Sebastian Castro’s versatility could be a hidden gem on Iowa Hawkeyes’ defense

We all know Iowa is a program relying heavily on upperclassmen, experience, and hard work. They reward individuals for putting the team before themselves and contributing in whatever way is asked of them.

Getting put on the depth chart at Iowa isn’t by mistake. That place is earned and often means a bit more than meets the eye. For those reasons, Sebastian Castro has found himself littered among multiple positions on the Iowa defensive depth chart.

Finding your name on the depth chart once is impressive, but for defensive coordinator Phil Parker and head coach Kirk Ferentz to feel confident enough in the skillset to believe a player can plug in at multiple spots, well, that says a lot.

First off, let’s talk about why Castro has earned this chance. He has consistently been an undiscussed, head-down contributor for the Hawkeyes. Like many that become household names to Hawkeye fans, Castro earned his stripes on special teams.

A big moment for him came in 2021 when he forced a fumble on a kickoff return against Maryland that set up an Iowa touchdown to crack that game wide open. He has gone about his business and earned this opportunity.

Castro finds himself listed as the starting CASH when they go with two linebackers as Iowa looks to replenish that position after Dane Belton’s stellar career that has landed him in the NFL.

At 5-foot-11, 207 pounds, Castro comes in as a near replica of Belton who was 6-foot-1, 190 pounds while at Iowa. Should Iowa go to a traditional 4-3 defense, Jestin Jacobs is the likely swap in a more standard linebacker position. But, in a 4-2-5 defense where the hybrid CASH steps onto the field, it appears Castro will get the opportunity to make his mark on this spot first.

Not only is he listed at CASH, Castro finds himself also listed as the No. 2 strong safety behind Kaevon Merriweather. While the backup, Castro did get the start at strong safety against Kentucky in the Vrbo Citrus Bowl last season. Should things in the secondary get shaky or injuries arise, Castro seems to have the staff’s confidence to step in here without missing a beat.

With prior special teams experience as well, it may be a rather safe assumption to realize Castro is going to be a leader on the Hawkeyes’ special teams that are always one of the top units in the country.

There’s three clear paths for Castro to contribute to the Iowa Hawkeyes this year, and, if there is anything we know about Iowa, the staff loves this type of player that is willing to do whatever is asked of him. Don’t be shocked this fall if there is an interception, forced fumble, or game-changing play by Castro that tilts a game in Iowa’s direction. The junior is prepared and ready for his moment.

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Story originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire