Tag: Noah Shannon

5 takeaways from the Iowa Hawkeyes’ abysmal opener against South Dakota State

Iowa topped South Dakota State, 7-3. Here’s the five biggest takeaways from the Hawkeyes’ season-opening triumph.

I honestly don’t even feel like writing about this game, or giving this team any attention right now. All credit to South Dakota State. They are not a pushover despite their FCS status and they played hard on defense. They were overmatched on offense, which was always going to be a likelihood with the talent on Iowa’s defense, but they surely were right there to stop Iowa’s offense.

Was that South Dakota State playing out of their minds, or Iowa just being a complete disaster? You can make your own judgement, but I know what my choice is.

I don’t care that they are a good FCS opponent, this Iowa team went into the season with aspirations of making it back to the Big Ten Championship game! That’s how you start out the season at home?! It was an embarrassment, it was a disgrace, and a disservice to every fan that sat through that mess in Kinnick Stadium Saturday. Ferentz and his staff need to figure it out, or this is going to be a long, long season.

That said off the top, let’s look at five of the biggest takeaways for the Hawkeyes versus South Dakota State.

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.

‘I think so’: Iowa LB Seth Benson believes Hawkeyes’ defense can be better in 2022

Can Iowa’s defense actually be better in 2022? That’s the question the Hawkeyes have been getting asked. There’s reasons to say yes.

Expecting Iowa’s defense to improve upon what that unit accomplished in 2021 might seem like a tall task at first glance. After all, the Hawkeyes finished No. 13 nationally in scoring defense, surrendering just 19.2 points per game.

Iowa also ranked No. 17 in total defense and reeled in an FBS-best 25 interceptions. Topping all of that would be quite the feat for Hawkeye defensive coordinator Phil Parker and his group.

Plus, the Hawkeyes are set to replace a pair of key cogs on the back end defensively in cornerback Matt Hankins and safety Jack Koerner. Then, there’s fellow starters in defensive end Zach VanValkenburg and CASH Dane Belton that need replacing.

Those four players combined for 130 career starts. Last season alone, that group accounted for 237 tackles, 22.5 tackles for loss, 15 pass breakups, 11 quarterback hurries, 10 interceptions and 5.5 sacks.

Still, Iowa returns plenty of firepower defensively. Up front, the Hawkeyes bring back Yahya Black, Deontae Craig, Joe Evans, Logan Lee, Lukas Van Ness, Noah Shannon and John Waggoner. In his first summer availability, Lee was already raving about Iowa’s defensive line depth.

In the secondary, Sporting News tabbed cornerback Riley Moss as a first-team preseason All-America selection. It’s the third different media outlet to do so. There’s plenty of optimism surrounding what fellow corners Cooper DeJean, Jermari Harris and Terry Roberts can bring to the table.

Then, at safety, Sebastian Castro, Kaevon Merriweather, Jaxon Rexroth and Quinn Schulte all represent reliable options. Five-star freshman defensive back Xavier Nwankpa also figures to have his imprints on this defense sooner rather than later.

And, of course, there’s the linebackers. Senior Jack Campbell has been getting plenty of preseason love after leading the country with 143 tackles last season. He joins Moss as a preseason first-team All-America selection by Sporting News, Athlon Sports and Phil Steele.

It’s for those reasons that returning weak side linebacker Seth Benson believes defensive improvement could in fact be a reality for the Hawkeyes in 2022.

“Yeah, I think so. Obviously, just got to keep pushing ourselves. Communication. It comes down to communication and executing everything, so just continue to push ourselves, not set limits for ourselves and just keep going upwards,” Benson said with HawkeyeReport‘s Tom Kakert.

While Campbell has deservingly received plenty of preseason recognition, Benson registered 105 tackles, eight quarterback hurries, 5.5 tackles for loss, three pass breakups, two sacks, and in interception in his own right in 2021.

Iowa also has Jestin Jacobs back. The 6-foot-4, 238 pound Englewood, Ohio, native tallied 53 tackles, a pair of quarterback hurries, two sacks, one forced fumble, one interception and 0.5 sack last season.

“Yeah, just super excited, ready to just get things rolling and start getting back out there and start playing again. Besides the fact of the on-field stuff, it’s just a great group to be with every day and work with. Even past Jack and Jestin, all those guys, Kyler (Fisher), Jay (Higgins), Logan Klemp, just down the list. Just a great group of guys to be with that push each other and know the ultimate goal that we’re trying to get to,” Benson said.

Jacobs echoed Benson’s optimism for Iowa’s defense entering 2022 with Hawk Central‘s Chad Leistikow.

