Tag: Kaevon Merriweather

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.

7 Iowa Hawkeyes make Senior Bowl watch list

Seven Iowa players made the Senior Bowl watch list, signifying there’s some NFL eyes watching these Hawkeyes.

The Senior Bowl watch list was released on Wednesday. Basically, the watch list is a who’s who of all the important soon-to-be graduated college football players. If they are on the list, it means there’s at least a few pairs of NFL eyes on them heading into the season. At the bare minimum, they are ones to watch out for in this upcoming college football season.

At seven players, Iowa features a good crop of prospects that may see themselves on the Senior Bowl roster. There are a few locks to make the final roster, and a few surprises to see included here.

Iowa’s Jack Campbell, Kaevon Merriweather share their future Big Ten expansion picks

Who should the Big Ten add in the future? Iowa’s Jack Campbell and Kaevon Merriweather were asked at Big Ten Media Days.

Last week at Big Ten Media Days, there was naturally plenty of conversation about the upcoming 2024 additions of USC and UCLA to the Big Ten. 247Sports shared what a series of Big Ten players thought about who the league should add next.

Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell has the perceived No. 1 target at the top of his list.

“That’s a great question. I want Notre Dame, I think that would be cool. And well, so does the Big Ten. I think it would be pretty cool to play those guys. They’re talented and another historic program. They’re not in a conference of their own so it would be nice to see them join the Big Ten and have future Hawkeyes have an opportunity to play them,” Campbell said.

Hawkeyes safety Kaevon Merriweather had a lengthy list of prospective additions.

“Oh man. If you wanted to do it from a financial standpoint, I’m bringing Alabama, Georgia, Clemson, Miami, you feel me? You listening? We still have UCLA and USC, right? Then we’re going to bring Oregon, and then I think from there we’re good. But those are like the big money markets. If I was the Big Ten commissioner, I’d make a lot of money with those teams in there, you know what I’m saying?

“What I’d do first, though, probably Oregon, not going to lie. Just the influence of Nike and the number of people who love Oregon across the country, I’d definitely bring Oregon first. I ain’t gonna lie to you though, I’m kinda mad, I wish they would have done the realignment thing a bit earlier, a trip to USC would not be bad. Them coming to the Midwest as well in November? They ain’t gonna play out too well, I ain’t gonna lie,” Merriweather said.

Like Merriweather touched on, the idea of both USC and UCLA coming to the Midwest during cold-weather months has been something current Big Ten players have commonly cited as a potential future advantage. Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras also needled the two L.A. schools recently.

Naturally, Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren was asked about future expansion at Big Ten Media Days.

“I get asked every single day, what’s next? It may include future expansion, but it will be done for the right reasons, at the right time, with our student-athletes’ academic and athletic empowerment at the center of any and all decisions that we will make. We will not expand just to expand. It will be strategic; it will add additional value to our conference,” Warren said.

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‘He’s always pushing the limits of you’: Jack Campbell sounds off on Phil Parker’s best trait

Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell and safety Kaevon Merriweather shared why Phil Parker is one of the nation’s best defensive coordinators.

Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker is accustomed to his group playing some of the nation’s best defense. The Hawkeyes led the nation with 25 interceptions last season, finished third in takeaways with 30 and ranked sixth in pass efficiency defense (110.5).

Iowa surrendered just 19.2 points per game in 2021, which ranked 13th nationally. The Hawkeyes allowed 328.8 yards per game to rank No. 18 in total defense.

In 2020, Iowa led the nation, allowing just 4.3 yards per play. The Hawkeyes allowed just 16 points per game to rank No. 7 in scoring defense and surrendered just 313.8 yards per game to rank No. 12 in total defense. Iowa ranked ninth in pass efficiency defense and allowed just 107.6 rushing yards per game to rank 11th nationally.

In 2019, Iowa’s defense ranked inside the nation’s top 17 in scoring defense, first downs allowed, total defense, rushing defense, turnover margin, and pass efficiency defense. The Hawkeyes also topped the nation with 21 interceptions in the 2017 season and finished tied-second nationally in 2018 with 20.

The Hawkeyes’ 89 interceptions over the past five seasons lead the nation. It’s an impressive list of players that have gone onto the NFL under Parker’s leadership as well.

How has Parker been able to consistently deliver some of the nation’s best defenses?

“I think what he gets out of his players. I think every player who plays on Phil Parker’s defense is committed to giving him 110 percent of everything that he has day in and day out, whether that be in practice, in the weight room or on the field, especially in the film room as well.

“You know coach Parker is going to give you everything that he has, so you have to repay that and give him everything that you got when you step across that line onto the field,” starting strong safety Kaevon Merriweather said.

