Three takeaways from Iowa DC Phil Parker

Phil Parker thinks that this year’s Iowa defense can be on par with what his team did last year. What they did in 2022 was pretty special. The Hawkeye defense allowed just 13.3 points per game, 4.0 yards per play, and just 270 yards of total offense.

While Parker hasn’t been completely pleased with his defense this spring, particularly the first ten practices, he’s seen growth in the last four and hopes to see that continue in their final practice on Saturday morning at Kinnick Stadium.

Here are three takeways from our time today with the long time Iowa defensive coordinator.

PARKER LIKES WHAT HE SEES FROM SEVERAL PLAYERS

With players like Logan Lee, Noah Shannon, and Joe Evans on the sidelines this spring, Phil Parker likes what he has seen from several young players who have been given more reps in the fourteen practices that have taken place.

“Aaron Graves doing well and Jeremiah Pittman too. He’s made some big jumps. Ethan Hurkett right back to where he was and doing a good job. Deontae Craig is doing an excellent job on the other side as well as Chris Reames,” Parker said.

He didn’t limit his praise to the defensive line. He also likes what he’s seen from the linebackers.

“We’ve got Jay Higgins back at linebacker and Kyler Fisher. They’re doing a good job of controlling the defense. Jaden Harrell doing a nice job too. We’re getting Nick Jackson in this summer too.”

Of course, Parker is also liking what he sees from his position group on the back end of the defense.

“Cooper DeJean, he’s done a heck of a job. He’s getting better and becoming a leader. Quinn Schulte improves every day. Good leader. Jermari Harris is there and Sebastian Castro has done a good job. Xavier Nwankpa is starting at strong safety right now and still growing, even more upside to go. We’re bringing along TJ Hall, Deshaun Lee, and some of the younger guys too.”

HARRIS SHAKING OFF SOME RUST THIS SPRING

It’s been quite a journey in the last year for Jermari Harris. In January of 2022, Harris started at cornerback and played a whale of a Citrus Bowl against Kentucky. He finished that game against future first round pick Will Levis with six tackles, three passes broken up, and an interception.

But, the rest of 2022 was a forgettable one for the former Illinois prep standout. Injuries sidelined him for the entire season and the momentum he had to end the previous season was lost.

This spring, Harris has been shaking off some of the rust and Parker says he’s making a great deal of progress at cornerback.

“He’s coming along,” Parker said. “He’s been practicing and you can tell he’s a little rusty, but he had one of his better practices today. When you miss as much time as he missed, it’s hard to jump right back in.”

COOPER DEJEAN IS SPIDERMAN?

The legend of Cooper DeJean continues to grow in Iowa City. There’s really nothing he can’t do on the football field. While some Hawkeye fans would love to see him on the offensive side of the ball, for now he will be sticking to playing cornerback and being featured on special teams.

What makes him so special on the football field? We will let Parker explain where our web shooting hero fits in.

“He (DeJean) can play about every position in the defensive backfield and some others too I’m sure. I think his balance, his hands like Spiderman, and his ability to diagnose things before anyone else,” Parker said.

So, hands like Spiderman? I bet Peter Parker could have been a heck of a defensive back.

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