Cam Buffington has quickly become one of the main reasons Iowa’s defense keeps humming, and the part that should worry opponents is this: Phil Parker thinks there’s still more in the tank.
Through six games, Buffington leads the Hawkeyes with 52 tackles. He’s also added five tackles for loss and two sacks, a stat line that fits the way he’s shown up all over the field this season. In his third year in the program, this is the first time he’s gotten extended starting action, and he’s made it count.
Parker has seen plenty of standout linebacker play in his time at Iowa, and he had plenty to say about what Buffington brings beyond the numbers.
"Great leadership, a great communicator. There are a lot of different adjustments up front that he and Jaylen Montgomery have to make-they are both in it together. To see him grow... he's a quiet kid, he's not going to say very much, but he plays the way he plays," Parker said of Buffington.
That growth has come from the work behind the scenes. Parker pointed to Buffington’s preparation and the way he has taken advantage of his chances after limited opportunities early in his career.
"He makes a statement as far as how tough he is, how he sees things, and he plays fast. The only way that happens is with preparation, the dedication he has, and the sense that this is important to them."You only play college football for four or five years at most, and it's a very short time, so you better make sure you take advantage of it," continued Parker.
"Our guys work at it, believe in what they're doing, and spend extra time. Some guys don't understand it because they think you go to class and go back, but these guys are usually coming back here watching film together after our meetings.
"I think it's a real positive, and he's really grown. He still has a little bit more upside to him, and he loves the game," Phil Parker added.
Buffington has already looked like he’s playing at a level above most of Iowa’s opponents, flashing speed, length and physicality every time he’s around the football. And if Parker is right about the ceiling, the comparison to Jack Campbell starts to feel a lot less like a stretch.
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