Tag: Jestin Jacobs

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.

Iowa Hawkeyes are the only team nationally with three linebackers on the Butkus Award watch list

Iowa’s linebackers can boast a bit today. They are the only team in the country with three members named to the Butkus Award watch list.

Jestin Jacobs. Seth Benson. Jack Campbell.

Iowa’s linebacking trio and three members that have been named to the Butkus Award watch list. The award is given to the nation’s best linebacker each year. Iowa is the only team in the country with three linebackers named to the watch list.

The talk of Iowa’s linebackers has been a consistent theme throughout the entire offseason as they return three of their most stout defenders for another year in black and gold.

I discussed how Iowa’s trio of Campbell, Jacobs, and Benson could prove to be the backbone of this defense throughout the 2022 college football season. The three combined for over 300 tackles last season and that number should only increase as Iowa’s defensive line will undoubtedly require more attention this year and leave plenty of room for these three to be dominant.

Seth Benson will look to continue his work as one of the most steady members of the Iowa team. His work is in the box and often gritty, but it is what makes the Hawkeyes who they are.

Jestin Jacobs is transforming into one of the next NFL products to come out of Iowa right before our eyes. His length, speed and strength have some NFL scouts drooling and has landed him among the list of breakout candidates this season.

Jack Campbell is not only known by Iowa fans and throughout the Big Ten, he is also getting national recognition. He was named as the preseason Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year as he looks to catapult himself among Iowa linebacking greats before he heads to the NFL.

This group is arguably the best linebacking corps in the country and seeing all of their names on this is more than deserved. All three of these Hawkeyes linebackers will have themselves in the mix play after play this fall.

[listicle id=6845]

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Riley on Twitter: @rileydonald7

Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

‘It kind of gets passed down’: Iowa Hawkeyes star Riley Moss embracing 2022 leadership reins

As a returning All-American and elder statesman, Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback Riley Moss is embracing the leadership reins entering 2022.

As a returning first-team All-American, Iowa cornerback Riley Moss is naturally going to be looked to for leadership. The 6-foot-1, 193 pound defensive back from Ankeny, Iowa, registered four interceptions, five pass breakups and 39 tackles last season.

The fact that he also brings back 25 career starts with him only adds to that.

Plus, the Hawkeyes are replacing a pair of players in safety Jack Koerner and cornerback Matt Hankins that started 32 and 37 games in their careers, respectively.

In his first meeting with the Iowa media since the spring, Moss broke down with Hawk Central‘s Chad Leistikow, HawkeyeReport‘s Tom Kakert and others how he’s handling that leadership responsibility.

‘I think so’: Iowa LB Seth Benson believes Hawkeyes’ defense can be better in 2022

Can Iowa’s defense actually be better in 2022? That’s the question the Hawkeyes have been getting asked. There’s reasons to say yes.

Expecting Iowa’s defense to improve upon what that unit accomplished in 2021 might seem like a tall task at first glance. After all, the Hawkeyes finished No. 13 nationally in scoring defense, surrendering just 19.2 points per game.

Iowa also ranked No. 17 in total defense and reeled in an FBS-best 25 interceptions. Topping all of that would be quite the feat for Hawkeye defensive coordinator Phil Parker and his group.

Plus, the Hawkeyes are set to replace a pair of key cogs on the back end defensively in cornerback Matt Hankins and safety Jack Koerner. Then, there’s fellow starters in defensive end Zach VanValkenburg and CASH Dane Belton that need replacing.

Those four players combined for 130 career starts. Last season alone, that group accounted for 237 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 15 pass breakups, 11 quarterback hurries, 10 interceptions and 5.5 sacks.

Still, Iowa returns plenty of firepower defensively. Up front, the Hawkeyes bring back Yahya Black, Deontae Craig, Joe Evans, Logan Lee, Lukas Van Ness, Noah Shannon and John Waggoner. In his first summer availability, Lee was already raving about Iowa’s defensive line depth.

In the secondary, Sporting News tabbed cornerback Riley Moss as a first-team preseason All-America selection. It’s the third different media outlet to do so. There’s plenty of optimism surrounding what fellow corners Cooper DeJean, Jermari Harris and Terry Roberts can bring to the table.

