Early depth chart projection for Iowa’s offense

The 2023 version of spring football is officially in the books for the Iowa Hawkeyes. There were plenty of new faces making an impact for the Hawkeyes, beginning with the quarterback position, where Iowa might be looking at their top two signal callers being transfers who arrived in January.

Let’s dive into a little bit of projecting. Now, this won’t be what the two deeps will be when the season starts, but what they will maybe look like at the start of fall camp. This is based on what we saw on Saturday and what we project will happen between now and August when camp gets underway in Iowa City.

QUARTERBACK

QB: Cade McNamara, Deacon Hill/Joe Labas

There is no surprise with who sits at the top of the Iowa depth chart. McNamara was brought in to be the starting quarterback this fall and he’s clearly the guy, even if he wasn’t full speed during spring ball. The intrigue for the position is the backup job. Kirk Ferentz indicated that right now, Hill, who arrived from Wisconsin after leaving the Badgers at the end of the season. He looked pretty good this spring, but Labas is going to be right there and pushing him in fall camp.

RUNNING BACK

RB: Kaleb Johnson, Leshon Williams

FB: Hayden Large/??

While there might be drama at some positions in the Iowa offensive lineup, running back is not one of them. Kaleb Johnson is at the top of the depth chart and Leshon Williams is basically 1A. Maybe the big question mark is at fullback. Eli Miller was the only fullback listed in spring practice in the two deeps and he’s out for the year due to a knee injury. Enter Hayden Large, who walked on from Dordt College this winter. He’s a tight end by trade, but he was working at fullback, or something like fullback, this spring.

TIGHT END

TE: Luke Lachey/Erick All

This one is easy. Really I think they are co-starters. Lachey deserves top billing, but All is a special talent and will be an impact player this fall for the Hawkeyes.

WIDE RECEIVER

WR: Nico Ragaini, Jacob Bostick

WR: Diante Vines, Alec Wick

Unless something wild happens in the transfer portal the top two at wide receiver appear to be pretty much locked in. It will be Ragaini and Vines. The question mark is who will be listed as the top backup receivers? Will it be Bostick or perhaps Seth Anderson? Could it be Reese Osgood or Wick? I think it’s fair to say that this not the strongest position group.

OFFENSIVE LINE

LT: Mason Richman, Nick DeJong

LG: Connor Colby, Tyler Elsbury

C: Logan Jones, Michael Myslinski

RG: Beau Stephens, Rusty Feth

RT: Gennings Dunker, Daijon Parker

I will go on record now, this two deep will look different when Iowa takes the field in their opening game on September 2nd against Utah State. Richman missed this spring and Colby was in and out of the lineup, but both should be good to go in August. Logan Jones made strides this spring and hopefully Myslinski gets healthy. If he’s not, Feth is an option at center. Parker had one practice before a knee issue sidelined him. If he ends up being one of the best five, then could Dunker move to guard? Yep, that’s totally possible because Dunker will be one of Iowa’s best five this year.

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