“I’m very optimistic. Just because I’m seeing every day what we’re doing, how we’re putting in our work, how we’re focusing on the little things each and every day. It definitely leaves me with confidence in our defense knowing that each and every day we’re working to get better,” Jacobs said.

As the architect of Iowa’s defense, Parker gets a lion’s share of the credit. But don’t forget about the contributions from linebackers coach Seth Wallace.

“It is one of the most rewarding things, one of the most challenging days, but one of the best men I’ve been able to meet and be coached by and I’d say one of the best coaches I’ve ever been a part of as well. Each and every day he’s going to come in and he’s going to push you to your absolute best. Even if you make a good play, he’s always going to be critical on you, because you can make another good play and you can do it even better.

“He just knows how to get me going. He knows how to push me to the best. He knows how to critique me. To my fundamentals, to my effort. Every single thing. He’s one of the first coaches here and always one of the last coaches to leave just because he’s going to spend the same time on each and every one of us. And one of the most detailed guys. I could go on and on and on,” Benson said of Wallace.

Parker and Wallace have ingrained selflessness within the Hawkeyes’ defenders as well. It’s something Jacobs admits he didn’t arrive in Iowa City with. Or, at least not to the degree he exhibits while manning the CASH position today.

“Yeah, I wouldn’t say it always has been, but I would definitely say it made me grow as a person and it made me grow into that role. Knowing that sacrificing for the betterment of the team is going to make us all better in the end. It’s not about yourself. At the end of the day, you’re playing alongside 10 of your brothers and each play somebody’s relying on you to do your job. That took me a little bit of time to learn and I definitely appreciate that about our defense,” Jacobs said.

Selfless and talented. Defining characteristics of this Iowa defense heading into fall camp, and two reasons why eclipsing 2021 just might be possible.

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‘We have a great opportunity to make an impact’: Logan Lee helping lead Iowa defensive line

Logan Lee is excited about the depth that Iowa’s defensive line brings to the table heading into 2022 and hopefully individual growth.

Logan Lee is one of the big reasons why Iowa fans should be excited about what the Hawkeyes’ defensive line figures to bring to the table in 2022. The 6-foot-5, 275 pound defensive tackle from Orion, Ill., cracked Iowa’s rotation for the first time in 2021 and didn’t disappoint.

Lee started all 14 games as one of the Hawkeyes’ defensive tackles and ended the 2021 season with 48 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, a pass breakup, one quarterback hurry, a fumble recovery and a blocked kick. He’s hoping for more in 2022.

“The biggest thing I’ve always valued is being able to help the team as much as I can and working as hard as I can to be able to put myself in that position. I’ve always been very confident with my abilities. I’m always willing to bet on myself. I knew my time would come and it was able to come last year. I’m planning on completely exceeding that this year,” Lee said with Hawk Central and Iowa reporters earlier this week.

Asked what exceeding 2021 would look like, Lee served up the following.

“Just being able to increase production predominantly, so being able to stay on the field longer and being able to just help the defense as much as I can with my production,” Lee said.

Now that he has a full season’s experience under his belt, an increased workload and jumps in production are reasonable expectations. Still, Lee understands that the nature of his position means that playing assignment-sound football doesn’t always net production at least when it comes to the stat sheet.

“Absolutely. Coach (Kelvin) Bell does a great job. We know what he’s looking for, and there’s oftentimes (where) to you guys it might seem like a failed rep, right? But, to coach Bell, he’s like, ‘You did your job. That was a great rep.’ It was A-plus on the grade sheet, so we go plus and minuses. More often than not, there’s actually a play that might look bad is actually a plus on the sheet because it’s what we are asked to do,” Lee said.

That being said, pass rush is one area he’s really zeroed in on enhancing throughout this offseason.

“I’m doing a lot of hand-fighting stuff. I’ve got a pop-up bag back home and then I’m able to come into the facility at any time of the day, so I do a lot of hand-fighting stuff so I’m able to improve my hand-eye coordination for the pass rush,” Lee said.

The other area would be continuing to add to his 275-pound frame and fine-tuning his understanding of defensive coordinator Phil Parker’s defense.

“Some of the biggest things I think would be beneficial for me are being able to improve my conditioning. That’s always a big thing. I’d like to be able to gain a little bit of weight right now. I’ve kind of plateaued a little bit, but I think I’m doing well. And then, just more knowledge of our defense and why everything’s doing what we’re doing,” Lee said.