Then, at safety, Sebastian Castro, Kaevon Merriweather, Jaxon Rexroth and Quinn Schulte all represent reliable options. Five-star freshman defensive back Xavier Nwankpa also figures to have his imprints on this defense sooner rather than later.

And, of course, there’s the linebackers. Senior Jack Campbell has been getting plenty of preseason love after leading the country with 143 tackles last season. He joins Moss as a preseason first-team All-America selection by Sporting News, Athlon Sports and Phil Steele.

It’s for those reasons that returning weak side linebacker Seth Benson believes defensive improvement could in fact be a reality for the Hawkeyes in 2022.

“Yeah, I think so. Obviously, just got to keep pushing ourselves. Communication. It comes down to communication and executing everything, so just continue to push ourselves, not set limits for ourselves and just keep going upwards,” Benson said with HawkeyeReport‘s Tom Kakert.

While Campbell has deservingly received plenty of preseason recognition, Benson registered 105 tackles, eight quarterback hurries, 5.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, two sacks, and in interception in his own right in 2021.

Iowa also has Jestin Jacobs back. The 6-foot-4, 238 pound Englewood, Ohio, native tallied 53 tackles, a pair of quarterback hurries, two sacks, one forced fumble, one interception and 0.5 sack last season.

“Yeah, just super excited, ready to just get things rolling and start getting back out there and start playing again. Besides the fact of the on-field stuff, it’s just a great group to be with every day and work with. Even past Jack and Jestin, all those guys, Kyler (Fisher), Jay (Higgins), Logan Klemp, just down the list. Just a great group of guys to be with that push each other and know the ultimate goal that we’re trying to get to,” Benson said.

Jacobs echoed Benson’s optimism for Iowa’s defense entering 2022 with Hawk Central‘s Chad Leistikow.

“I’m very optimistic. Just because I’m seeing every day what we’re doing, how we’re putting in our work, how we’re focusing on the little things each and every day. It definitely leaves me with confidence in our defense knowing that each and every day we’re working to get better,” Jacobs said.

As the architect of Iowa’s defense, Parker gets a lion’s share of the credit. But don’t forget about the contributions from linebackers coach Seth Wallace.

“It is one of the most rewarding things, one of the most challenging days, but one of the best men I’ve been able to meet and be coached by and I’d say one of the best coaches I’ve ever been a part of as well. Each and every day he’s going to come in and he’s going to push you to your absolute best. Even if you make a good play, he’s always going to be critical on you, because you can make another good play and you can do it even better.

“He just knows how to get me going. He knows how to push me to the best. He knows how to critique me. To my fundamentals, to my effort. Every single thing. He’s one of the first coaches here and always one of the last coaches to leave just because he’s going to spend the same time on each and every one of us. And one of the most detailed guys. I could go on and on and on,” Benson said of Wallace.

Parker and Wallace have ingrained selflessness within the Hawkeyes’ defenders as well. It’s something Jacobs admits he didn’t arrive in Iowa City with. Or, at least not to the degree he exhibits while manning the CASH position today.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t say it always has been, but I would definitely say it made me grow as a person and it made me grow into that role. Knowing that sacrificing for the betterment of the team is going to make us all better in the end. It’s not about yourself. At the end of the day, you’re playing alongside 10 of your brothers and each play somebody’s relying on you to do your job. That took me a little bit of time to learn and I definitely appreciate that about our defense,” Jacobs said.

Selfless and talented. Defining characteristics of this Iowa defense heading into fall camp, and two reasons why eclipsing 2021 just might be possible.

[listicle id=4652]

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Josh on Twitter: @JoshOnREF

Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

Pro Football Focus tabs a pair of Iowa Hawkeyes in its early top-10 2023 NFL draft linebackers

Pro Football Focus continues their crush on Iowa as they name Jack Campbell and Jestin Jacobs two of the top-10 linebackers in the nation.

The Big Ten knows just how good Iowa’s linebacker group is. It appears it will only be a matter of time until the rest of the country is enlightened to how special and talented they are, too.

