Tag: Sebastian Castro

7 standouts from Day 3 of 2025 Senior Bowl practices

In a spirited close to Senior Bowl practices, defensive players won the day.

The 2025 Senior Bowl practices are in the books.

While the annual college all-star game is still on the way, many of the NFL’s scouts, coaches, and decision makers will now head out of town as the practices are the part of the week that looms largest.

Here are seven players who stood out most in the last practice sessions of the week:

DL Landon Jackson (Arkansas)

Jackson certainly looks the part at a well-built 6’6, 273 pounds. But after an up-and-down first couple of days, the Razorbacks lineman started wreaking havoc Thursday.

In addition to some clear wins in one-on-ones, Jackson was a force in run defense during team drills.

DL Darius Alexander (Toledo)

Alexander didn’t arrive to Mobile as a well-known name, but the Toledo lineman opened some eyes. The 6’4, 304-pounder was remarkably quick and explosive for a player his size and found himself in the backfield often Thursday.

WR Tez Johnson (Oregon)

Johnson is the only player to appear on these standouts lists twice, but it’s almost impossible to understate how dominant the 5’9 receiver was on the practice field. Johnson was easily the toughest cover for defensive backs all week and found separation with ease, using his sharp route-running and lightning quick feet to leave defenders in the dust.

S Sebastian Castro (Iowa)

The Senior Bowl isn’t really a place where safeties typically shine. One-on-one coverage assignments are never easy for the position, as wide receivers and running backs are a bit too quick and tight ends are a bit too large to give safeties a chance to do well consistently.

Castro made it work, though. In team drills, he was always around the ball and in the right spot. In one-on-ones, Castro did pretty well against the talented group of National Team tight ends.

LB Shemar James (Florida)

Linebacker is another spot where it’s difficult to stand out in an all-star game, but James was probably the fastest at the position in Mobile and flew all over the field Thursday. He was especially impressive in coverage drills, where he locked down some elusive running backs in space.

EDGE Danny Striggow (Minnesota)

The Golden Gophers pass rusher played at the Hula Bowl and told ESPN that he call at 11 p.m. ET on Wednesday night that he had an opportunity to be added to the Senior Bowl roster. Striggow made the most of the abrupt opportunity, hopping on a pair of flights and arriving just in time to make some impressive plays in the last practice of the week.

EDGE Princely Umanmielen

For a player who’s 6’4, 264 pounds, Umanmielen showed remarkable bend and balance Thursday. The Ole Miss pass rusher, who began at Florida, recorded 34.5 tackles for loss in his last three collegiate seasons. In Mobile, he showed he has multiple moves and counters, and the body control to pull off a little bit of everything.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Iowa DB Sebastian Castro explains why he chose to play in Music City Bowl vs. Missouri

One final ride for Sebastian Casro.

As Iowa (8-4, 6-3 Big Ten) prepares for Monday’s TransPerfect Music City Bowl clash against Missouri (9-3, 5-3 SEC), sixth-year senior defensive back Sebastian Castro spoke about his decision to participate and what being a Hawkeye has meant to him during his tenure in Iowa City.

When asked why he didn’t opt out of the bowl game, the 5-foot-11, 205-pound senior stated he owed it to the program to play one last time as a gift of gratitude after the countless lessons and memories gained while wearing the black and gold.

“I mean, it’s like a bittersweet ending. This is going to be my sixth year here after the season. I’ve been here a long time, and I love being here. I’m grateful for everything that’s changed my life coming to this program. But it’s time to go, you know? I can’t be here forever. I appreciate all the memories, everything I learned,” Castro replied.

“That’s why I’m playing the bowl game. I feel like I owe it to the program to play this game. Just do it one more time. It’s going to be a fun one. I’ve been having fun this past 3-4 weeks. I just try to enjoy everything.”

Matt Krohn-Imagn Images

Entering his 53rd career game and 32nd start as a Hawkeye, Castro has recorded 112 solo tackles and 50 assists for a total of 162 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, two sacks, five forced fumbles, 18 pass deflections, four interceptions, and one defensive touchdown.

The Music City Bowl kicks off from Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tennessee, at 1:30 p.m. CT. The game will be televised on ESPN and can be listened to on the Hawkeye Radio Network.

