Tag: Jestin Jacobs

Iowa Hawkeyes’ Jestin Jacobs, Noah Shannon participating in warmups ahead of Big Ten opener at Rutgers

After missing each of the past two contests, linebacker Jestin Jacobs is warming up at Rutgers.

Maybe just maybe Iowa is getting one of its best defensive players back against Rutgers. That sounds like it might be the case for standout Hawkeye linebacker Jestin Jacobs.

The Gazette’s John Steppe reported that Jacobs was warming up ahead of tonight’s Big Ten opener against the Scarlet Knights. This comes on the heels of Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz saying in his weekly press conference that Jacobs had a chance to play tonight.

“So, the first two guys have a shot I think to be back. We’ll see. (Brenden) Deasfernandes, I think, he practiced today and we’re hoping Jestin (Jacobs) does tomorrow. Again, it’s soft tissue so it’s hard to predict. Then, (Josh) Volk has been in and out, but we’ll see where he’s at. He’s not in the two deep right now, though. You won’t see him this weekend,” Ferentz said of several of the team’s injuries in his meeting with the media.

According to Kennington Lloyd Smith III of the Des Moines Register, defensive lineman Noah Shannon was also participating in warmups. Both he and Jacobs returning is big news for the Hawkeyes in their Big Ten opener at Rutgers.

The wide receivers that were going through warmups were Brody Brecht, Arland Bruce IV, Jack Johnson, Nico Ragaini and Alec Wick. Of course, that’s notable because it means the Hawkeyes are likely without wide receiver Keagan Johnson.

Jacobs had five tackles in Iowa’s opener against South Dakota State before exiting with his injury. The Englewood, Ohio, native registered 53 tackles last season. Shannon has seven tackles thus far this season, including a pair of tackles for loss. Last year, he finished with 47 tackles, two tackles for loss and a pair of sacks.

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Iowa’s Keagan Johnson, Jestin Jacobs absent from Hawkeyes’ Cy-Hawk week depth chart

As the Iowa Hawkeyes get ready to host the Iowa State Cyclones in the Cy-Hawk rivalry, there were some depth chart adjustments released.

With the matchup against the Iowa State Cyclones approaching, the Iowa Hawkeyes are back to work this week getting ready. That starts with a newly released depth chart and some changes in personnel.

The “non-change” that is sure to be the number one topic of conversation this week amongst Hawkeyes fans is the quarterback depth chart. Spencer Petras is listed above Alex Padilla.

One of the biggest changes comes in the fact that linebacker Jestin Jacobs is not present anywhere on the depth chart. This is on the heels of an injury sustained in week one and will likely be nursing back to health.

When asked about it, head coach Kirk Ferentz does feel that Jacobs avoided something serious.

“I assume this is good news. It wasn’t a joint. It sure looked like it on the field. So, it’s soft tissue, and those can drag out, too, as we know, but at least it wasn’t a joint. That would have been bad,” said Ferentz in regards to Jacobs’ injury.

Another change, or absence, of note is that Keagan Johnson has been removed from the depth chart in a revision. This will give Iowa Arland Bruce IV, Alec Wick, Jack Johnson and potentially a first look at Brody Brecht as the receiving group.

On a positive note, Gavin Williams is present on the running back depth chart. There were rumors floating around last weekend that he was very close to suiting up so his presence in the backfield will be a welcome site.

At cornerback, we see Terry Roberts getting the nod opposite of Riley Moss after his solid performance last week.

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Iowa Hawkeyes’ linebackers named the No. 1 group in the country

The trio of Jack Campbell, Seth Benson, and Jestin Jacobs has the Iowa Hawkeyes boasting the number one linebacker group in the country.

The talk and the hype seems to be coming to culmination one final time before the 2022 college football season kicks off. That hype is the linebacker group that the Iowa Hawkeyes will be trotting out on defense this coming Saturday in their home opener as they look to stonewall the South Dakota State Jackrabbits’ offense.

