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Iowa football: A.J. Epenesa named Co-Defensive Player of the Week

By Andrew Wade

IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 08: Defensive end A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes gives chase to runningback David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half on September 8, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 08: Defensive end A.J. Epenesa #94 of the Iowa Hawkeyes gives chase to runningback David Montgomery #32 of the Iowa State Cyclones during the first half on September 8, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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It was only a matter of time before the former five-star recruit made a name for himself. Today, A.J. Epenesa was named Co-Defensive Player of the Week.

I have a very strong feeling this won’t be the last time A.J. Epenesa is named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week. The former five-star recruit and Hawkeye legacy (A.J.’s dad Eppy played on the Hawks defensive line in the late 90’s), has patiently waited his turn to make an impact on the loaded Hawkeye defensive line. His time is now.

Epenesa is a true sophomore out of Glen Carbon, Illinois and despite playing sparingly his freshman season still managed to show his limitless potential. He was just one of ten true freshman to see playing time in 2017 and one of two freshman named to the 2017 leadership team. The guy is a winner both on and off the field.

Historically, the Iowa Hawkeyes don’t go for top recruits. They prefer to stick to their bread and butter of getting middle of the road recruits that have good character, strong work ethic, and a willingness to do whatever it takes. It’s worked out pretty well for them.

A.J. Epenesa is a rare bread of talent though combined with all of those intangibles the Hawks strive for in their recruits. In high school, he received All-American honors from his sophomore through his senior season. This pure talent allowed him to gross 15 tackles including 5.5 tackles for loss and 4.5 sacks as a freshman on Iowa’s defensive line.

Ultimately, he was named to the Big Ten’s All-Freshman team at the conclusion of last season.

Heading in to 2018, A.J. Epenesa figured to play a vital role on the line, yet not as a starter. It apparently makes no difference as he is quickly becoming a feared pass rusher that teams must account for at any given point.

His performance on Saturday against the Cyclones was truly impressive and later in the day you will likely see him as one of Dear Old Gold’s three standouts from the game.

He was a huge difference maker on the defensive side of the ball sacking the quarterback twice including a game ending strip sack. The Big Ten noticed and named him Co-Defensive Player of the Week.

Through two games this season, Epenesa already has three sacks and looks to add much more to that total as the season progresses. Personally, I am just glad we get him at least for another year after this. A.J. Epenesa could end up being on the Mount Rushmore of Iowa’s defensive line by the time things are all said and done.