Tag: Nico Ragaini

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.

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.

‘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.

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.

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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Iowa Hawkeyes Snapshot Profile: No. 6 Keagan Johnson

Keagan Johnson burst onto the scene as a true freshman. What lies ahead for the sophomore in 2022?

The Hawkeyes return one of the most experienced offenses in the Big Ten. In multiple offensive positions, Iowa boasts seasoned seniors who will continue to be reliable pieces for Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz and offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz. That list includes standout tight end Sam LaPorta and slot receiver Nico Ragaini.

Fans sort of already know how most of the returning receivers can play and what value they add to this team, but [autotag]Keagan Johnson[/autotag] is a potential star Hawkeye fans should be excited for in 2022.

In his freshman year at Iowa, Johnson was the team’s leading deep threat, averaging over 19 yards per catch. While he didn’t receive a ton of work in Iowa’s run-heavy system, Johnson made the most of his touches. Johnson excelled the most in the short game where he could use his speed after the catch to make a play happen.

The Bellevue, Neb., native’s pair of fourth-quarter catch and runs against Penn State and Minnesota this past season are just a glimpse at the talent Johnson possesses.

The 6-foot-1, 197 pound wide receiver will have the opportunity this year to prove that he can keep rounding out his game to more than just occasional flashes. Iowa has to make it an objective to involve him in the offense a lot more as Johnson could be the star the Hawkeye wide receiver room has sorely missed since the departure of Ihmir Smith-Marsette.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Bellevue, Neb.

Ht: 6-1

Wt: 197

Class in 2022: Sophomore

247Sports composite ranking

2021 four-star / No. 23 athlete / No. 3 player in Nebraska

Career Stats

Receiving & Rushing Table
Receiving Rushing Scrimmage
Year School Conf Class Pos G Rec Yds Avg TD Att Yds Avg TD Plays Yds Avg TD
*2021 Iowa Big Ten FR WR 9 18 352 19.6 2 3 8 2.7 0 21 360 17.1 2
Career Iowa 18 352 19.6 2 3 8 2.7 0 21 360 17.1 2
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 5/9/2022.

Depth Chart Overview

Keagan Johnson is currently slotted to be the Hawkeyes’ top receiver, at least it appears that way on the depth chart. Listed as one of Iowa’s starting wide receivers in the spring’s initial depth chart reveal, look for Iowa to try and possibly get creative with Johnson. With his natural athleticism, he can be used in an abundance of ways, not just in the traditional X-receiver role.

Iowa has not really featured a receiver since Smith-Marsette, but Johnson could certainly change that. LaPorta garnered a majority of the receiving work in 2021, while the rest was pretty equally divided among the wideouts. Hopefully, Johnson can gain that true No. 1 status with a strong sophomore season.

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Best photos of Keagan Johnson’s freshman season with the Iowa Hawkeyes

Wide receiver Keagan Johnson showcased early his ability as a playmaker. Here’s Johnson’s best freshman season photos with the Hawkeyes.

Sophomore wide receiver Keagan Johnson illustrated during his true freshman campaign that he’s going to be a playmaker for Iowa. The 6-foot-1, 197 pound wide receiver appeared in 13 games during the 2021 season and made nine starts.

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.

Johnson and Arland Bruce IV made history against Illinois in week 11. Both started against the Illini, marking the first time in Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz’s tenure that a pair of true freshmen wide receivers started the same game.

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.

Johnson finished the 2021 season with 18 receptions for 352 receiving yards and a pair of touchdown grabs. Here’s a look at Johnson’s best photos with the Hawkeyes thus far.