Pro Football Focus has named the trio of Jack Campbell, Seth Benson, and Jestin Jacobs as the top linebacker group in the nation entering the season. Not only that, the three of them are all in PFF’s top 25 five linebacker list which gives Iowa bragging rights as the only school in the country to have all of their starting linebackers recognized.

Not one, not two, but three Iowa linebackers made PFF’s top 25 list, the only school in the country to accomplish such a feat. Leading the Hawkeyes is Jack Campbell, whose 85.7 coverage grade since 2020 is the highest among returning Power Five linebackers.

Jestin Jacobs got off to a hot start last year with an 82.4 overall grade through Week 4, third among Power Five linebackers.

Finally, Seth Benson looked strong in coverage last year with a 79.3 grade that ranked 11th in the Power Five. – Chadwick, PFF

This comes on the heels of the Hawkeyes being a top 10 ranked team in terms of NFL talent. The trio of Hawkeyes manning the middle of the defense is a large reason why.

Jack Campbell is entering 2022 as the Preseason Big Ten player of the year. Jestin Jacobs has been labeled on of the top players with breakout potential to climb draft boards next spring. Seth Benson is entering the season looking to be the sturdy rock and, while less often discussed, just as important puzzle piece in the Hawkeyes’ defense.

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South Dakota State is ‘really proud’ of what former commit, Iowa LB Seth Benson has accomplished

South Dakota State head coach John Stiegelmeier says his program is “really proud” of former commit and now Iowa linebacker Seth Benson.

Once upon a time, Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Seth Benson was committed to the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. Like his parents before him, it looked like Benson’s future would take place in Brookings, S.D.

Instead, Benson got an offer from Iowa, and it was simply too good of an opportunity to pass up.

“I’m a big family man. That was the hardest thing. I wanted to be a loyal guy, too,” Benson said to Inside the Hawkeyes. “And I had committed to a school and a program (at South Dakota State). I was going to be five and a half hours from my family. I had to think about that. But ultimately, I didn’t want to look back and say, ‘What if?'”

He doesn’t have to worry about that what if anymore. Now, Benson is part of one of the nation’s top linebacking corps alongside Jack Campbell and Jestin Jacobs. The 6-foot, 232 pound Sioux Falls, S.D., product registered triple-digit tackles a season ago, racking up 105 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, a pair of sacks and one interception.

By his potential head coach and now this week’s opponent’s admission, Benson and company are perhaps the country’s finest collection of linebackers.

“I think across the board, I mean, their d-line is very physical and makes a lot of plays, their linebacker corps is the best we’ll ever see, their defensive backs are very good. The thing I love about their defense—and they may prove me wrong—but, they don’t do a lot. They rely on being sound, understanding their defense and then doing their job.

“I’ve watched them against a lot of really good opponents and they’ve had success doing that. I think it’s going to be really hard to run the football based on their front seven and, ideally we can pass the ball, but, again, that means you’ve got to be able to block their pass rush, which is part of their front seven. So, it’s going to be a tough game. Really good defense and looking forward to seeing it because I’ve got a lot of respect for the Iowa football team,” South Dakota State head coach John Stiegelmeier said.

The cool thing is, listening to Stiegelmeier’s weekly press conference, there’s no animosity or sour grapes that Benson ultimately wound up somewhere else. It’s not lip service either. As he should be, Stiegelmeier is genuinely happy for Benson and all of his successes with the Hawkeyes.

“It’s going to be a treat. It doesn’t matter whether we lose a guy to the University of South Dakota or the University of Iowa, I try to look those guys up, make it a point to look them up at the end of the game, and just see how they’re doing and congratulate them on their successes. In a goofy way, I think our whole staff is really proud of what Seth’s accomplished. I mean, he had committed to us and then he got this opportunity. His dad played here, his mom went to school here, was an athlete and we said, ‘Go for it.’ And not that he needed us to say that, but I think what he’s done there is really special and he should be proud of it and we’re proud of him,” Stiegelmeier said.

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Week 1 Iowa Hawkeyes defensive depth chart versus the South Dakota State Jackrabbits

Iowa released their first defensive depth chart of the season. What changes were made for their week one clash against South Dakota State?

