The Iowa defensive back group was often maligned last season.
Former Hawkeye cornerback Jermari Harris was the clear No.1 corner. When he dealt with injuries throughout the season, the secondary had no answers for an opponent's passing attack.
This glaring weakness was on full display during Iowa's loss to Missouri during the TransPerfect Music City Bowl last season. Missouri quarterback Brady Cook torched the Iowa secondary for 287 yards and two touchdowns in the Tigers' 27-24 victory.
Cornerbacks TJ Hall and Deshaun Lee were thrust into a more expanded role with Harris on the sidelines, but they struggled in their new roles.
Over the offseason, Hall and Lee worked diligently to improve their overall games, and were named the starting cornerbacks on the first official depth chart of the season.
The Iowa secondary is young and inexperienced, excluding Hall and Lee, but TJ has been a bright spot for the Iowa defense this season.
During a small portion of Hall's media availability, which was posted by "The Hawkeye Report," Hall credited the coaching staff and their belief in him for his success this season.
Hall admitted that he did not know much about Iowa, as he grew up in California, and often confused the staunch Iowa defense with that of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
When he made his college decision, he said that Iowa had a leg up on everyone else due to the coaching staff and their belief in him as a player.
Hall acknowledged his early struggles in the Iowa program, but noted that the coaches always believed in him, which helped him to grow.
That belief was important in his development, and he was very appreciative of that.
Hall and the defense have had two solid performances to begin the season, and hope to carry that momentum into Week Three against UMass.