The Iowa Hawkeyes have always prided themselves on solid special teams, and that has not changed this season.
The Hawkeyes always find a kicker with a big leg, a punter who can drop the ball inside the 10 yard line, and a dynamic return man.
This season, those players are punter Rhys Dakin, kicker Drew Stevens, and return specialist Kaden Wetjen.
While those three players receive most of the headlines, the special teams unit is made up of much more than three players.
Iowa special teams coordinator LeVar Woods stated he is "happy with where they're at," and knows they have been dominant at times. However, during his media availability this week, he stated that he wants more consistency.
During his availability this week Woods spoke about the big three of Dakin, Stevens, and Wetjen and discussed how important they are to the overall success of the unit.
Kaden Wetjen is an "electric playmaker"
Woods had nothing but praise for star returner Kaden Wetjen, but he stated Wetjen had to work hard to get to where he is today.
Wetjen did not join the team and immediately became a star on special teams. He had to discover how to utilize his speed and vision effectively.
Woods said he preaches to his team that there are three kinds of players: interested, committed, and obsessed. Wetjen falls under the final category.
Woods also stated that Wetjen is fearless, and is built low to the ground, which makes him harder to tackle.
The sky is the limit for Wetjen, and he has become "a lot of fun to watch."
We have not seen the best of Rhys Dakin
While most Iowa fans expected Rhys Dakin to come in and light the world on fire during his first few seasons, that has not happened yet.
Fans were spoiled by Tory Taylor, and expected the same from Dakin right away.
Woods was quick to say that while Dakin is talented, we have not seen his best yet because of his inexperience at the position.
Taylor was the same way, but once he figured it out, he was a weapon for the Iowa special teams unit and went on to be a fourth-round NFL Draft pick.
Woods knows Dakin is talented, and he is working with him to become more consistent over time.
Drew Stevens has the potential to be a top NFL kicker
Woods said that he is more proud of Drew Stevens than any other kicker he has coached due to his resiliency.
Kickers are always up and down, and Stevens is no different. He burst onto the scene as a freshman and has been up and down since.
Woods believes Stevens has the talent and leg to be a top kicker not only at the collegiate level, but also in the NFL.
Woods also noted that he is an extremely fierce competitor, and he knew he would be special from the moment he arrived on campus.
Overall, Woods is proud of the improvment his unit has made this season and knows they some of the inate abilities that you cannot coach.