Iowa Hawkeyes 2023 Snapshot Profile: No. 85 Luke Lachey

There were very few bright spots on the Iowa offense last year. Unsurprisingly, of course, the tight end position was one of the few areas of light in a very bleak unit.

Current Detroit Lion Sam LaPorta led the way last year for the Hawkeyes with a team-high 657 receiving yards. This is the second-straight year that the Lions’ newest second-round pick led the Hawkeyes in both yards and receptions.

However, Sam was not the only tight end on the roster who was turning heads. As “Tight End U” always does, Iowa had another waiting in the wings, slowly building a name for himself as the next big thing. We saw a brief glimpse at just what Luke Lachey can possibly do in 2022. The Cleveland, Ohio, native led the Hawkeyes with four touchdowns. That was more than every other Hawkeye receiver combined.

It wasn’t just his work as a secondary tight end to the league-bound LaPorta that was most impressive. When he had to step up as a starter due to injury, Lachey excelled. Just look at some of the plays he made against Nebraska! He has some serious talent, and can be another star at the position for Iowa. Here’s a look at potentially the next great Iowa tight end, Luke Lachey!

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Luke Lachey's Preseason Player Profile

Hometown: Columbus, Ohio

Ht: 6-6

Wt: 252

Class in 2022: Jr.

Recruiting Ranking

Before Iowa

• Earned first-team all-state, all-conference, and all-district honors as a senior

• Second-team all-state as a junior, as well as honorable mention on Super 25 team

• Two-time Back of the Year at Grandview and conference Most Outstanding Player

Career Stats

Provided by CFB at Sports Reference: View Original Table
Generated 5/15/2023.

Depth Chart Overview

Luke Lachey is currently the starter at tight end on Iowa’s depth chart, but as we all know, Iowa loves using multiple tight ends. Last year Lachey had his moments, but Sam LaPorta was still clearly the number one option. With the addition of former Michigan Wolverine Erick, it will be interesting just how the work is divided between the two tight ends. Will there be a true starter, or could the Hawkeyes legitimately have two number-ones?

Quote Them

“Catches everything, moves well in space,” All said of Lachey. “He’s just a monster, freak of nature.”

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Story originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire