Veteran defensive coordinator Phil Parker is not one to waste words, and when he compliments a player or group of players, that carries a lot of weight.
Parker has been one of the top defensive coordinators in the NCAA since taking over the defense in 2012.
The Iowa defense had another solid year last season with Parker at the helm, ranking No. 9 in total defense.
With the spring game rapidly approaching, Parker recently spoke to the media following a practice, and it's safe to say he is feeling really good about a certain group.
Iowa's cornerback depth is giving Parker a reason for optimism
The Iowa defense was slightly better against the pass (No. 10 overall) than the run (No. 17 overall) last season, and the defense has the potential to be even better in the passing game this season.
Most prominent thing we heard from Iowa DC Phil Parker today was he feels really good about the depth at cornerback (Lee, Watson, Wallace, Godfrey), which should allow Zach Lutmer to avoid playing outside (like Cooper DeJean did). Lutmer repping mostly at free safety this spring.
— Chad Leistikow🆑 (@ChadLeistikow) April 22, 2026
According to the Des Moines Register's Chad Leistikow, Parker told reporters that he feels "really good" about the depth at cornerback, with starter Deshaun Lee and key reserve Jaylen Watson returning.
Throw in the hard-hitting Rashad Godfrey and talented redshirt freshman Jacob Wallace, and the Hawkeyes easily have four solid options at cornerback.
With multiple options at cornerback, that also allows Parker to move versatile defensive back Zach Lutmer to safety or CASH, making the secondary even stronger.
With the defensive line having multiple question marks heading into next season, the secondary will have to be that much stronger, and everything is looking good so far.
If Parker is excited about the cornerback group, we should be too, and it will be fun to watch them in Iowa's spring game on April 25.
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