Tag: Keagan Johnson

‘I was more decisive than I’ve ever been’: Iowa’s Spencer Petras reflects on spring ball growth

Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras said he was more decisive than he’s ever been throughout the spring and he’s ready to showcase that in 2022.

While there’s still a quarterback competition set to be waged throughout fall camp, Iowa’s Spencer Petras sounded confident with the Hawkeyes media in how his spring and offseason has gone thus far.

Everyone that’s been paying attention knows that Petras has been staying busy attending the Manning Passing Academy and continuing his work with personal quarterback trainer Tony Racioppi.

As he should, Petras did take time for a family vacation to Alaska over the Fourth of July holiday.

“It was good. I’m wearing this shirt. I was just in Alaska for the Fourth of July. I went on a fishing trip with my parents and my godparents and their son. Caught a lot of salmon, which was fun. Long flights, so I’m kind of happy to be back and just back into the routine. But, it was a lot of fun. Went to a couple weddings. That was fun,” Petras said.

Other than that brief getaway, every other report this offseason is that Petras has been hard at work looking to perfect his craft as he and the Hawkeyes get to set to embark upon defending their 2021 Big Ten West division title.

For the first time since early in the spring, Petras sounded off with local reporters on what he took away from Iowa’s spring practices.

“I was really happy with spring ball. I just felt like I was more decisive than I’ve ever been. I felt really good how I threw the ball. Some of the changes we’ve made, I feel really good about and just I’m excited to see how it carries over to camp. We were still working through a lot of stuff schematically and now I think we’ve got a better idea of exactly where we want to go. It feels good and I’m excited,” Petras said.

Asked what precisely was different with the Hawkeyes’ offense heading into 2022, the 6-foot-5, 231 pound quarterback from San Rafael, Calif., didn’t want to divulge too much.

“We’re always trying to make our plays as schematically sound as they can be. The thing I love the most, I just think we’re a lot more detailed now. Without, I don’t want to give away too much, we’re very detailed now. I feel like I have a really good plan for every play and that excites me as an analytical guy, as a guy that can identify coverage really fast and having the solid plan. I mean, Brian’s been working his (expletive) off, trying to just detail everything. I’m really happy with how it looks right now. The real test will be training camp and getting a feel for it all, getting the reps that I need and then obviously just got to go do it in the season,” Petras said.

Iowa saw one notable wide receiver target and return specialist in Charlie Jones elect to transfer out to Purdue. That means added reps for the known returning commodities in Arland Bruce IV, Keagan Johnson and Nico Ragaini.

Petras has been pleased in the work they’ve gotten in so far this offseason and how that trio has approached their leadership roles.

“Yeah, you know, they’ve been good. The thing we have to worry about in the summer is just our strength and conditioning program is very vigorous and very demanding. So, it’s trying to toe the line between getting the work we need, but not running them too much because the worst thing would be for a guy to pull a hammy right before camp. So, that’s what we have to deal with right now, but certainly a motivated unit.

“I really love what I’ve seen from Nico and just the leadership that he’s putting out and making sure that the young guys are growing. The not-so-old veterans like Keagan and Arland have been stepping up. I’m excited to see what they can do. There’s a lot of young guys that I think have a lot of opportunity and hopefully will make a big difference this fall. Just got to get to camp and let everything go from there,” Petras said.

As Big Ten media days and fall camp near, Petras isn’t naive to the narrative that surrounds him. He’s been labeled as one of Iowa’s biggest question marks after a 2021 season where battled through injuries and finished passing for 1,880 yards and 10 touchdowns against nine interceptions.

In the spring, he discussed how his completion numbers of 57.3% was an area that he needed to improve upon. He didn’t feel then and he certainly doesn’t feel now that it’s been a talent issue with himself.

“It definitely can fuel. I mean, it kind of depends on the situation and stuff like that, but, yeah, it certainly can fuel. Sometimes it’s better to ignore it, sometimes it’s better to let it fuel you. It just kind of depends,” Petras said of how he handles criticism.

