Jeremy Hecklinski's hype train isn't slowing down as the starting QB battle rages on

Kirk Ferentz was never going to name a starting quarterback after Kids Day, but there was a clear winner in the battle.

One position battle has been more closely scrutinized than the rest, and that is the starting quarterback battle. Hank Brown and Jeremy Hecklinski have been battling since spring ball, and that battle is expected to last until the start of the season. Ferentz reiterated that they haven't made a decision yet after initially revealing during Big Ten Football Media Days that they didn't know. The battle became a hot topic after Kids Day, and it will stay that way until a decision is made.

Hecklinski was called 'the hero Iowa needs' after his Kids Day performance

While it was only one practice and the first time everyone got a good look at both quarterbacks, Hecklinski definitely stood out. He was very efficient and made multiple eye-popping throws, including five touchdown passes. It has been a while since the Iowa defense failed to control the tempo of the 11-on-11 drill, and the unit struggled at times to stop the offense when Hecklinski was under center.

Hecklinski completed 68 percent of his passes (17/25) for 205 yards and five touchdowns, carving up the defense through the air. He was the clear MVP of the practice, and everyone has taken notice.

Even though Hecklinski hasn't been officially named QB1, he gained a lot of fans after his Kids Day performance. Brown struggled during open practice, bringing back bad memories of his struggles during the Indiana game last season, which could have contributed to everyone jumping on the Hecklinski hype train. CBS Sports' Chris Hassel called Hecklinski "the hero" Iowa football needs, because he isn't the guy you would think is good, but he is. Hecklinski has all the makings of a "folk hero" for the Hawkeyes, similar to what C.J. Beathard was. He doesn't have the look of a traditional quarterback, but he definitely plays like one.

Even though this competition should be over after Kids Day, it is by no means finished, as Kirk Ferentz will make sure he makes the right decision for the program. Ferentz will consider all the variables and what both quarterbacks bring to the table, but if Kids Day was any indication who should be the starter, it overwhelming points to Hecklinski. Apart from his numbers, Hecklinski looked calm and confident under center, and wasn't afraid to push the ball deep downfield, something Iowa hasn't had. Brown is considered the more "safe" quarterback who doesn't force the ball as much, but he failed to live up to that during the Kids Day open practice.

Hassel is a University of Iowa graduate and a well-known Hawkeye supporter, and his latest assertion echoes what most Iowa fans are feeling after Kids Day: Jeremy Hecklinski MUST be the starter. Ferentz is way more in tune with his squad than the rest of us are, and if Brown ends up being the guy, it is for a reason. Ferentz isn't taking this decision lightly, but if the fans had a say, Hecklinski is the overwhelming favorite to start for the Hawkeyes in Week One against the Northern Illinois Huskies on September 5.

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