Tag: Tory Taylor

Sean Clifford earns share of Big Ten weekly honor

Sean Clifford honored by the Big Ten for his Week 1 performance against Purdue

After guiding Penn State to a thrilling victory in Week 1, Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford has been named Big Ten co-offensive player of the week by the Big Ten Conference. The Big Ten released its first player of the week honors on Monday, following the conclusion of the first full weekend of college football.

Clifford completed 20-of-37 pass attempts for 282 yards and four touchdown passes in the Thursday night win at Purdue. Clifford also ran for another touchdown, officially having a hand in all five touchdowns scored by Penn State in the season opener. And Penn State needed every one of those scores as they left West Lafayette with a 35-31 victory over the Boilermakers.

This is the third time Clifford has been recognized as an offensive player of the week by the Big Ten in his career. Clifford previously was recognized once in 2021 and once in 2019.

The last Penn State player to be named offensive player of the week by the Big Ten was wide receiver [autotag]Jahan Dotson[/autotag] on November 8, 2021.

Clifford shared the Big Ten offensive player of the week award for Week 1 with Nebraska running back Anthony Grant. Grant rushed for 189 yards and two touchdowns in Nebraska’s win over North Dakota in Week 2. With the benefit of already having played two games this season, Grant is currently the Big Ten’s second-leading rusher in 2022.

Here are this week’s Big Ten Week 1 players of the week:

  • Co-Offensive Player of the Week: Sean Clifford, Penn State, QB
  • Co-Offensive Player of the Week: Anthony Grant, Nebraska, RB
  • Defensive Player of the Week: Jacoby Windmon, Michigan State, DE/LB
  • Special Teams Player of the Week: Tory Taylor, Iowa, P
  • Freshman of the Week: Roman Hemby, Maryland, RB

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5 positives from Iowa’s 7-3 win over South Dakota State

Iowa is 1-0 on the season. Here are five of the biggest positives from the Hawkeyes’ season-opening victory over South Dakota State.

While it was far from the debut any Iowa fan was looking for, ultimately, the Hawkeyes did win their opener over South Dakota State, 7-3. There’s plenty of cause for concern with Iowa’s offense and grades have already been doled out here.

Still, even with some of the good marks that Hawkeyes Wire passed out, that space really didn’t lend itself to fully rewarding some of the good play that fans did in fact witness. Let’s do that now with the five biggest positives for the Hawkeyes against 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.

Iowa football all-time roster: Coaches, kickers and specialists

See which coaching and special teams legends made the cut in our all-time Iowa Hawkeyes football roster.

The Iowa Hawkeyes have a rich history with some of the game’s titans suiting up in the black and gold. Hawkeyes Wire is taking a look back at Iowa’s finest offensive playmakers, defensive standouts, specialists and coaches from its entire history.

After taking a look at the Hawkeyes’ all-time offensive and defensive teams, it’s now time to turn our attention the all-time specialists and coaches in Iowa history.

Specialists can change a game in an instant with a game-breaking return or a punt that pins an opponent deep or flips field position. Of course, the best assistant coaches help programs innovate offensively and defensively and keep the talent pipelines rolling.

The importance of a head coach can’t be overstated. The lifeblood and foundation of a program is set by the head coach. Iowa has had plenty of great options in terms of specialists, assistant coaches and head coaches.

Let’s take a look at the Hawkeyes’ all-time specialists and coaches.

See Iowa’s all-time offense and all-time defense. 

Check out our other College Wire all-time lineups: Alabama / Arkansas / Auburn / Clemson / Colorado / Florida / Georgia / LSU / Michigan / Nebraska / North Carolina / Ohio State / Oklahoma / Oregon / Penn State / Rutgers / Tennessee / Texas / Texas A&M / USC / Wisconsin

Top three NFL draft-eligible punters in the Big Ten for 2022

Top three NFL draft-eligible punters in the Big Ten for 2022 #GoBucks #B1G

It is never too early to talk about the NFL Draft, and one of the less celebrated, but still very important positions in the game of football is the punter position. Despite popular belief, specialists are vital for victory and a strong punter can be a main factor in the win column.

It is likely, not surprising that a team as old school as Iowa has the best punter and they have a strong history of pumping out strong punters like Reggie Roby. Michigan also has an insanely strong special teams along with Minnesota. That’s enough talk about the list, let’s dive in.

Iowa Hawkeyes punter Tory Taylor named to 2022 Ray Guy Award watch list

After bombing punts last season to the tune of 46.1 yards per punt, Tory Taylor has been named to the Ray Guy Award preseason watch list.

Iowa punter Tory Taylor has been named to the Ray Guy Award watch list. The 6-foot-4, 231 pound punter from Melbourne, Australia, averaged 46.1 yards per punt on 80 punts.

The Ray Guy Award is handed out annually to the nation’s top punter. Taylor has twice been a semifinalist for the award in the 2020 and 2021 seasons. In addition to his preseason watch list nod here, Taylor earned preseason second-team All-Big Ten honors from Athlon Sports and preseason fourth-team All-Big Ten recognition from Phil Steele.

Taylor appeared on the weekly Ray’s 8 list three times throughout the 2021 season and was named Big Ten Co-Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance against Iowa State. He was also named honorable mention All-Big Ten by the league coaches and media a season ago.

Of course, Taylor set the Iowa single-season record for punting yards with 3,688 yards in 2021. During the 2020 season, Taylor ranked third in the Big Ten and 20th nationally with a punting average of 44.1 yards. Eighteen of his 40 punts were downed inside the 20-yard line and nine were downed inside the 10-yard line that season.

Iowa’s Ryan Donahue was also a semifinalist for the Ray Guy Award in 2009 and a finalist in the 2010 season.

In addition to Taylor’s brilliance in the punting department, he also made use of his star status with the Hawkeyes to help raise money for Count The Kicks, an organization that’s working to save babies’ lives and decrease stillbirths.

All of the proceeds from Taylor’s “Punting Is Winning” t-shirts go directly to support the Count The Kicks organization.

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Iowa Hawkeyes: 2022 special teams depth chart

Here’s a look at the Iowa Hawkeyes’ official 2022 special teams depth chart.

With Big Ten Media Days underway, the Iowa Hawkeyes went ahead and released their official depth charts entering fall camp. While there certainly could be changes along the way, there were plenty of interesting notes in both the offensive and defensive depth charts.

Offensively, quarterback Spencer Petras is once again listed ahead of Alex Padilla entering camp. At running back, Gavin Williams is given the early nod over Leshon Williams. One of the interesting notes at wide receiver is redshirt freshman Alec Wick listed within the two-deep.

Meanwhile, along the Hawkeyes’ offensive line, the starters moving left to right look like this: left tackle Mason Richman, left guard Tyler Elsbury, center Logan Jones, right guard Connor Colby and right tackle Jack Plumb.

Defensively, while Lukas Van Ness is still listed as a second-string defensive tackle for Iowa, one has to imagine Van Ness will be used both inside and outside on the Hawkeyes’ defensive line in 2022.

In the defensive backfield, junior Reggie Bracy and sophomore Brendan Deasfernandez are listed as second-stringers at free safety and right cornerback, respectively.

How is special teams shaping up? While Iowa didn’t release the full picture on special teams just yet, we did get some idea of what it will look like entering 2022. Here’s everything we know so far according to Iowa’s official depth chart reveal. As noted and discussed below, there are several notable omissions that will be key during the Hawkeyes’ fall camp.

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.

4 Iowa Hawkeyes named to Athlon Sports’ preseason All-America teams

Four Iowa Hawkeyes find themselves among Athlon Sports’ preseason All-American list. The group is very encapsulating of Iowa as a whole.

In a bit of recognition for what these individuals have done and what is expected that they can continue to do, Athlon Sports named four Iowa Hawkeyes to their preseason All-America teams.

The four individuals named were cornerback Riley Moss, linebacker Jack Campbell, tight end Sam LaPorta, and punter Tory Taylor. The four of these individuals each had more than their fair share of impact on the success in the 2021 college football season that saw the Iowa Hawkeyes crowned as the Big Ten West champions.

Riley Moss was an All-American selection following last season and is expected to be spearheading the leadership of the Hawkeyes’ secondary as he returns for his fifth season.

Jack Campbell is one of the top linebackers in the entire country and looks to make his mark in the run game, pass defense, and put his stamp on being the defensive leader.

Sam LaPorta is the next in line to be another of the great Iowa Hawkeyes tight ends that joins the likes of Dallas Clark, Noah Fant, T.J. Hockenson, and George Kittle.

Tory Taylor has proven himself as not only a great punter, but a field position weapon that can turn a game sideways and flip the field for the Hawkeyes. His skillset has the ability to set up the defense in a great spot and ultimately give the offense short fields to work with.

With the four of them being proven contributors for the team, they found themselves littered among the preseason All-American list. Below details what team selection they found themselves on.