Iowa Hawkeyes versus NIU: Four Storylines to watch
By Andrew Wade
How does the defense fair without Jewell?
Replacing a Josey Jewell is never easy. Jewell, a three-time captain and All-American linebacker, was drafted in the fourth round of the 2018 draft by the Broncos after a stellar career in Iowa City. Gone with him is one-year wonder ballhawk corner Josh Jackson who is now with the Green Bay Packers.
That type of production is impossible to replace, but the pieces remain for Iowa’s defense to still perform at a high level in 2018. Iowa’s stout defensive line remains with Anthony Nelson, Matt Nelson and Parker Hesse providing veteran leadership. Additionally, former five-star recruit A.J. Epenesa is waiting in the wings behind these guys.
Linebacker and cornerback are where Iowa fans can expect big changes to the defense. Gone is Josey Jewell, Bo Bowers, and Ben Niemann and in their place is Kristian Welch, Armani Jones, and Ben’s little brother Nick Niemann.
This is a huge loss for any program, but Iowa does an incredible job of churning out linebackers. If they want their defense to perform at the level they expect, these guys will need to step up big time.
Furthermore, the cornerback position looks different. With back to back years of playmaking defensive backs Desmond King and Josh Jackson, will someone be able to step in the role? True junior Michael Ojemudia is expected to man on side while true freshman Matt Hankins will be assuming the other.
Playing NIU will be a great test to get the relatively inexperienced Hawkeye defense up to speed quick before they jump into their Big Ten schedule.