Next man up: 5 potential breakout stars for the Iowa Hawkeyes

Each year, someone from the Iowa Hawkeyes rises from the ranks and proves once again that their development and penchant for finding hidden talent is nearly unmatched. There are a handful of Hawkeyes that have a breakout season each year.

Last year, Cooper DeJean became nationally known for his ability to intercept the ball and play lockdown coverage. Kaleb Johnson went from a true freshman to Iowa’s leading rusher. Even Tory Taylor exploded with his punting prowess and is arguably the best at his position in the nation.

It is often those that are under the radar and not as talked about that make some of the biggest impacts in college football. Should Iowa have a year some anticipate it to have, it will take some strong efforts from individuals stringing together their best seasons yet.

Here are five potential breakout stars for the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2023.

An offer for Hawkeyes fans

For the best local Iowa news, sports, entertainment and culture coverage, subscribe to The Des Moines Register.

Honorable (obvious) mention: Cade McNamara, QB

It goes without saying, but Cade McNamara is the most obvious player on this team that could have a breakout season. After sitting behind J.J. McCarthy at Michigan last year, the transfer appears to have rekindled the fire and it shows in his leadership.

McNamara’s “breakout” potential doesn’t have to be slinging it for Iowa. After the last few years of searching for answers at the quarterback position, McNamara is primed to break out for this team and fan base if he can provide stability at the most important position on the field.

No. 5: Sebastian Castro, Cash

One of the under-the-radar players for this defense is Sebastian Castro. The cash position is critical to Iowa’s defensive scheme as it is a hybrid of safety and linebacker. Castro has the mold for this and the experience to provide a Dane Belton-like year.

The senior is experienced and is exactly what Phil Parker wants. He tackles well and plays great in space, which gives the defense the ability to trust him. His versatility flashed in 2022 with 33 total tackles, three tackles for loss, and a sack to boot. He also has a nose for the football with five pass breakups and two forced fumbles. Look for Castro to see even more time this fall and have the potential at a breakout year for the Hawkeyes.

No. 4: Deontae Craig, DL

It isn’t often that one tied for the team lead in sacks with an NFL first-round draft pick and second in tackles for loss is looking at a breakout year, but that is exactly what Deontae Craig could do this season. Craig’s 6.5 sacks were tied with Lukas Van Ness for the team lead and his 10 tackles for loss trailed only Van Ness. Craig also forced a team-high three forced fumbles for good measure.

All signs point for Deontae Craig to wreak havoc this year in the opponent’s backfields. Paired with Joe Evans and Logan Lee, the front of Iowa’s defense should stonewall opponents. If that holds true, look for Craig to make his name widely known as the next great Iowa pass rusher.

No. 3: Luke Lachey, TE

Next in line at tight end is Luke Lachey, another player ready for his moment. Coming off a 2022 season in which he led Iowa in receiving touchdowns and trailed only Sam LaPorta in receiving yards, Lachey is going to be given the opportunity to create matchup problems for defenses.

The addition of Michigan transfer Erick All should benefit Lachey greatly. Iowa loves to utilize two-tight end sets and the presence of each of them on the field in passing situations is going to put defenses in a bind and get them mismatches. Lachey has a path to break out in 2023 and be another Iowa tight end that is a household name.

No. 2: Kaleb Brown, WR

Potentially the second most important piece to the Hawkeyes’ offense behind McNamara is Kaleb Brown. Iowa desperately needs a downfield threat and Kaleb Brown has the chance to be that for Iowa.

Iowa hasn’t had a downfield threat since Brandon Smith and Ihmir Smith-Marsette donned the black and gold. If Brown can build a rapport with McNamara, Iowa gets a true No. 1 wide receiver and it completely changes this offense. Brown believes he can have a huge effect on this offense and provide the spark this team needs.

No. 1: Xavier Nwankpa, S

Iowa has been pumping out top-end talent from its secondary for the last decade. Next in line is one of Iowa’s most highly anticipated safeties, Xavier Nwankpa. The sophomore saw time last year and what he flashed gave Iowa fans a taste of greatness.

Nwankpa brings the talent and athleticism, but he pairs with an experienced group known for takeaways. He has shown his innate ability to intercept the ball and make a team pay in limited time during his freshman campaign.

Nwankpa’s breakout year could be the biggest of any. There is potential to be the best safety in the Big Ten and a nationally known name at the position.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3]

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.

Follow Riley on Twitter: @rileydonald7

Story originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire