Iowa Football: True Freshmen Could Have Huge Impact

For a developmental program that doesn’t normally get a large influx of 4 and 5 star blue chip prospects, immediate playing time isn’t common for the Hawkeyes. But, this season that could be very different for the group of true freshmen for Iowa.

In years past, not many players per recruiting class are able to bypass the redshirt, and see the field right away for Iowa. Normally, the players are given time to mature physically and get acclimated to the demands of Big Ten student athlete life.

This season that could be very different for the class of 2017 that recently joined the black & gold.

The class that 24/7 Sports ranked as the #41 overall in the country has the chance to contribute right away. Many of the players coming in have ability, or play in a position of need for the Hawkeyes as they face a daunting Big Ten schedule.

Epenesa Ready Day 1

Guaranteed to the see the field is AJ Epenesa on the defensive line. Epenesa has already been seen practicing among the starters on defense, and the expectation is that the Hawkeye legacy will be among the nations best freshmen. Iowa defensive line coach Reese Morgan stated on Epenesa:

"We like his athleticism outside and he can play the boundary,” Morgan said. “You like him inside because he has more size and girth, but you play the best guys. It has to be earned. We will see where we go, but certainly he has an opportunity to help contribute."

Another player who is all but certain to play is Texas native Matt Hankins. With the unknowns in the Hawkeyes secondary, the opportunity to play at either safety or corner is available, and Hankins could be the man for the job. Buzz from practices indicate that Hankins may be ahead of other freshmen in the secondary room.

Last season true freshmen played roles in the Hawkeyes return to Tampa in the Outback Bowl. Nathan Stanley surprised many in becoming the #2 quarterback right away. Noah Fant showed that he could possibly be the best pass catching playmaker Iowa’s had in recent years.

Anthony Nelson came out of nowhere to become a disruptive pass rusher for the Hawks. And, Manny Rugamba played as a freshmen, and made a play to remember against Michigan in the stunning upset in Iowa City.

But, with the departures of Desmond King, Greg Mabin and the injury to Brandon Snyder, true frosh players Geno Stone, Josh Turner and Djimon Colbert could all see time on the field this year. With access to practice limited, and guesses made via the Hawkeye official page photos, it would be expected that at least two of them play at least on special teams right away.

Wide receiver, like the secondary has the issue of limited game experience. Will the depth chart before the first game against Wyoming feature any of the freshmen? It is unlikely, but possible.

Brandon Smith and Ihmir Smith-Marsette are the frontrunners to most likely see some playing time. But, with the running backs Iowa can feature, and a very talented tight end room, there might not be a lot of ‘gun slinging’ by the quarterback competition winner. Camron Harrell has been seen in practice participating with the offense. With his speed, he could be used as a weapon on trick plays potentially. That is something to keep an eye on as the season progresses.

Punter Ryan Gersonde very well could win the punting competition. Whoever wins that job will have a tough act to follow after Ron Coluzzi had a ‘season to remember’ in his short time in Iowa City.

Peyton Mansell is in the thick of the quarterback derby that is presumably being led by Nathan Stanley and Tyler Wiegers. Mansell and sophomore Ryan Boyle are being given the chance to win the job, but as the practice weeks continue, it will most likely show if Mansell is realistically going to see playing time this year.

It remains to be seen on potential playmakers Trey Creamer, Max Cooper and Henry Marchese factor in this year. Any, or all of them could see playing time.

Lineman Tristan Wirfs, Mark Kallenberger and Coy Kirkpatrick will all ‘take their turn’ on a very deep offensive line depth chart which should have some openings next season. But, if some of the upperclassmen do get injured, Wirfs could see his redshirt lifted quickly.

Linebacker Nate Wieland and running back Ivory Kelly-Martin are two more players that are low on the depth chart at crowded positions.

Likely redshirts could be Kyshaun Bryan who could be a factor next season when Akrum Wadley and James Butler head to the NFL, but it would be an uphill climb. The same holds true for tight end Jacob Coons who might only see the field if a rash of injuries occur in 2017.

While it remains unknown how many of the #Swarm17 class will see action right away, it appears that many of them will be factors (good or bad) in the success of Iowa in 2017.