Kirk Ferentz made a point to single out a few names before Iowa wrapped up training camp, and the list told you plenty about where this roster stands.
These weren’t the obvious headliners. They were the Hawkeyes who have spent much of their careers working in the background - on depth charts, on scout teams, and in some cases working back from injuries. But Ferentz made it clear he expects those players to matter this season.
“These are some guys nobody really talks about for obvious reasons,” Ferentz said, “but I think you’re going to see those guys playing a lot of football for us.”
The group he highlighted included offensive linemen Jack Dotzler, Cael Winter, Leighton Jones and Michael Myslinski; defensive linemen Will Hubert and Luke Gaffney; linebacker Landyn Van Kekerix; and receivers Dayton Howard and Jarriett Buie.
That kind of recognition fits the moment Iowa is in. The Hawkeyes lost 27 seniors and eight transfers from last season, which leaves a big void in experience and leadership. Ferentz has spent the offseason pointing out that this team is going to be younger, at least in terms of game snaps, and training camp has started to reveal which players are ready to help fill that gap.
Ferentz said he likes where the team is at, while also making it clear there’s still work to do.
“Pleased with the way the team’s practiced, but we’re not there yet,” Ferentz said about how the team has developed. “Every day is important for every team, but for our team right now, as young as we are, we just need to be moving forward, and I appreciate the work the guys have put in.”
At receiver, Howard and Buie are working in a room that already carries big expectations with Reece Vander Zee and Tony Diaz at the top. Buie’s path back has been especially notable after he missed all of last season with a lingering soft tissue injury. Ferentz said both he and wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr have liked what they’ve seen since Buie returned.
“Last year (he) was basically in the witness protection program,” Ferentz said, “just couldn’t stay on the on the field … He’s been out there working hard, and definitely in our rotation.”
Up front, Winter appears positioned to handle the starting center job after battling Kade Pieper, who is likely to remain at guard this year. Myslinski was also part of that center competition after earning one final year of eligibility over the summer.
On the defensive line, Hubert and Gaffney have built reputations as off-field leaders, according to defensive line coach Kelvin Bell. Like the rest of the players Ferentz mentioned, they’ve been waiting for a bigger chance.
That’s why the coach’s nod at the end of camp mattered. When Iowa releases its first depth chart in Week 1, these are the kinds of players worth watching closely.
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