Iowa Hawkeyes football returns next weekend and there are many reasons to be excited. The defense is as stacked as ever while the offense will feature some up-and-coming contributors. We have written at length about some of the headliners on this team. Today we are highlighting players who are rotational, underclassmen or generally under the radar. These players will be the future of the program in coming years and some will be crucial to Iowa’s success as early as this season.
Cooper DeJean, LB/DB
Sophomore Cooper DeJean is listed as Iowa’s Cash defensive back but the truth is he will find his way on the field in a number of ways. Defensive coordinator Phil Parker has been raving about DeJean’s ability to play multiple positions for months now. After an impressive showing at Iowa’s annual Kids Day practice, Parker discussed the only hurdle the defense faces with DeJean: where to play him.
“You can’t play him everywhere,” Parker told John Steppe of The Gazette.
DeJean is one of the fastest players on the team and gives the defense options at corner, safety and linebacker. The Hawkeyes will give him as many snaps as possible this year.
Xavier Nwankpa, DB
Iowa’s recruiting has gained a ton of momentum and defensive back Xavier Nwankpa is yet another example of that. Nwankpa, a freshman five-star recruit, has generated a lot of positive buzz in camp. Parker is impressed with his progress as he learns a very different defense. Senior safety Kaevon Merriweather has taken Nwankpa under his win, so to speak, as his roomate at camp. Levar Woods, special teams coordinator, is also eying him as a potential punt and kick returner, according to Isaac Goffin of The Daily Iowan.
Aaron Graves, DE
It is unclear how much of true freshman Aaron Graves we will see this fall but when we do he will be carrying great expectations. Graves was named the Max Preps 2021-22 National High School Male Athlete of the Year and already has an Associate’s Degree under his belt. All this 6’5, 270 pound defensive end does is show out no matter the challenge. Coach Kirk Ferentz has made it clear he wants to fastrack Graves’ development.
Kirk Ferentz: Redshirting true freshman DE Aaron Graves would be "stupid on our part right now."
"He belongs on the field with the older guys."
— John Steppe (@JSteppe1) August 13, 2022
Lukas Van Ness, DT
Iowa’s next great pass rusher is poised for another breakout. Lukas Van Ness tied for the team lead in sacks as a redshirt freshman last fall and now he is going to see even more game action. He has been referred to as Iowa’s Hercules and is among the most buzzed about players this offseason. His impressive game and practice tape, along with a few workout shots only reinforce the comparisons to the mythological Greek hero. Sean Bock of Hawkeye Insider predicts more than 10 sacks for the sophomore. It will not be double teams that hold him short of that mark. Instead, it will be one of the deeper defensive lines Iowa has had in the last three season.
A popular breakout player pick for '22 is Lukas Van Ness
Kids Day Clips pic.twitter.com/cuwG0ojWaK
— Rob Howe (@RobHoweHN) August 19, 2022
Jacob Bostick, WR
Jacob Bostick was not expected to see the type of workload he has this offseason but injuries at the receiver position have opened the door. Bostick has made the most of those opportunities, lining up in all three primary receiver positions in camp according to Lloyd Smith of Hawk Central. There is a lot of youth at receiver and coordinator Brian Ferentz will need to find some depth. Bostick is a speedster who could really open things up for the offense.
Opportunity exists at WR for Hawkeyes
True Freshman Jacob Bostick impressed at Kids Day, which included showing he can take a hit after a catch pic.twitter.com/lPCecXbbjm
— Rob Howe (@RobHoweHN) August 15, 2022
To stay up to date with Iowa’s outstanding linebacker corps along with everything Iowa Hawkeyes football, check out My Page and follow me on Twitter @jfisheriainfo
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