastal Carolina 3, South Alabama 1, NC State 1, James Madison 1, Liberty 1.

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Hawkeyes Wire Mailbag: McNamara’s health, offensive line status, new trophy games

In Hawkeyes Wire’s newest installment, we look into questions from the mailbag. Topics from McNamara, to realignment, to the offensive line.

The 2023 college football season is officially less than three weeks away. Storylines are developing, injuries are becoming a potential factor and fans are wondering how things might look this season.

In the newest installment for Hawkeyes Wire, our viewer mailbag will become a weekly occurrence. This is where we’ll be answering any and all sorts of questions that fans and supporters of the Iowa Hawkeyes may have.

Up first this week is a heavy dose of questions bubbling up from the open practice Iowa held for Kids’ Day at Kinnick, including how Cade McNamara is doing. Along with that are some inquiries that will run the course of this entire season and beyond.

For reference, our mailbag is going to be put out on socials (Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter) each Sunday morning. After 24 hours of questions and thoughts coming in, we will try our best to answer the most intriguing ones each week.

Here is the first round of questions from our Hawkeyes Wire mailbag.

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Add it to the list! Cooper DeJean named to Jim Thorpe Award Watch List

Iowa’s Cooper DeJean will look to join Desmond King as the only Hawkeyes to win the Jim Thorpe Award as he was named to the watch list.

Cooper DeJean may need to start looking at trophy cases pretty soon if things continue on the current trend. The Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback is one of the most highly anticipated players in the entire Big Ten ahead of the 2023 college football season.

Already named as the preseason Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year, DeJean has found himself named to many of the nation’s most highly regarded watch lists for defensive players. He has been named to the Bronko Nagurski Watch List which honors the best player in college football. DeJean is also on the Paul Hornung Award Watch List which goes to college football’s most versatile player.

Most recently, DeJean appears on the Jim Thorpe Award Watch List. The award is given out annually to the best defensive back in college football.

Iowa does have one previous winner of the Jim Thorpe Award when Desmond King took home the award in 2015. King’s 2015-16 season included 72 tackles, 21 pass breakups, and eight interceptions.

Last year, DeJean posted 75 tackles, 13 pass deflections, and five interceptions. The two are extraordinarily similar and DeJean will look to improve on his numbers in an effort to put together one of the best seasons an Iowa defensive back has ever done.

Like King, DeJean may get the treatment that King got after his monster year when teams didn’t throw his way. King’s tackles and interceptions went down but that is largely a byproduct of fewer chances. So, while the numbers went down, it is a good thing to hear less about a cornerback.

DeJean would love to put together a year that stuffs the stat sheet, but sometimes with cornerbacks, less truly can be more.

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Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Nick Jackson named to Butkus Award Watch List

A year after Jack Campbell took home the award, Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Nick Jackson has been named to the Butkus Award Watch List.

The Iowa Hawkeyes are turning into a destination spot for linebackers lately. The production and development they are seeing is second to none in the last few years. Last year, Jack Campbell dominated all linebackers across America alongside his highly talented partner, Seth Campbell.

Campbell was the 2022 Butkus Award Winner which is given out to college football’s best linebacker each year. As the 2023 college football season is about to begin, Iowa’s newest linebacker, and transfer from Virginia, Nick Jackson has been named to the 2023 Butkus Award Watch List.

Jackson arrives in Iowa City with a ton of experience from his time in the ACC. As a member of the Virginia Cavaliers, he totaled 354 tackles, 20 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks. He has had 100 or more tackles each of the last three years, which included 117 in 2021 when he lead the entire ACC in tackles.

He has two Second Team All-ACCs bid to his name as well from the 2021 and 2022 seasons. Nick Jackson will look to build on that and there is belief he can as he was recently named to Pro Football Focus’ preseason All-Big Ten Third Team.

Jackson will be part of a linebacker crew that is going to feature new faces after the departure of Campbell and Benson last year. He will share the field with Jay Higgins who has plenty of experience in Iowa’s program. Regardless, being a linebacker in Phil Parker’s scheme pays dividends and Nick Jackson is set up in a prime position to reap the rewards.

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