Iowa Football: Quarterback Deuce Hogan impressing coaches in practice

Iowa football has a current starting quarterback in Spencer Petras, but true freshman Deuce Hogan is waiting in the wings.

Playing quarterback is one of the most difficult roles in any sport. For true freshman Deuce Hogan, playing the position comes naturally. Hogan appears comfortable doing anything it takes to help his team, and Iowa Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz has taken notice.

Hogan (6-4, 213), a 4-star recruit from Southlake, TX, has only been with the Iowa program since January. He was a part of Iowa’s 2020 recruiting class, but the progress he’s already made seems to be impressing coaches.

In his most recent mailbag column, Scott Dochterman of The Athletic noted that Hogan’s “take-charge maturity” during practices has resonated with the Iowa coaching staff.

“They look like a good group,” coach Ferentz said, referencing Hogan and the 2020 recruiting class. “They like football, have been attentive and have shown us good things on the practice field.”

Hogan hasn’t played in a game yet, and isn’t even listed as the backup quarterback, but he’s doing everything he can to help his team.

“I want to be everything I can for Iowa football,” Hogan said. “If that is playing scout team quarterback and getting [the first-team offense] ready to play their next opponent, or if that is being the guy, whatever it is that I can help this program.”

Quarterback of the future? Maybe. For now, though, Hogan is fine with his role.

“It is a big adjustment; [quarterback] is the hardest position to play as far as decision-making,” Ferentz later stated. “He has been learning every day. I’m pleased he is in the program.”

Hogan was a four-year letterman and finished his high school career with 8,192 yards,100 touchdowns and 30 interceptions while completing 52.8 percent of his passes. His career record was 36-11 and he owns school records for career wins, yards, touchdowns and completions.

The Hawkeyes seem content with their current starting quarterback in Spencer Petras, and Alex Padilla remains the backup. But don’t be surprised to see Hogan raise more eyebrows as time goes on, especially heading into 2021.