Lee joins an Iowa defensive line that also returns starting defensive tackle Noah Shannon and starting defensive end John Waggoner. That duo combined for 72 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and four sacks. Plus, Iowa is expecting big things from Lukas Van Ness and also sees the returns of Joe Evans, Yahya Black and Deontae Craig.

“We’ve got a great group. We’ve got a ton of guys that are potentially capable of playing. There’s close to a dozen guys that we could travel, so there’s quite a few. I’m not going to name any names specifically, but I think we have a great opportunity to make an impact this year,” Lee said.

Then, there’s the defensive line signees from the 2022 class that includes Aaron Graves, Caden Crawford and Brian Allen. While he wasn’t actively looking to name specific standouts up front, Lee was asked what he’s seen of Graves so far.

“He looks really good. He’s moving really well. Great kid. Big fan of him. I’m excited to see what he’s able to do. I’m just trying to kind of take him under my wing a little bit and help him out as much as I can,” Lee said.

It’s an exciting group of players that the Hawkeyes feature along their defensive line heading into 2022 and Lee is one of the puzzle pieces making that the case.

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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.

Iowa Hawkeyes snapshot profile: No. 31 Jack Campbell

Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell led the nation in tackles with 143 last season. How can he replicate or surpass that production in 2022?

Surpassing his 2021 season might mean a first-round selection in the 2023 NFL draft for Iowa linebacker Jack Campbell. The 6-foot-5, 243 pound linebacker out of Cedar Falls High School led the nation with 143 total tackles last season.

His 10.2 tackles per game ranked 10th nationally, trailing only Northwestern’s Chris Bergin and Wisconsin’s Leo Chenal’s 11.8 and 10.4 tackles per game, respectively.

Bergin earned an invite to the Chicago Bears’ rookie minicamp and Chenal was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in the third round of the 2022 NFL draft. Chenal just inked his rookie deal with K.C.

That means Campbell is both the leading returning tackler nationally and the leading returning tackler per game in the Big Ten. After a season that ended with Campbell picking up first-team All-Big Ten honors by the Big Ten’s media and coaches, the expectations are sky high heading into 2022. Campbell was also one of 16 semifinalists for the Butkus Award, which is presented annually to the nation’s top linebacker.

Naturally, Campbell has enjoyed his fair share of praise throughout the offseason. ESPN’s Tom VanHaaren selected Campbell as his choice for the defensive player not named Will Anderson Jr. that would have the biggest impact on the 2022 college football season back in March.

Meanwhile, 247Sports touted Campbell as one of its top 2023 NFL draft stock risers. Pro Football Focus acknowledged Campbell as the top Power Five run stopper and he was named alongside teammate Riley Moss as one of two Hawkeyes on the Lott IMPACT Trophy watchlist. That pair was also selected as first-team All-Big Ten choices by Athlon Sports.

Following a season that put Campbell on the national radar, let’s take a look back at his Iowa career thus far and examine what’s ahead for the star linebacker in 2022.

Preseason player profile

Hometown: Cedar Falls, Iowa

Ht: 6-5

Wt: 243

Class in 2022: Senior

247Sports composite ranking

2019 three-star / No. 44 outside linebacker / No. 4 player from Iowa

Career stats

Defense & Fumbles Table
Tackles Def Int Fumbles
Year School Conf Class Pos G Solo Ast Tot Loss Sk Int Yds Avg TD PD FR Yds TD FF
*2019 Iowa Big Ten FR LB 2 2 3 5 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0
  2020 Iowa Big Ten SO LB 5 21 8 29 3.5 1.0 1 0 0.0 0 3 0 1
*2021 Iowa Big Ten JR LB 14 57 83 140 3.5 1.0 2 33 16.5 1 6 2 1 1
Career Overall 80 94 174 7.0 2.0 3 33 11.0 1 9 2 1 2
Iowa 80 94 174 7.0 2.0 3 33 11.0 1 9 2 1 2
Cincinnati
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 6/7/2022.

Depth chart overview

As one of the top linebackers nationally and a player that has been earmarked as a potential 2023 NFL draft stock riser, it goes without saying that Campbell’s starting status isn’t in question.

The in-state linebacker was once again listed atop the depth chart at the Hawkeyes’ middle linebacker slot to begin the spring and that won’t change between now and Iowa’s season opener versus South Dakota State. How much better can Campbell be than the 143 tackles he delivered in 2021?

Probably not much. And if he leads the nation in total tackles once more, that will be an amazing feat considering the type of attention he will merit from opposing offensive lines. Campbell had a pair of interceptions last season, too. One area Campbell could improve is in the tackles for loss and sacks department. He finished the 2021 season with 3.5 tackles for loss and one sack.