With two future NFL draft picks stepping up in the run game and providing great coverage, it gives the Iowa Hawkeyes two of the nation’s top-10 linebackers per Pro Football Focus (PFF).

Jack Campbell is consistently finding himself at the top of these lists. He was the number one run defender in all of the Power Five last season and led the Hawkeyes and nation in tackles.

Campbell comes in at No. 3 on this list, but there is every case to be made for him being at the top right now or by the time that the upcoming 2022 college football season concludes. It isn’t a matter of if he gets drafted, it is a matter of when and where.

Jestin Jacobs is beginning to infatuate talent evaluators at the next level with his unique mix of size, strength, and speed. We all know his size as that is a prerequisite to play linebacker in the Big Ten. What separates Jacobs is his ability to run. That is evidenced by the fact that he only gave up one touchdown in coverage in 2021.

Prior to coming in at No. 9 on the list of the country’s best linebackers, PFF also put Jacobs on their list of breakout candidates to watch this season. He found himself on that list for the same reasons listed above: size, speed, and sideline to sideline play.

With Jack Campbell and Jestin Jacobs on this list, the Hawkeyes’ linebackers are in a great spot to clean up the mess behind what should be a very strong defensive line. Add in the unsung hero Seth Benson, who could make waves this season as well, and it is clear to see why the linebackers are the backbone of the Iowa Hawkeyes defense.

[mm-video type=playlist id=01fvdcxf97xrgg1awc player_id=none image=https://hawkeyeswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

[listicle id=5791]

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Riley on Twitter: @rileydonald7

Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

Sebastian Castro’s versatility could be a hidden gem on Iowa Hawkeyes’ defense

Sebastian Castro’s versatility has him quietly littered all over Iowa’s defensive depth chart at multiple spots. That’s not by accident.

We all know Iowa is a program relying heavily on upperclassmen, experience, and hard work. They reward individuals for putting the team before themselves and contributing in whatever way is asked of them.

Getting put on the depth chart at Iowa isn’t by mistake. That place is earned and often means a bit more than meets the eye. For those reasons, Sebastian Castro has found himself littered among multiple positions on the Iowa defensive depth chart.

Finding your name on the depth chart once is impressive, but for defensive coordinator Phil Parker and head coach Kirk Ferentz to feel confident enough in the skillset to believe a player can plug in at multiple spots, well, that says a lot.

First off, let’s talk about why Castro has earned this chance. He has consistently been an undiscussed, head-down contributor for the Hawkeyes. Like many that become household names to Hawkeye fans, Castro earned his stripes on special teams.

A big moment for him came in 2021 when he forced a fumble on a kickoff return against Maryland that set up an Iowa touchdown to crack that game wide open. He has gone about his business and earned this opportunity.

Castro finds himself listed as the starting CASH when they go with two linebackers as Iowa looks to replenish that position after Dane Belton’s stellar career that has landed him in the NFL.

At 5-foot-11, 207 pounds, Castro comes in as a near replica of Belton who was 6-foot-1, 190 pounds while at Iowa. Should Iowa go to a traditional 4-3 defense, Jestin Jacobs is the likely swap in a more standard linebacker position. But, in a 4-2-5 defense where the hybrid CASH steps onto the field, it appears Castro will get the opportunity to make his mark on this spot first.

Not only is he listed at CASH, Castro finds himself also listed as the No. 2 strong safety behind Kaevon Merriweather. While the backup, Castro did get the start at strong safety against Kentucky in the Vrbo Citrus Bowl last season. Should things in the secondary get shaky or injuries arise, Castro seems to have the staff’s confidence to step in here without missing a beat.

With prior special teams experience as well, it may be a rather safe assumption to realize Castro is going to be a leader on the Hawkeyes’ special teams that are always one of the top units in the country.

There’s three clear paths for Castro to contribute to the Iowa Hawkeyes this year, and, if there is anything we know about Iowa, the staff loves this type of player that is willing to do whatever is asked of him. Don’t be shocked this fall if there is an interception, forced fumble, or game-changing play by Castro that tilts a game in Iowa’s direction. The junior is prepared and ready for his moment.

