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Iowa football: The 49ers embracing Hawkeyes in Kyle Shannahan’s second season

By Andrew Wade

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball in for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball in for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /
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CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball in for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
CARSON, CA – SEPTEMBER 30: Tight end George Kittle #85 of the San Francisco 49ers runs the ball in for a touchdown in the third quarter against the Los Angeles Chargers at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

The Iowa football program is a major pipeline for NFL talent. Kyle Shannahan’s 49ers are taking notice as three Hawks are playing a prominent role in 2018.

Once a Hawkeyes, always a Hawkeye. This mantra is something fans of the Iowa football program stick by. Every Sunday I see it whenever a former Hawkeye is playing well, all of my fellow Hawkeye fans go nuts on twitter.

This past weekend was especially enjoyable to watch three former members of the Iowa football program making key contributions for one NFL team. Injuries and ineffectiveness have led to larger roles than expected, but in just two seasons with Kyle Shannahan and John Lynch running the show for the 49ers, they have embraced Kirk Ferentz’s with open arms.

As it stands right now, the 49ers are one of three teams in the NFL with three Hawkeyes on the active roster. The New England Patriots and Green Bay Packers are the other two. Based on recent history, it seems to be working out pretty well for those two teams, and it appears the 49ers are jumping on the train.

Let’s take a look at how each of these three contributors have performed thus far through a quarter of the long NFL season.