Raiders land top QB, 2nd RB in latest PFF 3-round mock draft

The latest PFF mock draft goes three rounds with the Raiders snagging top QB Shedeur Sanders as well as the second RB in Omarion Hampton.

With the Raiders continuing their free fall this season, they appear like a sure bet for one of the top picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. With still six games left in the 2024 NFL season, PFF has already put out a three-round NFL mock draft with the Raiders (finally) addressing their need at QB as well as adding talent at a couple other positions as well.

2. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: QB SHEDEUR SANDERS, COLORADO

Though quarterback Aidan O’Connell managed to get the Raiders in range for an upset in Kansas City this week, all indications point toward the team selecting a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. Sanders stands out as the most pro-ready quarterback in this class, earning high passing grades in each of the last two seasons and excelling under pressure with one of the highest passing grades in those situations — though he does tend to take a lot of sacks. While his arm strength might not be elite, Sanders is a polished passer the Raiders can put their faith in.

34. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: RB OMARION HAMPTON, NORTH CAROLINA

Hampton is the second running back off the board in this mock draft behind only Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty selected at 13 overall by the Cowboys.

66. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS: S/CB SEBASTIAN CASTRO, IOWA

PFF seems to have forgotten the Raiders own the Jets’ third round pick. They have the Jets picking at 70 overall in the third round, which means the Raiders would have two picks atop that round and at least four picks in the first three rounds.

Iowa updates injury outlook prior to Northwestern

An updated look at Iowa’s injury front vs. Northwestern.

The Iowa Hawkeyes return home to play host to the Northwestern Wildcats on Saturday afternoon in a 2:30 p.m. CT kickoff on Big Ten Network.

After a frustrating loss last week at Michigan State, Iowa (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten) is looking to bounce back in a big way in front of its fans from inside Kinnick Stadium.

As the Hawkeyes ready to host the Wildcats, Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz updated the injury front in his weekly press conference.

“Injury-wise, nothing really to report. Addison (Ostrenga) is going to be out for a while and then Beau (Stephens) will not make it this week, so we’ll see what next week brings, but he definitely won’t play this week,” Ferentz said.

Both Ostrenga and Stephens were listed out in last week’s availability report at Michigan State.

On the season, Ostrenga has caught 11 passes for 63 yards with one touchdown grab. Stephens has started 16 games in his career and started the first six games of this season at left guard.

Meanwhile, graduate CASH Sebastian Castro was listed as questionable on last week’s availability report. The 5-foot-11, 205 pound defensive back didn’t dress out against the Spartans.

That gave redshirt sophomore defensive back Koen Entringer an opportunity to make his first career start at MSU. Entringer made the most of it, intercepting a pass from sophomore Michigan State quarterback Aidan Chiles in the first quarter.

However, Entringer exited the Michigan State game with an injury.

“Yeah, I think he’s going to be okay. He’s got a hand issue, but I don’t think it’s going to be career-ending by any stretch,” Ferentz said of Entringer after the Michigan State loss.

On Tuesday, Ferentz provided positive injury updates on both Castro and Entringer.

“They both practiced today, so I anticipate they’re going to be okay. Koen’s injury looked like it might be a little bit more serious on Saturday. But fortunately, he’ll be fine,” Ferentz said.

Ferentz had noted after the Michigan State game that Castro was dealing with an ankle tweak.

“I expect him to play next week. At least I think he will. He just tweaked his ankle basically. I thought he might have a chance today, but he couldn’t go yesterday. Hopeful with a little extra time today that maybe he’d be alright, but he’s not. I don’t think it’s anything longterm,” Ferentz said of Castro following the Michigan State game.

Ferentz discussed the plan on the interior of Iowa’s offensive line with Stephens still sidelined. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), senior Tyler Elsbury played 28 snaps and redshirt freshman Kade Pieper played 20 snaps at left guard against Michigan State.

“Yeah, obviously the injury was Beau being out, and that’ll be the case this week, too. We’ll probably go the same way. Tyler has done a great job. I’ve talked about him a lot. Really has good position flexibility. He’ll be our backup center this week, I would imagine, going into the game and start at left guard.

“Then Pieper is a guy, young guy, obviously, a little different, kind of the exact opposite of Tyler, but really impressed us last year and had a really good spring ball and had a good camp, so we think he’s got a really good future right now. So our plan the other night was to play both those guys, and we’ll probably do the same thing this week.

“I mentioned Tyler being the backup center only because Kade has been working backup center, too, but I don’t think we want to have him doing two things this week. So we’ll just keep him at guard and let Tyler float around a little bit. His versatility, part of that comes with his experience. He did a great job last year when Logan was out,” Ferentz said.

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions.

Follow Josh on X: @JoshOnREF

Iowa trio listed on Week 8 availability report at Michigan State

A trio of Hawkeyes are on the Week 8 availability report vs. Michigan State.

A trio of Hawkeyes are listed on the availability report ahead of Iowa’s date at Michigan State on Saturday evening.

Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz revealed in his weekly press conference that the Hawkeyes would once again be without junior tight end Addison Ostrenga. Ostrenga was seen in a sling on the sideline at Ohio State on Oct. 5 and he didn’t play in the Hawkeyes’ 40-16 win over Washington last week.

Ferentz said that junior starting left guard Beau Stephens would be sidelined as well.

“Injury-wise what we went into the game is where we’re at right now. Addison Ostrenga is going to be out several weeks. Beau will not be able to make it this week. Maybe it’s not as bad as we thought earlier in the week, but he definitely will not play Saturday. He was out there today walking around. He has a ways to go.

“On the positive front, looks like Hayden Large will be able to play if he can make it through the week. Optimistic about that. That’s some good news at least,” Ferentz said in his Tuesday press conference.

Iowa’s Week 8 availability report confirms what Ferentz said earlier in the week. Both Ostrenga and Stephens were listed out.

Graduate defensive back and CASH Sebastian Castro was also listed as questionable versus the Spartans.

On the season, Ostrenga has caught 11 passes for 63 yards with one touchdown grab. Stephens has started 16 games in his career.

Castro has 28 tackles, one tackle for loss, one forced fumble and one interception on the season. In his Hawkeye career, Castro has registered 134 tackles, 18 passes defensed, 12 tackles for loss, four interceptions, four forced fumbles, two sacks and one defensive touchdown.

Kickoff at Michigan State is set for 6:30 p.m. CT on NBC.

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions.

Follow Josh on X: @JoshOnREF

Steelers scouts swarm Week 6, Ohio State vs Iowa: Finding future stars

The Steelers are preparing for the future! Pittsburgh sent out scouts to witness some of College Football’s best from Ohio State and Iowa.

From Omar Khan aggressively pursuing a trade for Davante Adams to preparation for next year’s draft, there is a lot to love about this team’s future. Pittsburgh’s scouting team is looking to keep the ‘Khan Artist’ happy with the CFB matchups this week.

It was reported on Saturday morning that Pittsburgh was one of ten teams to send personnel to scout the Ohio State vs Iowa matchup. Pittsburgh made a decision, one that only a select few of these ten teams made, to send more than one scout to the game.

Several dominant and key players from next year’s draft will be showcasing their talent in hopes of becoming top draft selections, such as Ohio State’s WR Emeka Egbuka, EDGE Jack Sawyer, RB Quinshon Judkins, OT Josh Simmons, CB Denzel Burke, and EDGE JT Tuimoloau, to name a few. The University of Iowa also has some aspiring 2025 NFL Draft prospects, like OG Sebastian Castro, DB Xavier Nwankpa, and RB Kaleb Johnson.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Three Iowa Hawkeyes in CBS Sports’ top 151 college football players for 2024

The Hawkeyes once again have top-end talent.

Everyone knows that the Iowa Hawkeyes are often a deep, experienced, veteran roster. It is a huge part of what makes the program so successful. But, like any great program, that requires top-end talent.

Iowa has top-end talent on both sides of the ball and has a few guys that they can count on to make big plays and show up when it matters. That is why they have three players among CBS Sports’ top 151 college football players for 2024.

Those three stars are Sebastian Castro, Luke Lachey, and Jay Higgins. Coming in at No. 104 on the list, which is a bit underrated, is Iowa defensive back Sebastian Castro.