It’s true of any college football team that a large part of its success will be defined by how the quarterback play goes. Petras knows that. He remains confident in what he brings to the table for the Hawkeyes, the changes that Iowa has made schematically and their collective outlook heading into the 2022 college football season.

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Opinion: My thoughts on the Iowa Hawkeyes’ quarterback room ranked No. 10 in the Big Ten

The Hawkeyes’ quarterback room has been the biggest question mark. Ranked No. 10 in the Big Ten, up is the only option entering 2022.

It’s been reported by every outlet, discussed by every fan, talked about by anyone who has a clue about Iowa football. The glaring question mark entering 2022 is the quarterback play and if it can take the next step. I think it is time to talk about that. And for the first time on this site, let my opinions come out.

I have yet to put out an opinion piece on here as I am extremely close with some current Hawkeyes on a very personal level. Texting, Facetiming, going to dinner and hanging out with them postgame type of close. Due to that, I stay black and white, give the facts, and talk ball. This is different. It’s time for an open discussion about the Iowa quarterback room.

Recently, 247Sports shared that Athlon Sports’ annual magazine named Iowa the 10th-best quarterback situation in the Big Ten, only ahead of Indiana, Illinois, Northwestern, and Rutgers. In my mind, it’s no question Iowa is in a better spot than those four. No real argument.

Here is 247Sports’ Mariah Guzman’s reaction regarding the Hawkeyes’ ranking:

Spencer Petras will be spending his fifth season with Iowa this fall, his third as a starter. Petras showed flashes of excellence in the first half of the 2021 season, allowing Iowa to start out strong with a six-game win streak. He struggled after the streak, compiling seven interceptions to just one touchdown the rest of the season, and Iowa went 2-4 the rest of the way. The Hawkeyes return multiple starters from the 2021 season, with Keagan Johnson and Nico Ragaini hoping to flourish in a more involved role at wide receiver. If Petras can perform like he did the first six weeks of 2021 compared to the final six weeks, Iowa could stun the Big 10. Petras threw for 1,880 yards, 10 touchdowns and nine interceptions in total, in 2021. – Guzman, 247Sports.

Let’s talk about a certain statement in there. The part that says “Iowa could stun the Big Ten” stands out. This year’s Big Ten West is wide open. Spencer Petras has been working nonstop this offseason, showcasing his arm strength at the Manning Passing Academy. He is all in for the Hawkeyes. I have even previously talked about why 2022 may be the best Petras yet.

I think Spencer Petras not only stuns Hawkeyes fans this fall. He stuns the Big Ten.

I think we see him surpass Wisconsin’s Graham Mertz who is inconsistent. Casey Thompson is stepping into a beyond hostile situation in his first season in Nebraska and any struggles will be magnified. Taulia Tagovailoa has the talent, but his inconsistency has proven to be a crutch.

Spencer Petras doesn’t have to win every game by himself for Iowa. He has a defense that returns some firepower and looks to pick up where they left off in 2021. He won’t need to score 35 points every week. Gavin Williams and Leshon Williams are a downhill duo in the backfield. Sam LaPorta, Keagan Johnson, Nico Ragaini, and Arland Bruce IV give Petras the necessary weapons in the passing game.

All of the noise is against Spencer Petras. The talk is how he has held this team back. Hawkeye fans have questioned him and called for replacements. The cards are stacked against him. And while all of this has gone on, there’s been nothing but hard work, bettering himself, and a consistent effort to do his part for this Hawkeyes team from Petras.

Never wavering against adversity. Not afraid to face the music. Ready to take everything head on and show his leadership. Give me that guy 10 out of 10 times. Spencer Petras takes the next step in 2022 and shows why Iowa is in a much better spot than the No. 10 best quarterback room in Big Ten.

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‘I’ve got to make the play every single time’: Hawkeyes WR Nico Ragaini dialing in ahead of 2022

Iowa Hawkeyes wide receiver Nico Ragaini was honest about his 2021 self assessment. He’s ready to completely dial in for the 2022 season.

