It's all business for Jeremy Hecklinski when he's competing for snaps with Hank Brown

It didn't go well for Jeremy Hecklinski against Minnesota, and his performance cost him another start.

Hecklinski started his second straight game after a strong performance against Washington, throwing three touchdown passes. He completed eight passes in a row before a costly interception derailed his focus, and the coaching staff pulled him for Hank Brown. Shortly after Kirk Ferentz announced that Brown will start against Wisconsin, Hecklinski was asked how he balances friendship and competitiveness.

Hecklinski revealed that he wants to play and beat Brown every day

The coaching staff has been up front about its belief in both quarterbacks, but the constant revolving door at the starting spot has to weigh on both. It can't be easy to fight for playing time when you don't know whether the rug will be pulled out from under you, and Brown and Hecklinski have been benched for each other. Hecklinski shared an interesting revelation about his relationship with Brown and why, at the end of the day, he has to focus solely on what he's doing.

Hecklinski said that while they are teammates and friends who support each other, he wants to be better than Brown when he's on the field, and he wants to play. He says it ultimately comes down to focusing on himself and not focusing on what Brown's doing. He also said that their lockers are right next to each other, and they do have normal conversations, but it's a business relationship. Hecklinski proved he is the ultimate teammate and competitor multiple times this season, but it's easy to tell that he wants to be out there.

Most players will say it's all about the team, but it's hard when you aren't playing, and even harder when you are friends with your teammates. Hecklinski started for two straight games and never got the same benefit of the doubt as Brown. Ferentz yanked him with four minutes left in the second quarter, and now he's working to regain the starting job.

Let's be clear: Hecklinski didn't do enough to solidify the starting job, but the coaching staff gave him such a short leash against Minnesota that it's unclear what he would've done if they'd have let him work through his early struggles, but we'll never know. Given how inconsistent the coaching staff has been with their decision-making, Hecklinski might still get a chance in the Wisconsin game and beyond.

For now, Hecklinski is focusing on what he can control, and he's letting the chips fall where they may.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow