Big Ten football is known for its smash-mouth style of play. Big bodied linemen battling in the trenches and linebackers shooting the gap to stuff the run. In a conference known for producing great linebacker play, do the Iowa linebackers have a case for being the best in the Big Ten?
College football analysts certainly seem to think so. Iowa linebackers account for two of Pro Football Focus best returning “off-ball” linebackers, or linebackers in coverage. Jack Campbell is an easy pick due to his usage and productivity. He is joined on the list by Jestin Jacobs as a sleeper. Jacobs was a rotational linebacker for the defense last season but it will be hard to keep him off the field this year.
Bleacher Report meanwhile places Iowa linebackers as the best group in the Big Ten outright. The trio of Campbell, Jacobs and Seth Benson caught their attention for their ability to make an impact snap after snap. The linebackers were a huge part of Iowa’s entire team success in 2021. Iowa ranked fourth in takeaways per game, averaging more than 2. Surprisingly they had an even higher average the year before. From the line of scrimmage to the secondary, none of that happens without solid linebacker play.
Jack Campbell
Following the tradition of players like Josey Jewell, Fred Barr, Pat Angerer and Chad Greenway; Campbell is the quarterback of the defense. Whenever there is a pile, you know he is at the center of it. He had 57 solo tackles and 2 interceptions in 2021, including one returned for a 33-yard touchdown against the Cyclones. His 143 total tackles (including assists) led the country. If his predecessors are any indication, Campbell is in store for an even bigger year as a senior.
Seth Benson
With more snaps in 2021, Benson more than doubled his production and cemented his role among the premier players on this Hawkeye defense. He broke out with a career-high 13 tackle game against Northwestern and, like Campbell, had an interception in the rivalry game against Iowa State. Benson is the gap closer of this linebacker group. He racked up 105 total tackles in ’21 playing from the weak side. With just 2 sacks last season, Benson is primed to be more of a threat to make plays in the backfield.
Jestin Jacobs
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Perhaps the most interesting linebacker to watch from a development standpoint this season is Jestin Jacobs. While he did not start every game like his counterparts, he will be a much larger presence this fall. He was the odd linebacker out in nickel situations and still managed 53 total tackles. At 6’4 and 236 pounds, he is the biggest linebacker of the three. Defensive coordinator Phil Parker will be watching Jacobs closely to see what his future leader on defense can do.
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