Iowa released their depth chart on Monday for their week one clash against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits and it surely is interesting. Virtually nothing is changed on the defensive line from the depth chart we’ve already seen, and that might puzzle some.

Some players are listed at different areas on the chart than how we’ve seen them used during camp. The most important thing to note with head coach Kirk Ferentz’s Hawkeyes, the depth chart is not the be all end all. Just like the pirates code, Iowa’s depth chart is more what you would call guidelines instead of rules.

Defensive coordinator Phil Parker and defensive line coach Kelvin Bell know how to utilize their guys best, relying on the depth and versatility abundant with this unit. Expect to see Iowa’s front line look a lot different on game day. That being said, here’s a look at the week one defensive depth chart that was released.

Iowa Hawkeyes named a top-10 team in terms of 2023 NFL draft talent

The Hawkeyes are no strangers to sending talent to the NFL. That is why they find themselves among the top-10 teams loaded with NFL talent.

George Kittle. Noah Fant. T.J. Hockenson. Tyler Linderbaum. Josey Jewell. Tristan Wirfs. C.J. Beathard. Micah Hyde. Tyler Goodson. I could go on and on about former Iowa Hawkeyes that are currently in the NFL, but that would just turn into a long list keeping you busy for quite a while.

Due to their development in the past, it is no surprise that Iowa finds themselves among the top 10 teams in the nation that is loaded with NFL talent per the Pro Football Focus NFL Stock Exchange. Iowa is ranked at No. 10, tied with Utah. Fellow Big Ten members Ohio State, No. 3, and Michigan, No. 9, find themselves on the list as well.

The Iowa Hawkeyes have more than a handful of current players suiting up on both sides of the ball that will undoubtedly be on NFL rosters next season.

 

Defensively, Iowa’s defense is booming with NFL talent. Jack Campbell, linebacker, and Riley Moss, cornerback, have each been named to multiple watch lists and are preseason All-Americans. Linebacker Jestin Jacobs has athletic ability that has NFL scouts excited and could translate to the next level incredibly well with his ability to play sideline-to-sideline.

Seth Benson, linebacker, is also so steady that he will get a chance to prove himself to an NFL staff. Add in John Waggoner and Lukas Van Ness up front and there is more half the defense that will be in the NFL at some point.

Offensively, Sam LaPorta is set to be another Iowa tight end to have a great career with the Hawkeyes and catapult into the NFL next year in the 2023 draft.

Having the talent is one piece of the puzzle. Using the talent and getting it all to work together is the other piece. Should the Hawkeyes mesh these skillsets together this season, they have every chance to show they rightfully belong in the conversation as one of the best in the country at producing NFL talent.

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5 predictions for the 2022 Iowa Hawkeyes football season

The 2022 college football season is just under three weeks from kicking off, here’s five predictions for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

With the 2022 college football season slightly under three weeks away and teams in the thick of training camp, football season is officially upon us. Everyone is undefeated and everyone is juiced up with expectations for the season.

With the Iowa Hawkeyes coming off of their annual Kids’ Day, there is no better time than now to discuss some predictions for their 2022 season. I have five predictions for what this upcoming season will hold and explain a bit regarding why.

Social media reacts to the Iowa Hawkeyes’ 2022 Kids’ Day at Kinnick

What were the reactions on social media to what fans and media saw during Iowa’s 10th practice, the annual 2022 Kids’ Day at Kinnick?

Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz had plenty to say following his team’s 10th training camp practice, the annual open practice for Kids’ Day at Kinnick.

Overall, Ferentz liked what he saw from his group.

“First and foremost, good opportunity for our guys to change up from the first nine days. First time we’ve been in front of the public a little bit, so that’s healthy. Just a healthy change for everybody. And then, flipping it over, it’s a good opportunity for us to have Kids’ Day. I think hopefully they enjoy it and all of our guys were kids at one point.

