Very few programs can claim they have a a strong starting-caliber tight end, let alone two.
The Hawkeye program has been blessed with multiple quality tight ends throughout the years, thanks to the strong development within the program.
Iowa has been affectionately dubbed "Tight End U" for its ability to develop tight ends and send a finished and ready prospect to the NFL.
Iowa's tight end depth will be tested this season as they recently lost starting tight end Addison Ostrenga for the remainder of the season.
On Tuesday, Head Coach Kirk Ferentz announced that Ostrenga suffered an Achilles injury and will be out for the rest of the season. Ferentz also noted that Ostrenga had already undergone surgery to repair the damage on Monday.
With Ostrenga out, backup tight end Zach Ortwerth has been elevated to TE1 on the depth chart and will look to make an impact wherever he can.
Ortwerth has been a backup tight end for most of his career at Iowa, but will now get the opportunity to show what he can do.
When he was asked about what he has been working on ahead of Week Three's game against UMass, Ortwerth stated that he wants to get better at the little things.
He also mentioned that he has been working hard since fall camp to become a better run blocker and improve in the running game.
Ortwerth also stated that as a tight end at Iowa, you need to be able to block, and that is where his focus has been.
With Ostrenga and Reece Vander Zee out, Iowa may lean on Ortwerth to catch more passes and serve as a safety net for Mark Gronowski in the passing game.