The start of the Iowa football season is rapidly approaching. At this stage in fall camp, one of the decisions that the Hawkeye coaches will have to make is regarding true freshmen and if they are going to play this season.
It’s a different type of decision than it was just a few years ago. Not long ago, playing in one game meant that a true freshman was all in for their first year on campus. Basically, the redshirt was burned. These days, players can play in four games and still retain a redshirt. That gives players and coaches a chance to put their toe in the water instead of having to dive in head first.
With that in mind, let’s do a status report on this freshman class. Which players are almost certain redshirts? Which players might get their toe in the water? Who might be looking like they are all in for the 2024 season?
QUARTERBACK – James Resar
Based on what we on Saturday, Resar is redshirt this year. He was the last quarterback to get any reps in the practice. That news should not be surprising.
RUNNING BACK – Brevin Doll , Xavier Williams
The Iowa football team has added two backs and frankly based on what we saw this past Saturday, both are pretty impressive. Doll is unique prospect who is trying to pull double duty, playing both running back and wide receiver. He’s also potentially in the mix in the punt and kickoff game. Seems like a wait and see approach with him. I was really impressed with Williams. But, he has a lot of bodies to climb over to get any carries this year, so likely redshirt.
TIGHT END – Michael Burt , Gavin Hoffman
Hoffman arrived on campus in January and took part in spring ball. Generally that means they are serious about playing in their freshman year. But, at media day, Hoffman told us he is leaning towards redshirting this year. Seems like Burt will fit into the same outcome. Perhaps one or both end up playing a little bit, but retain their redshirt.
WIDE RECEIVER – Reese Vander Zee , KJ Parker
This one might be interesting in an unexpected way. I don’t think many had Vander Zee on their list of players who would be seeing action this year. It’s worth noting that he still might not play more than four games, but he was getting reps with the second team. That puts him on the radar of a player in 2024. Parker also might end up on that radar if he’s healthy.
OFFENSIVE LINE : Cody Fox , Josh Janowski , Bodey McCaslin , Will Nolan
Give that the offensive line has seven players who are starters or top reserves, the path to playing time for younger players is limited. Add in the fact that a couple of redshirt freshmen have taken a step in the right direction in fall camp and we are predicting a redshirt for this group.
DEFENSIVE LINE : Drew Campbell , Joseph Anderson , Chima Chineke , Devan Kennedy
As we have written in the past, this group is super intriguing. Very talented group and two years from now they should all be contributing in a significant way. Campbell might be interesting to watch this year, along with Kennedy. But, I suspect both will stay under four games.
LINEBACKER : Derek Weisskopf , Preston Reis , Cam Buffington
Speaking of a position group with a ton of potential. This group has it and then some. They could be really good when it’s all said and done. However, Jay Higgins and Nick Jackson are eating up basically every snap. If they aren’t in there, then Karson Sharar and Jaden Harrell will be out there. However, I could easily see Weiskopf and/or Buffington out there on special teams.
DEFENSIVE BACK : Jaylen Watson , Rashad Godfrey
One thing we know about Phil Parker is that he won’t be shy about playing true freshman. He’s done it quite a bit in his career and his choices usually do a great job. When we interviewed Parker a few weeks ago, he mentioned Watson, so that would be a name to watch. However, that cornerback position is pretty crowded.
PUNTER – Rhys Dakin
Ok, this one is a given. Iowa’s punter is Dakin and he will be out there as long as he’s healthy.
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