Freshmen Stock Report: Iowa Defense
The true freshmen on the Hawkeye football team will be reporting later this week. That means it’s a good time to do a stock report on the incoming group of first year players.
This time around we will divide it up and start with a look at the defensive players who will be spending their first summer in Iowa City. There are ten different first year players on defense in the Class of 2023.
There are a couple of trends to take note of when it comes to Iowa’s first year players on defense. First, it always seems like Phil Parker finds a way to play a first year player in secondary. Last year it was Xavier Nawnkpa and T.J. Hall. Also, Koen Entringer played, but did not exceed the four game limit.
The other general rule is the closer to the ball the player is the harder it is for someone to play. Of course, last year Aaron Graves flew in the face of that role and had an outstanding freshman season.
We will start up front and then work our way back with our breakdown of every player.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Antario Thompson – Ok, he’s really not a true freshman, but he is a first year player at Iowa. Thompson played at Iowa Western in his first year at the college level and transferred in at semester, so he has a full session of spring ball under his belt. But, the defensive tackle position is pretty crowded. If there are injuries then he might have a shot at playing this year. STOCK: POTENTIAL REDSHIRT
Chase Brackney – Incoming freshman out of Colorado. Has good size and power, but he’s also one of those players that we just don’t know a whole lot about. It feels like he is going to be a solid choice to redshirt, but given the unknown with him, there’s always a chance to surprise. STOCK: LIKELY REDSHIRT
Maddux Borcherding-Johnson – I never rule out a solid high school wrestler, but he probably needs a year in the weight room and practice time to adjust to the college level. Perhaps once we get to next spring we could see him push for a spot in the two deeps. STOCK: REDSHIRT
Kenneth Merriweather – I’m really intrigued by Merriweather. Could he be a Chauncey Golston starter kit? Maybe. But, he’s going to need a year to bulk up in the weight room and time to develop. STOCK: REDSHIRT
LINEBACKER
Ben Kueter – I am very bullish on Kueter. Iowa is pretty stacked up at linebacker. But, Kueter is pretty special. He’s a ball of energy on the field and plays fast. He’s also a great wrestler. While linebacker might not be in the cards, I could see Kueter playing on special teams all season long. STOCK: LIKELY TO PLAY
Aidan Hall – At this point, Hall is kind of a tweener. He’s listed at 6-1 and 210 pounds and could honestly be a linebacker or a safety, but he’s probably going to grow into a linebacker based on his frame. However, it feels like he’s headed for a year of learning and filling out. STOCK: REDSHIRT
DEFENSIVE BACK
John Nestor – I am really intrigued by Nestor. It was surprising to learn this spring that he’s coming in at cornerback. Most thought he would end up at safety. Of course, we thought Cooper DeJean would be a safety too. Perhaps Nestor works into the mix at the Cash position? I think he’s interesting and right now he’s probably a lean towards playing. STOCK: LEAN TOWARDS PLAYING
Kahlil Tate – Could there be two defensive backs that see the field in early one at Iowa? It happened last year, so it can happen again. Tate’s a big hitter with good speed so perhaps he finds role on special teams. I could see him maybe ending up being a four game player this year. STOCK: POSSIBLY PLAYING
Zach Lutmer – Central Lyon High School has been pretty good to the Hawkeyes over the years. Lutmer is a really good prospect and if feels like just about every year there’s an in-state surprise player who gets into the mix. Having said that, probably a redshirt year ahead. STOCK: LEAN REDSHIRT
Teegan Davis – This one is unfortunately pretty easy. Davis tore up his knee this spring running track and will be sidelined this year. STOCK: REDSHIRT
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