It’s a big year for Iowa Hawkeyes redshirt senior wide receiver Nico Ragaini. He understands that this is his final chance to impress prospective NFL draft scouts and leave his mark on Iowa City. How much Ragaini improves could be a direct indicator of how much the Iowa offense improves as a whole.

Ragaini ended the 2021 season as Iowa’s third-leading receiver behind tight end Sam LaPorta’s 670 receiving yards and wide receiver Keagan Johnson’s 352. The 6-foot, 191 pound wide receiver out of Notre Dame High School in East Haven, Conn., finished last season with 26 grabs for 331 receiving yards and he had one touchdown reception.

His 26 receptions actually ranked first among Iowa wide receivers, but he’s looking for much more in 2022. Ragaini met with Hawk Central and the rest of the Iowa media to discuss a range of topics as the Hawkeyes begin their summer work in earnest.

Athlon Sports ranks Iowa Hawkeyes No. 32 nationally entering 2022

What all did Athlon Sports have to say about the Iowa Hawkeyes that resulted in Iowa outside the top 25 at No. 32 nationally?

Several weeks ago, Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassan released his top 25 rankings for 2022 and the Iowa Hawkeyes weren’t among that list. Instead, five other Big Ten teams were among Lassan’s top 25 rankings for 2022 heading into the summer.

That group included No. 2 Ohio State, No. 6 Michigan, No. 14 Michigan State, No. 19 Wisconsin and No. 25 Penn State. When Lassan’s top 25 was released, he had Iowa in his “next tier” of teams that also included Air Force, Appalachian State, Auburn, Boise State, BYU, Coastal Carolina, Florida, Florida State, Fresno State, Kansas State, LSU, Minnesota, Mississippi State, Ole Miss, Purdue, South Carolina, Texas, UAB, UCLA and UTSA.

Now, after Athlon Sports’ release of its 2022 Iowa football preview, there’s a precise number to attach from the outlet to the Hawkeyes. Athlon Sports ranks Iowa No. 32 nationally heading into the 2022 season.

Here’s a breakdown on everything Athlon Sports had to say about Iowa.

Why Iowa’s wide receiver group will survive, and even thrive, after Charlie Jones’ departure

Let’s analyze the Hawkeyes’ receivers after the departure of Charlie Jones and see why the group won’t just survive, but thrive post-Jones.

Yeah, Charlie Jones left the Iowa Hawkeyes unexpectedly and went to Purdue. So what? It happened. It’s over. No point in crying over spilled milk. Time to move on from his contributions to the Hawkeyes and take a look at the receiver group that can, and will, pick up that slack.

As Hawk Central discussed, the receiver group really can be sorted into three groups. More or less, it is the known contributors of Keagan Johnson, Arland Bruce IV, and Nico Ragaini in one group. After that, we find a group that could best be described as having the talent and potential yet just awaiting the opportunity. That includes sophomores Brody Brecht and Diante Vines along with incoming freshman Jacob Bostick.

Last, but certainly not least, and even more so in Iowa, there are walk-ons that could blossom. That group includes Jackson Ritter, who has seen time, Kaden Wetjen, who chose Iowa over scholarship offers, Jack Johnson, and Alec Wick.

Johnson, Bruce IV, and Ragaini will continue their ways of being the main guys in the offense. Johnson and Bruce IV saw significant playing time as last season went on and that may have been the writing on the wall for Jones to depart.

He may have been passed up by those two. Ragaini has been a consistent receiver for Iowa the last three seasons. Combined, the three contributed 69 receptions for 767 yards and seven touchdown grabs in 2021 and those numbers should only increase. This group will be more than fine.

Brody Brecht and Diante Vines have the luxury of a year in Iowa’s system and an understanding of the playbook. As it’s very well known, experience is important regardless of position on a Kirk Ferentz team.

Vines was a sparkplug in the open spring practice as he reeled in a long touchdown from Alex Padilla. Vines could join Johnson and Bruce IV as the next young receiver to have his number relied upon.

Bostick joins Iowa as the only incoming scholarship wide receiver. That alone shows a lot about his talent and what the staff thinks he can bring to the table. In no world would it be surprising for one or multiple of these receivers to prove themselves and provide some significant outputs to the Hawkeyes’ offense.

