News had been swirling of an addition to the Hawkeyes in the form of another grad transfer over the past several weeks since running back James Butler joined the program. And, it was confirmed that it would be a wide receiver, Matt Quarells previously of New Mexico.
Coming to the Hawkeyes with two years of eligibility, the Florissant, Missouri native brings experience to a very raw and inexperienced wide receiver room. Early this week, with the release of the Iowa two-deeps, it revealed that walk on Nick Easley, Devonte Young and Adrian Falconer were the candidates before camp starts this weekend to see the field.
Lobos Head Coach Bob Davie confirmed Quarells to the Albuquerque Journal:
"“He’s a great kid, and I hate to lose him,” Davie said. “But I think Iowa’s a good fit for him.”"
Quarells was a three star player out of Missouri, ranked in the top 20 in the state by 24/7 Sports. Quarells went to the same high school (Hazelwood Central) as Marvin McNutt who has the school record in receiving yards and touchdowns, and third in all-time receptions. The Hawkeyes are also recruiting a top ten Missouri player from Hazelwood Central’s Dallas Craddieth in this recruiting cycle.
The opportunity to ‘potentially’ play right away may have been appealing to Quarells, who finished tied for third on the Lobos last season in receptions with 11. Like the Hawkeyes, New Mexico had two runners finish with over 1000 yards, in a strong 9-4 season in the Mountain West.
WR Matt Quarells played in a triple-option offense at New Mexico. Had a 70-yard reception in Lobos' spring game. There's potential.
— Chad Leistikow🆑 (@ChadLeistikow) July 27, 2017
Quarrels 11 catches last season would have finished him 6th on the Hawkeyes, but of the list higher than that, only Matt VandeBerg, and running back Akrum Wadley return.
WR Matt Quarells' touchdown catch against South Dakota last year https://t.co/JEDTHsOMyy via @GIPHY pic.twitter.com/q4Pvx79GPr
— Blair Sanderson (@BlairASanderson) July 27, 2017
Other players not listed on the depth chart this week that will be competing to see the field with Quarells include: JR Brandon Bishop, SO Dominique Dafney, and group of freshmen including Brandon Smith, Henry Marchese, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, Max Cooper and walk-on Kyle Connolly.
New wide receiver coach Kelvin Copeland will have his hands full getting this young group up to speed in a month to see how many, and which players will see the field, and which will be red-shirted.
"“He’s a great kid, and I hate to lose him,” Davie said. “But I think Iowa’s a good fit for him.”"