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Full snapshot profile series

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Iowa Hawkeyes Snapshot Profile: No. 99 Noah Shannon

Noah Shannon finally earned a starting role after three years of growing in the Iowa system. Can he elevate his game in his senior season?

Continuing with a deep dive into Iowa’s strong returning defensive line, Noah Shannon is an experienced defensive tackle for the Hawkeyes looking to build off of a good first season as a starter. It’s been a long road for Shannon.

The Montgomery, Ill., native started his journey as a Hawkeye all the way back in 2018. He waited for his opportunity, and his hard work paid off in 2021.

Shannon got the starting job last season and did well in combination with Logan Lee. While his 48 total tackles and two sacks might not jump right off the screen, he does a lot of little things well for the Iowa defense. He might not be the biggest guy, but his burst into the backfield is always a threat and he can create consistent pressure. He waited a long time to be the starter and now looks to have an even better senior year.

Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Montgomery, Ill.

Ht: 6-0

Wt: 289

Class in 2022: Redshirt Senior

247Sports composite ranking

2018 three-star / No. 50 Defensive Tackle / No. 11 Player in Illinois

Defense & Fumbles Table
Tackles Def Int Fumbles
Year School Conf Class Pos G Solo Ast Tot Loss Sk Int Yds Avg TD PD FR Yds TD FF
*2019 Iowa Big Ten FR DL 5 2 3 5 0.0 0.0 0 0 0 0 1 1
2020 Iowa Big Ten SO DL 6 6 5 11 0.5 0.5 0 0 0 1 0 0
*2021 Iowa Big Ten JR DL 13 21 26 47 2.0 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 0
Career Iowa 29 34 63 2.5 2.5 0 0 0 1 1 1
Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 6/5/2022.

Depth Chart Overview

Shannon is currently slated to start once again opposite Lee, but it certainly is a situation to monitor. Looking at spring depth charts, Lukas Van Ness is listed as the backup to Shannon.

Van Ness was a rotational defensive tackle last year as a redshirt freshman and looked like a soon-to-be star. Many expected him to take over for Zach VanValkenburg at edge rusher given his size and ability, but that remains to be seen. If they’re committed to keeping him at tackle, Shannon might be the listed starter but see a nearly equal snap count with Van Ness.

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Best photos of Noah Shannon’s Iowa Hawkeyes career entering 2022

After his best season with Iowa, Hawkeyes defensive lineman Noah Shannon is looking to improve upon his 47 tackles in 2021.

After a career year with the Iowa Hawkeyes, defensive lineman Noah Shannon is looking to build upon that success. The 6-foot, 289 pound defensive tackle registered 47 tackles, two tackles for loss and a pair of sacks in 2021 for Iowa.

It was easily his best season with the Hawkeyes. Shannon eclipsed his previous best single-season tackles total from the 2020 season by 36. Now, Iowa is counting on even more production from the fifth-year senior.

Listed atop the depth chart to begin the spring season as the Hawkeyes’ starting left defensive tackle, Shannon will have the opportunity to enjoy his finest season in the black and gold.

The Oswego High School product out of Montgomery, Ill., arrived in Iowa City as a three-star signee in the 2018 class. According to 247Sports, Shannon was the No. 68 defensive tackle and the No. 25 player out of Illinois.

He chose the Hawkeyes over offers from schools such as Arkansas, Cincinnati, Indiana, Iowa State, Kansas State, Michigan State, Minnesota, Missouri, Rutgers, Syracuse, Virginia and Washington State.

Here’s a look back at his career with the Hawkeyes thus far through these great photos.

Iowa Hawkeyes ranked No. 7 in ESPN’s future defensive power rankings

ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg ranked the Iowa Hawkeyes No. 7 in his future defensive power rankings.

Iowa doesn’t appear to be giving up its tradition of strong defensive football any time soon.

Recently, ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg whipped out his crystal ball to rank the top 25 defenses in college football over the next three years. The Hawkeyes cracked the top 10, finishing 7th in the rankings. Rittenberg was especially impressed with Iowa’s ever-replenishing supply of defensive backs, as well as the immediate impact of the linebackers currently on the roster.

Can we start calling Iowa low-key DBU? Coordinator Phil Parker and his group aren’t the type to ask for labels, but they’ve produced the Big Ten’s Defensive Back of the Year five times in the 12-year history of the award, including four times since 2015. – Rittenberg, ESPN.

