Ten Iowa players to watch on Saturday

Ten Players to watch on Saturday

Saturday is an exciting day for Iowa football. It’s the final spring practice, but from a fan perspective it’s our only opportunity to get a look at the Hawkeyes this spring. This year, it’s about the new Iowa offense under the direction of new coordinator Tim Lester.

But, this is also a day to study individual players. Let’s take a look at the ten players will we be keeping a close eye on Saturday at Kinnick Stadium.

DEACON HILL/MARCO LAINEZ

We have to start with the quarterbacks who will be leading the offense for most of the action on Saturday. Hill started nine games last season and completed 48.6% of his throws for 1152 yards. He had more interceptions (8) than touchdowns (5). In the last two games of the season against Michigan and Tennessee, Iowa scored zero points.

Lainez finally saw action as a true freshman in the bowl game against Tennessee. He was 2-7 for four yards in that game and ran for 51 yards in the contest.

With Cade McNamara still recovering from knee surgery not fully cleared for a full return to action, Iowa needs a backup. Unless we see that Hill has made significant strides as a quarterback, it could either be Lainez or the Hawkeyes have to hit the portal next week. Big assessment coming up Saturday, but more than likely, it feels like Iowa is headed towards the portal.

KALEB JOHNSON

There is no question that Johnson looks the part. He’s bigger than any back on the Iowa roster. He’s likely faster than any back on the Iowa roster. But, he’s been up and down. Last season he finished second in rushing yards with 463 yards gained and averaged 4.0 yards per carry. He has big time breakaway ability, but he also hasn’t been as dominant as you would think.

This week when we spoke to Johnson he said he’s going to run more violent this season. That means looking for contact and delivering a punch as opposed to trying to run around contact. Will we see that style on Saturday?

LUKE LACHEY

Last season Luke Lachey was off to an amazing start to the season. In the first three games of the year he had 10 receptions for 131 yards, including a long of 35 yards. Then he went down in that third game with a broken ankle and he was done for the season. There appeared to be a chance that Lachey might be back for the bowl game, but he was eventually ruled out for that contest, but he announced he would be back or another year with the Hawkeyes.

How has he looked this spring coming back from his ankle injury? That’s going to be something to watch on Saturday.

KADEN WETJEN

Iowa fans might be saying, wait a second, Wetjen? Yep. The buzz on him, which was confirmed on Thursday by offensive coordinator Tim Lester, was that he’s having a great spring. With the departure of Jacob Bostick this week, Wetjen might be the second best receiver right now.

Last year he took over punt return duties when Cooper DeJean went down, but he was also Iowa’s jet sweep guy. Now he might be adding deep threat in the passing game to his resume.

JOHN NESTOR

He might be the most buzzed about player on the defensive side of the ball this spring. He’s a hyper fast twitch player who just has a nose for the football. Right now he’s a reserve corner, but might be seeing starter snaps on Saturday as Jermari Harris rounds back into playing shape.

Nestor is also a buzz worthy player as a gunner on punt returns and special teams plays that coordinator Levar Woods loves to see. Nestor is going to be at the top of my list of players I am most interested in seeing this fall.

XAVIER NWANKPA

It would be unfair to say that the former U.S. Army All American hasn’t lived up to expectations. He hasn’t been a disappointment at all, but this certainly feels like the year that he really breaks out as a player. Do we get a preview of his breakout season coming up on Saturday? I think we might.

AARON GRAVES

It’s rare when a true freshman plays on the defensive line. That’s usually reserved for the most elite prospects on the roster. And as Kirk Ferentz, for a true freshman the closer you are to the ball, the harder it is to play as a true freshman.

There was plenty of hype regarding Graves when he arrived, but last year felt like a bit of a struggle. He seems to be embracing this season and taking on more of a leadership and performance perspective. We will see if he’s taking the step at practice.

BRIAN ALLEN

Like Graves, the defensive lineman has looked the part since arriving on campus. This spring is a huge opportunity for Allen to not only jump into the two deeps, but make a big impact up front. Reports are he has had a pretty good spring and he’s also sliding down to defensive tackle from time to time in pass rush situations. Keep an eye on him.

ZACH LUTMER

Credit to Phil Parker on this one. The redshirt freshman safety prospect has turned heads on a daily basis at practice this spring. While contending for a starting spot is still a year away, a spot in the two deeps appears to be a lock and Lutmer will certainly play a massive role on special teams as well.

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