Lastly, but certainly not least, is maybe my favorite group: the walk-ons. This group is not just a bunch of guys who were good in high school. There is serious talent here.

Starting with Jackson Ritter, he’s seen live action and even contributed. He is no stranger to the field and the staff’s trust in him with his experience could be relied on if anyone goes down or he steps up, which he is more than capable of.

Kaden Wetjen comes to Iowa from Iowa Western where he spent two years. He averaged 25 yards per catch. Yes, that is correct. Seriously, 25 yards per catch.

He has big-play ability and one would be naive to think he chose to join Iowa as a walk-on over scholarship offers from Central Arkansas, Southern Illinois, and others. Wetjen believes he can play at this level and as has been shown many times before, Iowa is a place where walk-ons come to be great.

Alec Wick and Jack Johnson round out the receiving group. Johnson redshirted last year after a high school career that saw him earn All-State honors. Wick also redshirted. His senior year saw him haul in 75 receptions for 1,401 yards and 16 touchdowns. These two aren’t any walk-ons. They can play.

So, yes, Charlie Jones did leave. But, there is every reason to believe this group doesn’t need to reload. The Iowa Hawkeyes receivers have rebuilt. Rebuilt themselves stronger, more experienced, and ready to take the next step in 2022.

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Former Iowa Hawkeye Charlie Jones linked to Purdue as transfer landing spot

Former Iowa Hawkeyes return man Charlie Jones has been linked to the Purdue Boilermakers as a likely landing spot for multiple reasons.

Sometimes there are situations where things just seem to make way too much sense. That seems to be the case here involving the Iowa Hawkeyes’ former wide receiver and return specialist [autotag]Charlie Jones[/autotag].

After an unexpected entry into the transfer portal last week, there are some reports coming out that Jones has found his new home. Hawkeye fans may want to close their eyes as it appears it could be with a familiar foe, the Purdue Boilermakers.

According to Chi Sports Scoops, Jones is reportedly heading to Purdue. While there is speculation that this move could be related to the new name, image and likeness rules and a chance to receive compensation, that has not been verified yet.

If Purdue does happen to be Jones’ new home, there is the tie of fellow former Iowa wide receiver Tyrone Tracy who left the program after the 2021 season and relocated to West Lafayette, Ind. The pair spent the past two seasons together in the Iowa receiver room and could be a link for this landing spot.

The other speculation leading to Purdue stems from their receiver depth chart being depleted. Their top pass catcher from last year, David Bell, is now in the NFL. Along with that, Milton Wright, who was expected to be the top wideout, has been ruled academically ineligible for the 2022 season leading to his departure from the Boilermakers’ program.

Lastly, and entirely fair, Jones may see the writing on the wall for the Iowa offense. All signs point to Keagan Johnson, Arland Bruce IV, and Sam LaPorta spearheading the passing game.

Jones may simply be motivated by wanting to give himself the best opportunity to get playing time, plug a gap in a program that desperately needs a wide receiver, and better his chances to make the jump to the NFL. If that is the case, more power to Jones for doing what he feels is best for his career.

Jones leaves a gap in Iowa’s production both offensively and on special teams. With a punt return touchdown in 2020, a kickoff return touchdown last season, and three receiving touchdowns in 2021, his departure is notable.

As more news comes out on the landing spot of Jones, Hawkeye fans can only wait and see if Iowa will indeed be seeing him on Nov. 5.

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Can Spencer Petras and the Iowa Hawkeyes’ passing offense become passable in 2022?

The Iowa passing offense was not great in 2021. Can Spencer Petras lead an actually passable passing attack in 2022?

Little known fact, the Iowa Hawkeyes were a bad passing team last year. The team finished with a 10-4 record and had an appearance in the Big Ten championship game, mostly in spite of the passing attack.

Austin Nivison of 247Sports was recently joined by David Eickholt of Hawkeye Insider to take a look at the fledgling Iowa passing offense and see if it can improve in 2022.

