Leshon Williams – Page 2 – Syndication Server

5 Offensive keys for the Iowa Hawkeyes against South Dakota State

Here’s five keys for the Iowa Hawkeyes on offense to get the season off to a strong start in week one against South Dakota State.

Week One is the perfect time to work out the kinks, earning some needed chemistry and playing time. While No. 2 Ohio State is playing a national contender in No. 5 Notre Dame to kick off their season, Iowa is also facing a national championship contender, albeit a very different one.

The Hawkeyes will host the South Dakota State Jackrabbits at Kinnick Stadium to kick off their season. It certainly isn’t the toughest week one slate, they didn’t elect to schedule a top 25 team like No. 12 Oregon or a returning College Football Playoff team in No. 22 Cincinnati, but SDSU is certainly not a pushover. They aimed for a bit more of an ambitious FCS opponent than say Wisconsin taking on Illinois State, a team that didn’t even muster five wins in 2021.

Expectations are high for the Hawkeyes, fresh off of their Big Ten Championship game campaign. The first team left on the outside looking in of the USA TODAY Sports AFCA coaches poll, Iowa certainly has a chip on its shoulder entering the season. After an offseason of incessant talking points, none of that matters anymore. The season is here, time to put up or shut up. Here are five keys for the Iowa offense against South Dakota State.

‘They’re not the same’: Kirk Ferentz discusses Hawkeyes’ running backs Gavin, Leshon Williams

Kirk Ferentz broke down the Hawkeyes’ two primary rushers, Gavin and Leshon Williams, ahead of the 2022 season opener.

By season’s end, the Iowa Hawkeyes will have a new leading rusher. That’s because the Hawkeyes’ leading rusher in 2021, running back Tyler Goodson, is off to the NFL where he’s still looking to catch on somewhere.

Goodson finished the 2021 season for Iowa with 1,151 rushing yards on 256 carries and six touchdowns. Those numbers were good for a 4.5 yards per carry average last season.

Now, enter Williams times two. [autotag]Gavin Williams[/autotag] and [autotag]Leshon Williams[/autotag] were listed as the Hawkeyes No. 1 and No. 2 running backs in the South Dakota State depth chart reveal, respectively.

Gavin Williams, a 6-foot, 214 pound running back from Altoona, Iowa, rushed 65 times for 305 rushing yards in 2021. That included 28 carries over the Hawkeyes’ final two games, including 16 totes for 98 rushing yards in Iowa’s 20-17 Vrbo Citrus Bowl loss against Kentucky.

Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz was asked how important it was to help them prepare for 2022 that the pair saw legitimate action in last season’s bowl game.

“I think so, for sure. I still appreciate the fact that we knew a couple weeks out ahead. That was a good thing. Tyler gave us a heads up on that, so it gave both those guys a chance to prepare as starters, and they both did a nice job I thought all month in December and both played well in the bowl game.

“I think at least we came into this season feeling pretty good about who our one and two are and how they can do, and both of them have done a great job, and then the key thing is moving forward with the younger guys. It’s been a really good valuable four weeks for both the incoming freshmen. They’ve done a nice job,” Ferentz said.

And what about their styles? Is there a distinctive difference between the pair’s running styles?

“They’re not the same. Obviously they have the same last name, but a little different styles I guess. But they’re both, they complement each other well. I think they’re both very, very capable. Gavin was probably a little bit more polished if you would or refined when he got here. He just continues to do a really good job. He’s studying everything he does and really has a mature approach.

“Leshon I think is the guy who’s kind of, he’s really surprised us. I think it was a year ago spring when I mentioned he just kind of caught my eye, and I think he’s done nothing but improve since that time. I think both of them are very capable of playing well, so it’s good to know you have two guys that you have confidence in. Now the next challenge is, who’s going to be the next man in,” Ferentz said.

Two freshmen running backs, Kaleb Johnson and Jaziun Patterson, will have a legitimate chance to earn that No. 3 running back position.

“I think both of them are in the mix right now. At least we have plans to let them go, as well, and we’ll see how the game plays out. But I don’t know if they’ll both be in there Saturday, but my guess is at least one of them will,” Ferentz said of Johnson and Patterson.

It’ll be interesting to see how the rushing attack as a whole shakes out for the Hawkeyes. Iowa ranked No. 101 nationally in rushing offense last season, averaging 123.6 rushing yards per game.

Of course, Williams times two will go a long way in determining just how explosive the Hawkeyes’ offense is in 2022.

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

The Iowa Hawkeyes

The season-opening week for the Iowa Hawkeyes is upon us and that means it’s almost time for Iowa to lock horns with the South Dakota State Jackrabbits.

Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes released an offensive depth chart ahead of Big Ten Media Days, but, now that kickoff is this week, the Hawkeyes have revealed an updated offensive depth chart.

Fans suspected that Spencer Petras would remain as Iowa’s No. 1 quarterback. That is the case in the season-opening depth chart. What other surprises await Hawkeye fans in the first in-season depth chart reveal? Let’s take a look at the full Iowa offensive depth chart for South Dakota State.

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.

“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.

Best photos of the Iowa Hawkeyes at 2022 Kids’ Day at Kinnick

Take a look back at the Iowa Hawkeyes’ 2022 Kids’ Day at Kinnick through these great photos.

Kids’ Day at Kinnick is one of the best annual traditions for the Iowa football program. Once again, the Hawkeyes put on a show for fans in attendance.

Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz was pleased with what he saw across the board 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 said he thought his guys moved around well and was happy with their attitude and focus. He also liked these two pieces of his players’ performance.

Of course, in addition to representing the Hawkeyes’ 10th practice of training camp and one that fans and media are witness to, it’s an opportunity for players to sign autographs for kids and engage with Iowa’s younger fans.

Here were the best photos of the day that was at the 2022 Kids’ Day at Kinnick.

Brian Ferentz updates Iowa’s quarterback competition, details the start of 2022 camp

Hawkeyes offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz spoke at Iowa Media Days and discussed the start of camp and the state of his quarterbacks.

Iowa offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Brian Ferentz met with the media to discuss the start of the Hawkeyes’ 2022 fall camp, the state of Iowa’s quarterback play and more during Iowa Media Days.

Why the Iowa Hawkeyes can find offensive success in 11 personnel

The Iowa Hawkeyes could find offensive success relying heavily on 11 personnel in 2022. Here is an in-depth look at the offensive scheme.

It’s no secret that the Iowa Hawkeyes’ offense was stuck in mud at times last year. There was a struggle to consistently move the ball and the Hawkeyes trudged along oftentimes to the dismay of many fans.

There has been talk of changes in 2022 and how to get the offense back on track. The experience along the offensive line coming back could be a key factor, the playmakers on the outside can help the passing game, and the new running backs look like they can provide four yards a pop when needed with their downhill running style.

But what else can make the Hawkeyes’ offense go? It isn’t just the guys out on the field, but it is the scheme and making life easier on themselves before the ball is ever even snapped. Relying on a specific personnel grouping for the Hawkeyes could be a key to unlock more offensive success.

Utilizing “11” personnel could create a much different look for the Hawkeyes than fans and opponents are used to seeing and give Iowa some advantages in both the rushing and passing game.

Let’s dive into what this personnel grouping is, the athletes this grouping would allow to share the field together, how it would create advantages pre-snap, what different looks Iowa could do with it, and some examples of teams that have had extraordinary success using it.

As always, I love engaging with readers so I would love to hear your thoughts on this X’s and O’s analysis of the offensive scheme. My Twitter profile is at the end of this article and never, ever hesitate to reach out there.

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.

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.