READ ALSO………………………………
Seven observations from Iowa football’s spring 2024 roster and depth chart……………………………..
There’s always a disclaimer when discussing the Iowa football depth chart, especially in March. Heard it directly from Kirk Ferentz.
Regarding the depth chart, Ferentz remarked, “I told the players that in our first meeting, and it doesn’t mean a lot because it’s March 26 right now.” “Let’s focus on improving and our performance now, rather than worrying about what it will look like on September 1st.”
Having said that, the following are some highlights from Iowa’s roster and spring depth chart:
- According to Iowa sports information, offensive lineman Griffin Liddle of Iowa is taking a medical redshirt and is no longer a member of the Hawkeyes. During his three years on the squad, Liddle—a former three-star recruit from the 2021 class—did not see any game action. With this change and Kadyn Proctor’s impending departure, Iowa will have 90 scholarships. (By the beginning of the 2024 season, that figure must drop to 85.)
- On the offensive depth chart, five redshirt freshman have secured their places. Rusty VanWetzinga is the first team fullback, Marco Lainez is the third team quarterback, Jarriett Buie is a second team wide receiver, and Kade Pieper and Trevor Lauck are the second team guards.
- Although Beau Stephens is now listed as the starting left guard, Rusty Feth’s replacement is by no means guaranteed. Other candidates Ferentz named for that role were Tyler Elsbury and Nick DeJong. In the spring, Elsbury fills in at center as Logan Jones heals from a surgically necessary injury.
- One of Iowa’s second-team defensive tackles is a sophomore walk-on and former Linn-Mar standout named Luke Gaffney. After Anterio Thompson left via the transfer portal and Logan Lee and Noah Shannon graduated, Iowa lost a lot of depth at the position.
- According to Ferentz on Tuesday, Hayden Large has been practicing at both tight end and fullback. The walk-on joined Iowa’s first squad as a fullback in 2023 after transferring from NAIA-level Dordt College.
- Another illustration of the depth of experience on the defensive end of the ball came with the unveiling of the spring depth chart on Monday. On the defensive end of the court, Iowa has eight starting seniors/graduate students, or nine if you include Sebastian Castro and Kyler Fisher as separate starters at the Leo/Cash spot.
- tense conclusion This year’s early enrollees from Iowa for the on-scholarship program include punter Rhys Dakin, offensive lineman Josh Janowski, and punter Gavin Hoffman. Dakin, like his predecessor, will wear No. 9, Hoffman will wear No. 89, and Janowski will wear No. 63.