Iowa football: Ranking the top five tight ends in Kirk Ferentz’s tenure

Iowa tight end Scott Chandler rushes upfield with a pass against Florida in the 2006 Outback Bowl January 2 in Tampa. Florida defeated Iowa 31 - 24. (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
Iowa tight end Scott Chandler rushes upfield with a pass against Florida in the 2006 Outback Bowl January 2 in Tampa. Florida defeated Iowa 31 - 24. (Photo by A. Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
3 of 6
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – JANUARY 05: Tony Moeaki #81 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs for yards after the catch on a 54-yard reception in the first quarter against Mario Edwards #33 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the FedEx Orange Bowl at Land Shark Stadium on January 5, 2010 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)
MIAMI GARDENS, FL – JANUARY 05: Tony Moeaki #81 of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs for yards after the catch on a 54-yard reception in the first quarter against Mario Edwards #33 of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets during the FedEx Orange Bowl at Land Shark Stadium on January 5, 2010 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

4. Tony Moeaki

First, I want to start off by saying putting Moeaki at the fourth spot was difficult. There was significant back and forth between spots 2-4 and ultimately when you look at the body of work, Moeaki’s reputation was greater than what he actually did on the field, in large part due to injuries which hampered his career throughout his time in Iowa City.

If that doesn’t tell you great of tight ends Kirk has had, than I don’t know what does because Moeaki was named Honorable Mention All-American in his senior season in addition to being a First Team All-Big Ten selection.

To be honest, had this former five-star recruit managed to stay healthy, we very well could be talking about him as a candidate for a higher spot, but he just couldn’t stay on the field. In his final three seasons, Moeaki played in just 23 games. Even in his best season statistically, he played just ten games.

Despite missing so many games, Moeaki’s number were still respectable. He finished his career with 76 catches for 953 yards and 11 touchdowns. In his best season, he had 30 catches, 387 yards, and four touchdowns. His catch total places him 38th on the all-time list while his 11 touchdowns were good for 3rd best by a Hawkeye tight end.