‘We’ll let that play out’: Iowa Hawkeyes are comfortable, but undecided on specialists
As the Iowa Hawkeyes get set to play host to South Dakota State from inside Kinnick Stadium on Saturday at 11 a.m. on FS1, one important phase of football isn’t completely ironed out.
That’s the all-important third phase for the Hawkeyes. In the field goal kicking department, Iowa is accustomed to boasting some of the nation’s best in recent years. Last season, Caleb Shudak connected on 24-of-28 field goal tries. That 85.7% field goals made number ranked 13th nationally.
In Iowa’s depth chart reveal ahead of the season opener against the Jackrabbits, sophomore Aaron Blom appeared atop the place-kicking depth chart. The Oskaloosa, Iowa, native was just in front of freshman Drew Stevens from North Augusta, S.C.
According to Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz, though, there’s no true resolution just yet.
“We’ll let that play out, and it may play out for a week or two or a couple weeks, you never know. Unlike this spring, I think we’re doing better certainly in the fall. I’m more encouraged. It’s gone back and forth a little bit, and I don’t think it’s a bad thing quite frankly. But both guys have really improved a lot since last April, and they both have worked hard, have a good attitude, and I think they’re both very capable,” Ferentz said.
Asked which kicker fans would see first, Ferentz said your guess is as good as his.
“I don’t know. I’ll tell you on Saturday. I don’t know right now,” Ferentz said.
If it’s that close of a race for the field goal kicking and kickoff duties, then can fans expect to see both versus SDSU?
“Not necessarily as field goal kickers, but one may kickoff, one may kick field goals, and then we’ll see where it all goes. Right now, there’s no clear plan. We’re waiting to see how the week plays out and how they do,” Ferentz said.
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