“Even me at one stage, I was a kid. So, that’s good and then the Kid Captain program as I said yesterday is just a great concept. Nice to have our seniors get an opportunity to spend some time with them, greet them down here in the end zone, so it was all good. And then, just overall, I’m actually kind of pleased with what I saw today,” Ferentz said.

Ferentz discussed what he liked the most about his group’s performance.

“Two things I feel really good about was, first and foremost, big contrast from the field goal kicking, from what all of you guys witnessed last spring and coaches witnessed as well. I don’t think we had a miss today. I don’t think we did and most of them weren’t even close. One was I know, but that was good, so a lot of growth there since April. We’re not out of the woods yet. I’m not pronouncing us ready to go, but at least that’s encouraging. The third down period I thought was really good, too. That was encouraging. I thought we were pretty sharp there and did some good things. So, those two things were good takeaways,” Ferentz said.

Naturally, the fans and media in attendance had plenty of reactions as well. Here is how Hawkeye social media took in the 2022 Kids’ Day at Kinnick.

Iowa Hawkeyes: 2022 defensive depth chart

With the season right around the corner, the Iowa Hawkeyes have released their first official depth chart. Let’s look at the defense.

With the Big Ten Media Days kicking off today and training camp right around the corner, it was only a matter of time before we got the chance to get our eyes on a depth chart.

The Iowa Hawkeyes released their first official depth chart today. To do some level-setting before getting into it, there aren’t a ton of surprises or unexpected names among most positions. The depth chart is very much as to be expected with an older team like the Hawkeyes usually are.

Defensively, there are eight names listed for four spots with no duplications. The depth in the interior is trending in the right direction for the Hawkeyes and could prove to be a strong point of their entire defense.

Linebackers may be the most set position on this team. We know the names. Campbell, Jacobs, Benson. This is as set in stone as it gets.

The secondary is going to be a slew of names that are familiar and if I had to guess, some rotational play based on the opponent’s offensive scheme. I think the Hawkeyes have a plan of attack whether facing an aerial attack or ground game and will change names accordingly. I view this as more of who will play opposed to a traditional depth chart.

As far as special teams, not many changes here. The punt unit should be one of the best in the country once again. Kicking duties could see a bit of shuffling as the Hawkeyes look to find who will be taking on those duties next. This is a two-man battle that will decide itself in camp. One bit of interest in that no punt or kick returner was listed. That tells me those spots are truly wide open and something to stay watching.

This depth chart is just the first and we haven’t begun camp yet. As players step up in camp or show something or unfortunate injuries occur, this is far from a finished piece and will undoubtedly be constantly in flux. Nonetheless, let’s take a dive into the Hawkeyes first official depth chart.

Iowa Hawkeyes: 2022 offensive depth chart

With the season right around the corner, the Iowa Hawkeyes have released their first official depth chart. Let’s look at the offense.

With the Big Ten Media Days kicking off today and training camp right around the corner, it was only a matter of time before we got the chance to get our eyes on a depth chart.

The Iowa Hawkeyes released their first official depth chart today. To do some level-setting before getting into it, there aren’t a ton of surprises or unexpected names among most positions. The depth chart is very much as to be expected with an older team like the Hawkeyes usually are.

At quarterback we have what is said to be an open position battle, but now have a depth chart to base some things off of. In the backfield, the Williams duo is going to get their chance to shine. Sam LaPorta is manning the tight end position and the Hawkeyes could get contributions from fellow names behind him.

An interesting position to watch will be the wide receiver position as the three returning contributors, Keagan Johnson, Arland Bruce, and Nico Ragaini, are present but beyond them could see some camp shuffling as that next contributor at receiver will be a position battle to keep an eye on.

The offensive line depth is very evident when looking at the depth chart. For five offensive lineman positions, the Hawkeyes have ten different names listed and none are double-dipping at multiple positions.

This depth chart is just the first and we haven’t begun camp yet. As players step up in camp or show something or unfortunate injuries occur, this is far from a finished piece and will undoubtedly be constantly in flux. Nonetheless, let’s take a dive into the Hawkeyes first official depth chart.