[vertical-gallery id=5694]

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Riley on Twitter: @rileydonald7

Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

‘This is vital’: Iowa Hawkeyes LB Jack Campbell imparting importance of summer work

Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell knows the importance of this time of year, something he’s passing along to the Hawkeyes’ new faces.

Star middle linebacker Jack Campbell is back to guide what is arguably Iowa’s most talented position group. The 6-foot-5, 243 pound senior out of Cedar Falls, Iowa, led the nation in tackles last season with 143.

As a result, he’s deservedly been on the receiving end of all sorts of preseason love. Phil Steele and Athlon Sports both like Campbell to repeat as a first-team All-Big Ten selection. In fact, Phil Steele is projecting a first-team All-American season for Campbell.

Campbell has been named to the Lott IMPACT Trophy watchlist alongside cornerback Riley Moss and ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Campbell ranked as his No. 2 inside linebacker on his most recent 2023 NFL draft big board.

Campbell is joined by a talented pair of linebackers in [autotag]Seth Benson[/autotag] and [autotag]Jestin Jacobs[/autotag]. Benson registered 105 tackles last season and Jacobs added 53.

After missing the spring to rehab his knee, Campbell is back, feeling great and ready to lead the Hawkeyes’ defense once more in 2022. He met with Hawk Central and the Iowa media to discuss why this time of year is so important, what he’s sharing with the Hawkeyes’ new defensive faces and his expectations for 2022.

Pro Football Network names Iowa Hawkeyes’ Jestin Jacobs as 2023 NFL draft breakout candidate

Pro Football Network can’t get enough of Iowa’s linebackers. Jestin Jacobs has been listed as one of the 2023 NFL draft breakout candidates.

The well-warranted hype around the Iowa Hawkeyes linebackers seems to be continuing to rise and garner more national attention prior to the 2022 college football season. After a myriad of accolades for Jack Campbell, the leader of the Hawkeyes’ defense, his comrade in the heart of the defense, Jestin Jacobs, is on the receiving end of the kudos this time.

Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network has named Jacobs as part of his 2023 NFL draft breakout candidates among linebackers across the country. Cummings reiterates the unique and translatable skillset that Jacobs brings with him.

Jacobs could be a perfect fit and a highly-coveted player in a modern NFL that’s trending more toward versatility on defense. He’s listed at 6’4″, 236 pounds, with an outrageously long and burly frame. Jacobs is a long-strider in space, but he also has enough short-area athleticism to shade outside as an overhang slot defender. Plus, he can blanket receivers and tight ends alike with his size. With another year of seasoning, he could take the next step. – Cummings, Pro Football Network.

With another strong season in 2022, Jacobs could find himself skyrocketing up draft boards to join Campbell in the earlier rounds of the draft as he isn’t a one-dimensional linebacker. Jacobs is a true three-down linebacker that is multifaceted and able to be a Swiss Army Knife for defensive coordinators.

As Jacobs gears up for the 2022 campaign, he will be a leader among the entire Hawkeyes team. Iowa will rely on him to duplicate his performance thus far and one could expect him to surpass that.

[listicle id=4652]

[mm-video type=playlist id=01fvdcxf97xrgg1awc player_id=none image=https://hawkeyeswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Riley on Twitter: @rileydonald7

Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.

22 Iowa Hawkeyes football stats to know entering the 2022 season

Kickoff of the 2022 season is nearing closer every day. Here’s 22 Iowa Hawkeyes stats to know from last season as we inch toward 2022.

By now, you know the drill. The 2021 Iowa Hawkeyes had one of the nation’s stingiest defenses, but the offense left so much to be desired. As a result, a perfect 6-0 start lost its luster with a pair of midseason losses to Purdue and at Wisconsin.

After four straight wins to close the regular season locked down the Big Ten West crown, the Hawkeyes were exposed in the Big Ten championship game by the Michigan Wolverines, 42-3. Iowa followed that championship game loss up with a field goal defeat in the Vrbo Citrus Bowl against Kentucky. Enter the spring and summer of offensive discontent.

A step forward in the Hawkeyes’ quarterback play and Iowa’s offense in general would go a mile in 2022. If Iowa can find that recipe, then fans can start realistically thinking about a return trip to the Big Ten championship game.

