IOWA CITY - Kids Day gave Iowa fans their first real look at training camp since April, and the quarterback battle drew most of the attention. Jeremy Hecklinski was the headliner. But he wasn’t the only Hawkeye who left the afternoon looking better than he did before.
A few other players used the opportunity to show progress, and three in particular stood out.
Second-year quarterback Jimmy Sullivan made his case for the next spot on the depth chart. While the focus was on the competition between Hecklinski and Hank Brown, Sullivan turned in an unofficial 10-for-15 day with two touchdown passes. One of those scores came on a 34-yard strike to wide receiver Isaiah Oliver.
Kirk Ferentz had already singled out the Fort Wayne, Ind., native during media day Aug. 14 for the way he has improved, and for the fact that he’s been getting some reps mixed in with Hecklinski and Brown. On Kids Day, that growth showed up in the throws he was making. Sullivan connected on some deeper passes, including a corner route to Jarriett Buie and a 20-plus-yard touchdown to Brody Schaffer.
“He’s a lot more confident than a year ago,” Ferentz said. “He’s more decisive. It’s encouraging to watch him grow.”
The secondary had a different kind of opening because of Tyler Brown’s injury, and Villanova transfer Anthony Hawkins took advantage of the extra work. Ferentz said during media day that Brown, the James Madison transfer, is dealing with a muscle strain, and defensive coordinator Phil Parker has also liked what Hawkins can do at both free and strong safety.
That versatility was on display Saturday. Hawkins looked comfortable in the back end and took a few reps alongside Zach Lutmer, giving Iowa another option as Parker sorts through the positions in the secondary.
On the defensive line, Drew Campbell got a bigger workload with several players out. The third-year defensive end, who played against UMass last season, spent a lot of his time matched up with offensive lineman Jack Dotzler.
“He’s definitely catching up there,” Ferentz said. “What he needs is a little bit more time on the field working against good players, but his attitude’s been great. He’s willing and giving great effort.”
Campbell handled himself well in those reps and made Dotzler work nearly every time they lined up. He remains part of the group trying to crack the rotation as Iowa rebuilds the defensive line this season. Campbell, along with Iose Epenesa and Kahmari Brown, showed a few tricks up their sleeves.
How he fits with Kenneth Merriweather, Joseph Anderson and the rest of the line will come into focus later, but the first glimpse was encouraging as Iowa works through its new-look front.
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