Linebacker Jack Campbell led the nation with 143 tackles in 2021. The 6-foot-5, 246 pound native of Cedar Falls, Iowa, shared what he thought was the most impressive Parker trait.

“For me, it’s his mindset of how he approaches everything. I feel like all these guys would agree up here. I mean, you can make a really good play in practice, but he would expect better from you and tell you why this play could’ve been better, because, if you would’ve done this, you would’ve scored a second faster or something like that.

“So, he’s always pushing the limits of you being a great football player and that’s something that I just enjoy is being around a guy who’s always pushing the limits on things and never settling,” Campbell said.

For a defense that was one of the country’s best in 2021, the fact that the Hawkeyes have a defensive coordinator who won’t be satisfied with what the group accomplished last season and is ready to keep pushing the limits into 2022 is certainly a positive for Iowa.

Campbell and his teammates also have a leader who just digs what he’s doing.

“He’s just a guy who loves the game of football over everything and that’s like one of the most meaningful things to me is after a win, getting in the locker room and seeing a smile on his face and a handshake from him. You just really get a sense of the guy right there. He’s coached for over 20 years and all the great players he’s seen at the University of Iowa and the tradition right there. So, it just means a lot to me just to get to listen to his extensive knowledge and then to have that pour out on me and allow me to just go out there and perform it the way that our defense performs it, it’s pretty neat,” Campbell said.

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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.

‘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.

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.

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Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback Riley Moss named Walter Camp preseason All-American

Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback Riley Moss has been stamped as a preseason All-American by Walter Camp as the 2022 college football season nears.

After being named a first-team All-American by Sporting News following the 2021 college football season, Iowa Hawkeyes cornerback Riley Moss has been named to the Walter Camp Football Foundation’s preseason second-team All-American defense.

Moss, who chose to come back and play in his final year of eligibility after some thought he may depart for the NFL, will look to expand on a year that saw him not just take the next step, but really jump a few levels upward.

Coming off of a stellar season in which Moss was the Big Ten’s highest graded cornerback based on his performances, all signs point to him being the leader of the Iowa secondary. He takes the reins of the Hawkeyes’ defensive backs room that is ranked as the No. 3 secondary in the entire nation.

Not only was Moss good last year, he is Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded coverage cornerback in the entire country over the last two seasons. Coming back this year gives Moss another season to put tape out and only improve his draft stock for when he is inevitably taken in next year’s 2023 NFL draft.

Joining Moss in the secondary will be Kaevon Merriweather, Jermari Harris, Quinn Schulte, Terry Roberts, Cooper DeJean, and Xavier Nwankpa. The group looks to continue turning the ball over and reeling in interceptions as it has become a bit of a Hawkeye specialty due to their sizable interception lead over every other college football team.

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Iowa Hawkeyes ranked as the No. 3 defensive back room nationally

Iowa finds itself among the cream of the crop when it comes to defensive back rooms across the country, coming in at No. 3 per CBS Sports.

It seems as if every other day there is another list that the Iowa Hawkeyes or members of their secondary find themselves on. That points to the sustained success the group has had.

From dominating the entire country in interceptions to pumping out defensive backs to the NFL, Kirk Ferentz and Phil Parker have built a machine at Iowa that continues to create turnovers. Most recently, that machine called the Iowa secondary has been ranked the No. 3 defensive back room in the country by CBS Sports’ David Cobb.

After leading the nation with 25 interceptions last season, Iowa brings back All-American cornerback Riley Moss. With Jemari Harris and Kaevon Merriweather also returning after holding down key roles in 2021, this group is guaranteed to be stingy again. A wild card to watch is true freshman Xavier Nwankpa, who is Iowa’s highest-rated defensive back commitment of the 247Sports era. Even if he needs some time to develop, there is enough here to make this group one of the nation’s best once again. – Cobb, CBS Sports.

Ahead of Iowa is Georgia at No. 1 and Texas A&M at No. 2. Following the Hawkeyes is North Carolina State at No. 4 and fellow Big Ten member Penn State at No. 5.

As Cobb mentioned, this is spearheaded by Moss returning for the 2022 season following an All-American performance that saw him consistently graded out as the best cornerback in the Big Ten and even sometimes the country.

Harris reeled in four interceptions last season and Merriweather snagged one of his own. These two do have experience. Along with them will be Terry Roberts who hauled in an interception and looks to expound on an already stellar special teams performance he has put on at Iowa. Five-star Xavier Nwankpa also looks to make his mark early and often with this group as he battles for playing time.

Last year saw 25 interceptions from the Hawkeyes and put the national spotlight on the group in the secondary. With the talent at each position this season, there should be a quiet confidence that the Hawkeyes defensive backs will once again prove sturdy.

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