With an ongoing quarterback competition still being waged in Iowa City, what’s to come next is really anybody’s guess. There’s optimism that Spencer Petras can elevate his game to the next level. The 6-foot-5, 233 pound signal-caller from San Rafael, Calif., has been working out with quarterbacks coach and trainer Tony Racioppi this offseason to refine his body and his game.

Still, Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz said to end the spring that he and the rest of his offensive staff are planning a long, hard look heading into the fall at each of their three options under center.

Where does that leave us entering the 2022 college football season? Here’s a look back at all of Iowa’s key offensive and defensive numbers from last season to get fans prepped for what may lie ahead in 2022.

Iowa Hawkeyes snapshot profile: No. 5 Jestin Jacobs

Jestin Jacobs has his chance to shine in 2022. Now that he’s set to be a full-time starter, what does next season have in store?

Everybody knows and talks about the type of one-two punch the Iowa Hawkeyes have and return in linebackers Jack Campbell and Seth Benson. It makes complete sense.

Campbell finished as the nation’s leader in total tackles with 143, while Benson also registered triple-digit tackles with 105. What might be flying under the radar is the importance of Jestin Jacobs to the Hawkeyes’ defense and linebackers entering 2022.

The 6-foot-4, 236 pound linebacker out of Englewood, Ohio, started eight games last season, tallying 53 tackles, two quarterback hurries, a pair of pass breakups, one interception and 0.5 tackles for loss.

The Northmont High School prospect arrived in Iowa City as a four-star signee according to both 247Sports and Rivals. 247Sports ranked Jacobs as the No. 10 outside linebacker, the No. 5 player from Ohio and the No. 152 player nationally in the 2019 class. Meanwhile, Rivals rated Jacobs as the No. 11 player from Ohio and the No. 20 outside linebacker.

With plenty of starting experience already under his belt, Jacobs is the natural candidate to step in and take over the CASH position that Dane Belton vacates after being drafted by the New York Giants. Let’s take a look at Jacobs’ snapshot profile entering 2022, including his depth chart overview.

Preseason player profile

Hometown: Englewood, Ohio

Ht: 6-foot-4

Wt: 236

Class in 2022: Redshirt junior

247Sports composite ranking

2019 four-star / No. 16 outside linebacker / No. 6 player from Ohio

Career stats

Defense & Fumbles Table
Tackles Def Int Fumbles
Year School Conf Class Pos G Solo Ast Tot Loss Sk Int Yds Avg TD PD FR Yds TD FF
2020 Iowa Big Ten FR LB 3 2 2 4 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0
*2021 Iowa Big Ten SO LB 14 33 20 53 0.5 0.0 1 0 0.0 0 2 0 1
Career Iowa 35 22 57 0.5 0.0 1 0 0.0 0 2 0 1
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 6/12/2022.

Depth chart overview

Jacobs started eight games in 2021 and has nine career starts. After 53 tackles a season ago, Jacobs is ready to improve upon those numbers. According to Pro Football Focus, Jacobs saw 593 total snaps last season. By comparison, Seth Benson saw 1,004 snaps, Dane Belton saw 1,024 and Jack Campbell saw 1,121.

Listed atop the depth chart to begin the spring as the Hawkeyes’ starting CASH/LEO alongside Sebastian Castro, Jacobs’ snap counts are set to be on the rise. His 6-foot-4, 236 pound frame makes him an ideal candidate to line up all over the place and the versatility to offer coverage against bigger tight ends.

PFF listed his top three snap counts in 2021 as 233 at the slot corner, 168 along the defensive line and 103 in the box. That’s a good indication of how Iowa can mix and match where it wants to use Jacobs.

He’s primed for his best season on campus and could represent one of three Hawkeye linebackers drafted in the 2023 NFL draft once all is said and done. The fact that he gets to play alongside both Benson and Campbell should make his rise to full-time playmaker that much easier.

[vertical-gallery id=4618]

Full snapshot profile series

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Josh on Twitter: @JoshOnREF

Let us know your thoughts, comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.