“At the end of the day, Spencer Petras is probably going to be the starting quarterback on Sept. 3, unless Iowa brings in a transfer quarterback … Petras being a third-year starter and you look at the numbers last year, and yeah he dealt with some injuries,” Eickholt said. “Throw in Alex Padilla. He flashed at some moments, but again you look at the numbers, and they aren’t there.” – Nivison, 247Sports.

Last year the Hawkeyes were 109th in total passing yards per game with a measly 180.1 per game. After passing for two touchdowns against Penn State on October offense, the offense did not throw for a single score the rest of the year. Literally, the next passing touchdown came against Kentucky in the bowl game in 2022.

For the passing troubles, it is necessary to look at the quarterback Spencer Petras. All signs point to Petras starting once again, despite some speculation that backup Alex Padilla could provide some competition over the spring. Last year Petras completed his passes at a 57% clip, and only threw 10 touchdowns, one more than his nine interceptions. Add in the fact that he didn’t even reach 2,000 passing yards, 1,880 in 2021.

“Like I said, I think there’s so much pressure on Petras to really stand out and perform. He’s lost some weight, which has helped his mobility a little bit. Losing (Tyler) Linderbaum is obviously massive, but I do think Iowa’s offensive line is gonna take a step forward next year. Then you get Keagan Johnson and Arland Bruce, who I do think will be two pretty capable receivers. I’m very high on Keagan Johnson, former four-star from 247Sports. Sam LaPorta, I think he could be a first-team All-Big Ten caliber tight end with his numbers he put up last year. Again, the pieces are in place. It really is gonna come down to quarterback play for Iowa,” Eickholt said. – Nivison, 247Sports.

Yes, all the past blame shouldn’t be placed solely on Petras. The play calling needs to be better and more creative and the pass catchers have to take a step up.

All that said, Petras needs to be better, and with the rest of the offense expected to take a step forward, it is on him to do the same. He has the experience, multiple years as a starter, and now in his final season as a Hawkeye, he needs to deliver if Iowa has any aspirations of making it back to the Big Ten championship game and hopefully putting in a much better performance.

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247Sports crowns Iowa Hawkeyes’ Keagan Johnson as a ‘unicorn’ for the 2022 season

Iowa Hawkeyes receiver Keagan Johnson has found himself as one of the few ‘unicorns’ in the country for the 2022 season per 247Sports.

Hold the phone. The Iowa Hawkeyes’ defense is not the only ones getting national media recognition. There is some notice getting put onto a young star that began to blossom in the 2021 season.

That would be sophomore receiver Keagan Johnson. The explosive receiver has been labeled as one of only 15 ‘unicorns’ by 247Sports for the upcoming 2022 season. 247Sports’ Will Backus believes Johnson is an example of the modern-day player that can expose defenses in multiple ways.

College football offenses love gadget players. Johnson fits that mold perfectly. He is one of the fastest players in the country, regardless of position, and had three catches of 40-plus yards last season as a freshman — the same as all of Iowa’s other receivers combined. Averaging 19.6 yards per catch, he is a big play waiting to happen. The Hawkeyes would do well moving him all over the field and, given his ability after the catch, they could drum up some packages utilizing him in the backfield. – Backus, 247Sports.

One does not have to look too far to see how explosive Johnson is and the playmaking ability that he possesses. As a true freshman last year, he was able to be a catalyst to an offense that needed sparks at times to move the ball. Johnson’s ability to produce chunk plays and generate excitement as soon as the ball touches his hands definitely constitutes him as a ‘unicorn.’

Below shows how multi-faceted the young receiver is. There is the run after catch talent, the strength to break tackles, and the ability to win deep.

Yards after catch

Strength

Explosiveness

As the Hawkeyes gear up for the upcoming 2022 season, the offense could lean heavily on Keagan Johnson to expose defenses in multiple ways that he has already shown he can do.

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Iowa Hawkeyes’ Keagan Johnson hosting youth camp with NFL stars Cade Johnson, Noah Fant

Iowa’s Keagan Johnson announced that he and his brother, Seattle Seahawk Cade Johnson, will be hosting a camp with former Hawkeye Noah Fant.

