Week 1 Iowa Hawkeyes defensive depth chart versus the South Dakota State Jackrabbits
Iowa released their depth chart on Monday for their week one clash against the South Dakota State Jackrabbits and it surely is interesting. Virtually nothing is changed on the defensive line from the depth chart we’ve already seen, and that might puzzle some.
Some players are listed at different areas on the chart than how we’ve seen them used during camp. The most important thing to note with head coach Kirk Ferentz’s Hawkeyes, the depth chart is not the be all end all. Just like the pirates code, Iowa’s depth chart is more what you would call guidelines instead of rules.
Defensive coordinator Phil Parker and defensive line coach Kelvin Bell know how to utilize their guys best, relying on the depth and versatility abundant with this unit. Expect to see Iowa’s front line look a lot different on game day. That being said, here’s a look at the week one defensive depth chart that was released.
Left defensive end
AP Photo/Justin Hayworth
Senior John Waggoner once again appears to be manning the left side of the line for the Hawkeyes this year. Waggoner doesn’t put up the sexiest stats, only two sacks last year, but that isn’t his game. His two-gapping ability, opening up avenues to the ball carrier for others around him, is what sets him apart on this defense. It doesn’t show up in his stats, but it sure as heck boosts the numbers of everyone around him. Every good defense needs a gritty player like him to do the dirty work. Sophomore Ethan Hurkett will rotate in, the former three-star recruit showing promise last year before a leg injury ended his season three weeks in.
Redshirt senior John Waggoner (6-foot-5, 267) — Des Moines, Iowa
Redshirt sophomore Ethan Hurkett (6-foot-3, 252) — Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Left defensive tackle
AP Photo/Rebecca S. Gratz
This is a section that might irritate a good amount of Hawkeyes fans out there. It isn’t because Noah Shannon isn’t good enough to be a starter. He’s like Waggoner where he provides a lot of value off of the statsheet. He is the experienced anchor in the interior of the Hawkeyes’ defense.
Interestingly, potential breakout redshirt sophomore Lukas Van Ness is listed as his relief. Van Ness was one of the Hawkeyes’ best linemen last year, sharing a team high seven sacks with right end Joe Evans despite serving as a rotational defensive tackle.
Your first instinct is to almost get mad at the idea of Van Ness not seeing an increased role, but remember the depth chart isn’t the rule and guide for the Iowa defense. Van Ness will see starting time playing all over the line, including a good amount at defensive end where he’s seen the most time in camp.
Redshirt senior Noah Shannon (6-foot, 289) — Aurora, Ill.
Redshirt sophomore Lukas Van Ness (6-foot-5, 269) — Barrington, Ill.
Right defensive tackle
Bryon Houlgrave/The Register via Imagn Content Services, LLC
No surprises here. Logan Lee last year was an unsung hero of the defense, earning five sacks as well as a team hustle award. Lee looks to break into an All-Big Ten team as a junior this year. Sophomore Yahya Black has tools that should get fans excited. The Hawkeyes will be expecting the massive former three-star recruit to take a step forward this year.
Redshirt junior Logan Lee (6-foot-5, 275) — Orion, Ill.
Redshirt sophomore Yahya Black (6-foot-5, 306) — Marshall, Minn.
Right defensive end
Bryon Houlgrave/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK
This is a spot that could see heavy rotation. Listed starter senior Joe Evans is a proven pass rusher, accumulating seven sacks last year. Sophomore Deontae Craig has been one of the most talked about Hawkeyes this year, many impressed with his progress this offseason. Don’t be surprised when he pushes for snaps. Van Ness could also rotate in here to provide more size than Evans in more running situations.
Redshirt senior Joe Evans (6-foot-2, 246) — Ames, Iowa
Redshirt sophomore Deontae Craig (6-foot-3, 266) — Ft. Wayne, Ind.
LEO/CASH
Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
While a starter and a backup are listed here, think of this slot more as two starters in different situations and roles. Junior Jestin Jacobs will play more of a linebacker role, using his length and athleticism in the run game. He will be used against tight end heavy teams. Cooper DeJean will play that Cash role when Iowa switches to their 4-2-5 defensive formation. Expect to see him a lot against teams with more traditional slot receivers. Everything depends on the matchup.
Redshirt junior Jestin Jacobs (6-foot-4, 238) — Englewood, Ohio
Sophomore Cooper DeJean (6-foot-1, 209) — Odebolt, Iowa
Middle linebacker
Bryon Houlgrave/The Register / USA TODAY NETWORK
As if there was any doubt. Back for another season, Jack Campbell was always going to be the Hawkeyes middle linebacker. The senior is one of the best tacklers and overall linebackers in the country, and surely will push to be an All-American this season. He will be on the field for a majority of snaps in 2022.
Senior Jack Campbell (6-foot-5, 246) — Cedar Falls, Iowa
Junior Jay Higgins (6-foot-2, 229) — Indianapolis, Ind.
Weak side linebacker
effrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Seth Benson is back again at weakside linebacker next to his partner in crime Jack Campbell. Not to be completely outdone by his teammate, Benson also toppled the 100 tackle mark, 5.5 of which were for a loss. Junior Kyler Ross is listed as the backup, but don’t be surprised if Jacobs rotates into the second linebacker position in Iowa’s 4-2-5 set as we saw in camp.
Redshirt senior Seth Benson (6-foot, 232) — Sioux Falls, S.D.
Redshirt junior Kyler Fisher (5-foot-11, 229) — Farnhamville, Iowa
Left cornerback
Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK
This is a big chance for senior Terry Roberts. With projected starting cornerback No. 2 Jermari Harris suspended for the season opener, this is Roberts’ chance to really make an impression and fight for that spot next to Riley Moss. Speaking of Moss, the reigning Tatum–Woodson Defensive Back of the Year is back for another season as the leader of the Hawkeyes’ secondary. Keep an eye on DeJean as the backup cornerback. He was recruited for his versatility and ability to fill in practically anywhere on the defense.
Redshirt senior Terry Roberts (5-foot-10, 182) — Erie, Pa.
Sophomore Cooper DeJean (6-foot-1, 209) — Odebolt, Iowa
Strong safety
Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images
This hasn’t changed much. Pretty much since the offseason Quinn Schulte and Kaevon Merriweather were penciled in as the team’s starting safeties. While there were some hopes that true freshman Xavier Nwankpa could fight for that starting free safety slot, the former walk on Schulte proved all summer that he was the man for the job. Merriweather should be another strong leader of the Iowa defense.
Kaevon Merriweather (6-foot, 212) — Belleville, Mich.
Sebastian Castro (5-foot-11, 207) — Oak Lawn, Ill.
Free safety
AP Photo/Julio Cortez
Redshirt junior Quinn Schulte (6-foot-1, 208) — Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Junior Reggie Bracy (6-foot, 209) — Mobile, Ala.
Right cornerback
AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack
Redshirt senior Riley Moss (6-foot-1, 193) — Ankeny, Iowa
Redshirt sophomore Brenden Deasfernandez — Belleville, Mich.
Specialists
Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK
Tory Taylor is back as one of the best punters in the nation. The Aussie set an Iowa single season record for punting yards with 3,688 yards last season. Sophomore Luke Elkin was serve as the Hawkeyes long snapper.
Punter: Junior Tory Taylor (6-foot-4, 230) — Melbourne, Australia
Snaps: Sophomore Luke Elkin (6-foot-1, 227) — Neenah, Wis.
[listicle id=8885]
[listicle id=8100]
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on Twitter, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Jacob on Twitter: @Jacobkeppen
Let us know your thoughts, and comment on this story below. Join the conversation today.
