Iowa football fans don't often find themselves getting excited about the offense, but this season could easily change that.
The program is experiencing significant turnover after a successful 9-4 season, including another bowl victory. Kirk Ferentz and co. sent a program-record seven players to the NFL, with many more signing as undrafted free agents. While that is great for those players, it has created some uncertainty for the Hawkeyes on both sides of the ball. Fans got a final look at what the squad could be in week one, and one group stood out.
Iowa's offense looked primed to make a jump during the Kids Day open practice
Iowa's 9-4 record can be a little deceiving, as the offense definitely did not hold up its end, but credit is due to quarterback Mark Gronowski and the unit for making winning plays when it mattered most. In traditional Iowa fashion, the offense was propped up by the running game, which ranked No. 42 overall in college football after averaging 176.9 yards per game. The passing game struggled, ranking No. 127 overall, which dropped Iowa to No. 117 overall in total offense. This is nothing new to Hawkeye fans, but after the Kids Day open practice, there is a lot of optimism surrounding the unit.
If everyone stays healthy, the program can easily go four deep at all skill positions, including running back, tight end, and wide receiver. In no particular order, here are the projected options for Iowa at each position:
- Running back: Kamari Moulton, LJ Phillips Jr., Xavier Williams, Nathan McNeil
- Tight end: DJ Vonnahme, Addison Ostrenga, Zach Ortwerth, Mason Woods, Eli Johnson
- Wide receiver: Tony Diaz, Reece Vander Zee, Evan James, Dayton Howard, KJ Parker, Jarriett Buie
The Hawkeyes won't have a shortage of offensive weapons, and that was clearly showcased during the 11-on-11 drill during the open practice on August 15. Quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski torched the Iowa defense for 205 yards and five touchdowns, and third-string quarterback Jimmy Sullivan also tossed a few touchdown passes. Everyone got in on the action, with touchdown passes going to DJ Vonnahme, Evan James, Brody Schaffer, and Isaiah Oliver, among others, and this is somewhat surprising.
Everyone knows that Iowa employs a run-first offense, and for the passing attack to show out the way it did is a very encouraging sign. Even long-time defensive coordinator Phil Parker admitted he doesn't want to face the offense every day, which is extremely high praise. Ferentz did not name a starting quarterback, but if it is Hecklinski, he showed great chemistry with a lot of the weapons he will have at his disposal. The passing game was the big story, but the running backs also looked solid, starting with transfer LJ Phillips. Phillips showcased why he rushed for nearly 2,000 yards for South Dakota last season, and he will make an immediate impact in his first season with the Hawkeyes.
Iowa has the potential to be very deep on offense, and it showed. Hopefully for the program and for the fans, regardless of who is named as the starting quarterback, the offense continues to progress and build on a solid Kids Day practice.
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