Iowa started multiple quarterbacks last season. Of course, senior quarterback Spencer Petras had started 17 games in a row dating back to the start of the 2020 season before an injury sidelined him ahead of the week 10 game versus Minnesota.
That’s when junior quarterback Alex Padilla stepped in and started three games in succession before Petras started the final two versus Michigan in the Big Ten Championship game and against Kentucky in the Vrbo Citrus Bowl.
Redshirt freshman quarterback Joe Labas was also listed on the Hawkeyes’ initial spring depth chart.
Now, as Iowa begins spring practices, Petras is listed atop the depth chart with Padilla as his backup. Redshirt freshman quarterback Joe Labas was also listed on the Hawkeyes’ initial spring depth chart. Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz evaluated where his group stands entering the spring.
“Obviously, two guys have a real distinct advantage knowing what to do. So just getting up to the line and getting the ball snapped and having us in the right place. That’s a heck of a start. And it sounds pretty routine and easy. But for Joe, right now, there’s a process to that. Usually if a guy redshirts, that’s part of the thing right now, is him processing and reading things and all the ABC stuff. So he’s in a little different category as far as the learning process. It will be really quick or interesting for us to watch how much he can pick up and how fast in 15 days; whereas, both Alex and Spencer have a little bit, obviously an edge there. They’ve played. They’ve been out there when games end.
“I think the good news is that we feel they’re both capable of playing really good football for us. And our goal is to try to get them to play a little bit better and everybody around them helping a little bit more. I think really that’s the story of our offense right now,” Ferentz said.
Asked if it was accurate to say that it’s Petras’ job to lose, Ferentz didn’t commit to that idea.
“I think everybody’s competing right now. And on one hand, he’s got an edge or things he does better than Alex, but I can flip that around saying there’s some things Alex does a little bit better, too. We’re just going to ride it out and see where it all goes, but we’ll get it figured out certainly and the good news is I think both guys are totally capable,” Ferentz said.
The hope is that either Petras or Padilla will see a big enough leap in their play throughout the spring to make it a clear decision for the Hawkeye coaching staff.
“I know it wasn’t Spencer’s second year. I mean, this is his third year coming up, but it wasn’t his best year and I think he’s got room and I think he feels that. I think there’s some things we probably can do from our standpoint, the coaches, to give him a little bit, set him up for more success if you will. Play to his strengths when he’s in there and Alex whatever his strengths may be. If they differ, you know, lean left or right depending on who’s in there, but I think both guys have an opportunity to be better players this year,” Ferentz said.
He pointed out that one of the positives for Iowa’s quarterbacks is that his team has had success with both quarterbacks. Still, Ferentz is hoping the offensive line, skill players and the coaching staff can help make life easier for either Petras or Padilla.
“We’ve won with both of them, so that’s kind of exciting. But I also know this, we’ve got to help them more. You know, like I said, I’d like to gain an edge up front, not just try to break even, but gain an edge. Obviously, we’ll be more veteran at receiver than we were last year,” Ferentz said.
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