104. Iowa DB Sebastian Castro

One of the top returning corners in the country on a Hawkeye defense that’s always stifling and suffocating. Excellent coverage skills and rarely allows much space before or after the catch, Castro is also a physical presence in run support. c

Castro does it all for Iowa and he proved so last year. He has the ability to cover in the slot and take the ball away but one of his most promising traits is his ability to tackle in the open field, which is often lost among defensive backs.

Coming in at No. 69 and set up for a big year coming off of an injury is tight end Luke Lachey.

69. Iowa TE Luke Lachey

Lachey is one of the better in-line tight ends in the game, we just haven’t seen much of it as he’s coming off a shortened season where an injury held him to three contests. Lachey is a plus-blocker who can hold his own in the zone and gap schemes and is a large target to work the middle of the field in the passing game. Tight End U needs Lachey healthy. If he is, he will be a huge part of Iowa’s success. – Brockermeyer, CBS Sports

Another year, another great tight end for the Hawkeyes. When healthy and playing, Lachey has flashed his brilliance. He has unfortunately been behind Sam LaPorta who is an NFL star and was off to a great start in 2023 before a lower leg injury.

If Lachey can stay healthy, he completely changes this offense and opens things up in the middle.

Coming in highest on the list for the Hawkeyes is returning linebacker Jay Higgins at No. 21.

21. Iowa LB Jay Higgins

Higgins is an extremely productive player who has a nose for the ball and seems to be involved on almost every tackle. He led the country last season with 171 tackles in his first season as a true starter, including 18 against Penn State.

A good athlete who seems to always be in the right spot and is a sure tackler, Higgins only missed seven attempts on the season. He is solid in coverage as well. My hunch is the NFL takes notice in 2025. – Brockermeyer, CBS Sports

Choosing to forego the NFL draft last offseason and return to Iowa has bolstered this defense to another level. Higgins is the center of Phil Parker’s unit and does everything right.

Jay Higgins is primed for another massive year and could skyrocket himself up NFL scouts’ draft boards.

Contact/Follow on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7

Jay Higgins, Sebastian Castro honored as preseason Associated Press All-Americans

Iowa defensive stars Jay Higgins and Sebastian Castro were each named to the preseason Associated Press All-America teams.

Iowa defensive stars Jay Higgins and Sebastian Castro have been recognized by the Associated Press in the preseason.

Fifth year linebacker Jay Higgins and graduate CASH Sebastian Castro were each named to the AP preseason All-America teams on Monday.

Higgins was selected as a preseason AP first-team defense All-American, while Castro was chosen as a preseason AP second-team defense All-American.

Higgins tied Iowa’s all-time single season tackles mark last season with 171. The 6-foot-2, 232 pound linebacker also added five tackles for loss, five passes defensed, two sacks and one interception.

Castro finished his 2023 season with 67 tackles, 11 passes defensed, eight tackles for loss, three interceptions and one pick-six in Iowa’s 20-13 rivalry win over Iowa State.

It’s the latest bit of preseason pub for each. Higgins was also named a preseason first-team All-American by USA TODAY Sports last week. Both Higgins and Castro earned the nod from ESPN as top 100 players heading into the 2024 season.

Higgins was the nation’s No. 36 player nationally and Castro was the country’s No. 19 player according to ESPN.

Similarly, 247Sports tabbed both Higgins and Castro as top 20 defensive players nationally entering the 2024 campaign.

Higgins is Phil Steele’s preseason national defensive player of the year and a preseason first-team All-American by Phil Steele, Athlon Sports and Walter Camp.

Higgins has been named to the Bronko Nagurski, Chuck Bednarik Award, Butkus Award and Allstate Wuerffel Trophy preseason watch lists.

Castro is a preseason second-team All-Big Ten choice by both Phil Steele and Athlon Sports. The Oak Lawn, Ill., product has been named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Jim Thorpe Award and Chuck Bednarik Award preseason watch lists.

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions.

Follow Josh on X:@JoshOnREF

Jay Higgins, Sebastian Castro among 247Sports’ top 20 college football defensive players

Jay Higgins and Sebastian Castro are top 20 players defensively per 247Sports.

The Iowa Hawkeyes are well known for the brand of defense they play and house in Iowa City.

The Hawkeyes are physical, fundamentally sound and tend to surrender very little to opponents. In 2023, Iowa was among the tops nationally in a number of key defensive categories.