Iowa starting wide receiver Keagan Johnson has just announced that his summer camp will feature an NFL star and former Hawkeye great. Johnson and his brother, Cade Johnson of the Seattle Seahawks, will be hosting “The Johnson Brothers Football Camp” in June.

The brothers’ camp will be focused on providing insight for quarterbacks and receivers. The camp is June 18th at 6 p.m. CT at Bellevue West Football Field. Joining the Johnson brothers is former Iowa Hawkeye tight end Noah Fant.

Fant was recently traded to the Seahawks this offseason after beginning his career with the Denver Broncos. His time in Iowa City is fondly remembered for the performances he put on that boosted him to being a first-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft. Fant ended his Iowa career with 78 receptions, 19 touchdown grabs and 1,083 receiving yards.

Cade Johnson is currently a member of the Seattle Seahawks. In a fun twist, he spent his collegiate career as a member of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits. That happens to be Iowa’s opening matchup at Kinnick Stadium on September 22.

Meanwhile, Keagan Johnson is expected to be one of the primary weapons on an Iowa offense that is looking for his playmaking ability to take the next leap. Johnson finished the 2021 season with 18 grabs, a pair of touchdown receptions and 352 receiving yards.

In Iowa’s 24-14 week four win over Colorado State, Johnson became the first true freshman wide receiver to start for the Hawkeyes since Ihmir Smith-Marsette did so in 2017. Johnson made sure to reward the coaches for that decision. The Bellevue, Neb., native opened the scoring against the Rams with a 43-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Spencer Petras. He also reeled in a 49-yard reception versus Colorado State.

Along the way, Johnson had other moments of brilliance. In the Hawkeyes’ 27-22 November win over Minnesota, Johnson appeared to be stopped for a loss by Gopher defenders Thomas Rush and Coney Durr after a reception from quarterback Alex Padilla. Instead, Johnson stayed upright, bouncing off the pair of would-be Minnesota tacklers and raced 27 yards into the end zone for a pivotal fourth-quarter score.

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Sam LaPorta looks to retain his Big Ten tight end crown in 2022

Sam LaPorta was the main pass catcher for the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2021, leading Big Ten tight ends in receiving last season.

Tell me if you have heard this before: the Iowa Hawkeyes have one of the top tight ends not only in the Big Ten conference but in the entire NCAA. Sounds a bit familiar, right? George Kittle, Noah Fant, T.J. Hockenson. Now, enter Sam LaPorta.

The buzz around LaPorta is only continuing to grow as the nation wakes up and begins to recognize the talent level that the Hawkeyes’ tight end possesses.

Entering his fourth season for Iowa, he has improved every major statistical category year-over-year. The 6-foot-4, 249 pound tight end has increased his receptions, yards, and touchdowns each season as Iowa’s offense has steadily ramped up how often it feeds the ball to LaPorta.

Per Pro Football Focus’ research from their college department, you can see just how dominant LaPorta was within the Big Ten in 2021. His 53 catches and 670 yards were both tops in the Big Ten last season.

The part that illustrates just how good LaPorta is and could continue to become is his ability to make things happen with the ball downfield. Nearly half of his total yardage came after the catch. It speaks to his speed and mobility, traits that are becoming more and more popular in modern-day tight ends. Over 200 yards after contact says a lot about LaPorta’s willingness to make the tough catch and take on contact.

This joins the list of other outlets discussing what could be ahead for the Hawkeyes’ tight end. PFF also lists LaPorta as their fifth-best tight end and No. 90 overall prospect entering 2022. Athlon Sports believes he will once again be Iowa’s No. 1 target this fall as he looks to build on a career that has put him in the eyes of NFL decision makers.

With defensive coordinators focusing their attention on LaPorta this fall, don’t expect the production to slow down. The emergence of young receivers Keagan Johnson and [autotag]Arland Bruce IV[/autotag] should stretch the defense more than previous seasons leaving the space between the hashmarks open for LaPorta to feast on.

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