The next in line for “low-key DBU” is cornerback Riley Moss, last year’s Tatum-Woodson Defensive Back of the Year. That’s awarded to the best defensive back in the Big Ten.

The senior had four picks last year in his first-team All-Big Ten campaign. The third-team All-American will be returning for his fifth season and is flanked by returning starting safety Kaevon Merriweather and corner Jermari Harris.

While they did lose star safety and newly drafted New York Giant Dane Belton, keep an eye on incoming five-star freshman Xavier Nwankpa. While his playing status is uncertain for this year, it would not be blasphemous to picture Nwankpa as Iowa’s next Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year winner as well.

Rittenberg also had positive things to say about the Hawkeyes’ defensive line entering 2022.

Iowa’s front four also projects well with veterans such as Logan Lee, Noah Shannon, Joe Evans and John Waggoner all back. Lee is the only non-senior, though, and Iowa will look for sophomore tackles Lukas Van Ness and Yahya Black, sophomore end Deontae Craig and others to keep taking on bigger roles. – Rittenberg, ESPN.

The other position highlighted was the Hawkeyes’ linebacker group. Seen as the backbone of the defense, Iowa is returning a trio of starters. Led by rising draft prospect Jack Campbell, the 6-foot-5, 243 pound linebacker led the nation with 143 tackles. Senior linebacker Seth Benson added 105 tackles in his own right.

Campbell and Seth Benson are joined by junior Jestin Jacobs and will spell trouble for any Big Ten opponent looking to establish the run. The development of the next generation of Hawkeye linebackers in 2021 three-stars Karson Sharar and Jaden Harrell will also be key for maintaining a stranglehold on the position.

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Iowa Hawkeyes tied for the most returning starters among Big Ten programs entering the 2022 season

Athlon Sports took a look at returning starters among Big Ten programs. Iowa has the most returning starters, which sets up well for 2022.

Among Big Ten teams, Iowa has the most returning starters. Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassan took a look at returning starters on Big Ten teams and Iowa is tied for the most returning starters.

According to Lassan, Iowa has 17 returning starters. That number for the Hawkeyes is actually 15 returning starters. Iowa is replacing three starters offensively: running back [autotag]Tyler Goodson[/autotag], All-American center [autotag]Tyler Linderbaum[/autotag] and left guard [autotag]Kyler Schott[/autotag].

Goodson rushed for 1,151 yards on 256 carries with six rushing touchdowns. He also caught 31 passes for 247 yards and a score. Linderbaum started each of the team’s 35 games over the past three seasons and Schott started the final 10 games of last season and 18 over his Hawkeye career.

Defensively, Iowa will replace defensive end [autotag]Zach VanValkenburg[/autotag] who started all 14 games and 35 in his career. VanValkenburg had 15 tackles for loss and 5.5 sacks last season. The Hawkeyes are also replacing linebacker [autotag]Dane Belton[/autotag], cornerback [autotag]Matt Hankins[/autotag] and safety [autotag]Jack Koerner[/autotag].

Koerner finished third on the team with 88 tackles in 2021. Meanwhile, Belton had 46 tackles, seven pass breakups and five interceptions. Hankins added 44 tackles, five pass breakups and three interceptions. That trio combined to start 95 games over the course of their Iowa careers.

Although the Hawkeyes are in good shape, the losses – center Tyler Linderbaum, running back Tyler Goodson, defensive end Zach VanValkenburg, safety Jack Koerner, defensive back Dane Belton and cornerback Matt Hankins – are significant. – Lassan, Athlon Sports.

The production that Iowa is replacing offensively and defensively is certainly notable. Goodson was Iowa’s leading rusher and Koerner and VanValkenburg were the Hawkeyes’ third and fourth-leading tacklers. Still, there should be optimism that Iowa returns its top two tacklers in linebackers Jack Campbell and Seth Benson who racked up 143 and 105 tackles last year, respectively.

Offensively, Iowa has both quarterbacks [autotag]Spencer Petras[/autotag] and [autotag]Alex Padilla[/autotag] returning. While fans have good reason to want to see more production from both, returning experience at the quarterback position can never be overstated. The Hawkeyes also return five of their top six receiving yardage leaders in tight end [autotag]Sam LaPorta[/autotag] and then wide receivers [autotag]Keagan Johnson[/autotag], [autotag]Nico Ragaini[/autotag], [autotag]Charlie Jones[/autotag] and [autotag]Arland Bruce IV[/autotag].

Iowa’s 15 returning starters matches Maryland and Purdue. Michigan State returns the next-most starters with 14.

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