Iowa ranked fourth in scoring defense (14.8 points per game), fourth in passing efficiency defense (102.13), fifth in passing yards allowed (170.7 yards per game) and seventh in total defense (282.5 yards per game).

The Hawkeyes also ranked 15th in rushing defense (111.8 rushing yards per game), 15th in third down conversion percentage defense (.313) and 16th in red zone defense (.758). Iowa did all of that despite ranking just 97th nationally in turnovers gained.

Obviously, teams don’t accomplish all of that just based on scheme and coaching alone. Iowa has the star power to make it all work.

Fortunately for the Hawkeyes, all of that star power save for cornerback Cooper DeJean opted to return to Iowa for the 2024 season. Iowa’s defense boasts a collective 192 career starts.

247Sports recognized a pair of Iowa’s stars in its list of the top 20 defensive players in college football headed into the 2024 season. Fifth-year Iowa linebacker Jay Higgins and graduate CASH Sebastian Castro were each honored by 247Sports as top 20 defensive players.

Higgins is the No. 12 defensive player nationally per 247Sports’ Grant Hughes.

Iowa found a diamond in the rough in Higgins, a former three-star recruit who rated as the No. 63 inside linebacker in the class of 2020. He led all FBS defenders in 2023 with 985 snaps and ended the year with 171 tackles, 5.0 tackles for loss and 2.0 sacks. He was also active in coverage, notching five pass breakups and an interception. – Hughes, 247Sports.

Castro is ranked even higher. The 5-foot-11, 205 pound defensive back is regarded as the nation’s No. 9 defensive player.

Castro arrived at Iowa as the No. 111 safety in the class of 2019. He moved into the Hawkeyes’ “cash” position and has blossomed, racking up 74 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions last season. He allowed an NFL passer rating of 43.7 when targeted in coverage. – Hughes, 247Sports.

Both Higgins and Castro should be in the mix for national awards this season. Higgins is Phil Steele’s preseason national defensive player of the year and a preseason first-team All-American by Phil Steele, Athlon Sports and Walter Camp.

Higgins has been named to the Bronko Nagurski, Chuck Bednarik Award, Butkus Award and Allstate Wuerffel Trophy preseason watch lists.

Castro is a preseason second-team All-Big Ten choice by both Phil Steele and Athlon Sports. The Oak Lawn, Ill., product has been named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Jim Thorpe Award and Chuck Bednarik Award preseason watch lists.

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions.

Follow Josh on X:@JoshOnREF

Two Iowa football players crack ESPN’s top 100 players for 2024

Iowa is back again with star power.

The Iowa Hawkeyes don’t play a selfish style of football. In fact, they embody the epitome of team football with each player taking care of their individual responsibility in an effort to win.

That said, you can’t be as good as the Hawkeyes’ defense is each year without some star power mixed in. Iowa has a few stars on their defense and two of them have cracked ESPN’s top 100 college football players for 2024.

Coming in at No. 36 on the list is Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jay Higgins.

36. Jay Higgins

LB, Iowa, Senior
2023 stats: 79 solo, 2 sacks, 1 FF
2023 ranking: 66

Iowa’s defense has carried the team recently, and Higgins has been at the center of it. He led the Big Ten and ranked third nationally with 171 tackles last season, matching the team’s single-season record. The All-America selection was always around the ball, forcing a fumble, intercepting a pass and recording five pass deflections. – ESPN

Higgins is primed for another big year at the center of Phil Parker’s defense. He has a nose for the ball and is constantly in on tackles, which he very rarely misses.

Continuing the climb, Iowa’s next star defensive back, Sebastian Castro, comes in at No. 19 on the list.

19. Sebastian Castro

S, Iowa, Senior
2023 stats: 47 solo, 1 FF, 3 INTs
2023 ranking: NR

Castro was everywhere last year with 74 tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and three interceptions. Among Big Ten DBs with at least 70 tackles, he led the league surrendering just 3.4 yards per passing attempt as the primary defender. He also allowed a completion rate of just 40% as the primary defender in coverage.

Castro blossomed in 2023 with his ability to take the ball away, play in open space, and make open field tackles on skill players to thwart big gains.

With an experienced secondary around him, Sebastian Castro will be able to play freely in 2024 and should see his name ascend on future NFL draft boards.

Contact/Follow on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7