Howe: 5 True Freshmen Positioned for Playing Time

IOWA CITY, Iowa – There was a time when Iowa Soccer labored arduous preserving redshirts for true freshmen. That apply has waned over time with student-athletes leaving earlier for the NFL and switch portal. 

Subtracting the Covid-19 season of 2020, the Hawkeyes are averaging 5 true freshmen bypassing the redshirts over the last 5 years. That is weighted closely by ’17, when the quantity was 10. 

A rule instituted earlier than ’18 permits gamers seeing motion in 4 video games or much less to crimson shirt. Iowa is doing nicely in using the laws with 10 complete student-athletes avoiding crimson shirts within the three non-Covid seasons. It is averaged 4 over the last two full seasons (’19 & ’21). 

Three years in the past, Jack Campbell, Sam LaPorta, Dane Belton and Tyler Goodson had their redshirts eliminated. Keagan Johnson, Arland Bruce IV, Connor Colby and Cooper DeJean noticed motion in additional than 4 video games final fall throughout their first seasons on campus. 

Maybe a sample is forming. Extra possible, it is fluid, primarily based on a mix of things. They usually can definitely change all through a season. 

With that in thoughts, listed below are 5 guys within the present class almost definitely to play in additional than 4 video games in ’22: 

5. Addison Ostrenga, TE – In different years, the Wisconsin product would most likely be increased on this checklist primarily based on capability. Nevertheless, the Hawkeyes are deep at this place with all-American candidate Sam LaPorta main the way in which adopted by rising expertise Luke Lachey. Ostrenga finds himself competing with Lafayette graduate switch Steve Stilianos and walk-on Johnny Pascuzzi, who’s acquired loads of reward from coaches and teammates this offseason. If Ostrenga clearly separates himself from the pack, he’ll play. If not, preserving his redshirt may be the wisest route.  

4. Drew Stevens, Okay – The rookie from South Carolina is locked up in a stiff competitors with sophomore Aaron Blom. Based mostly on the 2 public performances by the duo, one in spring and the opposite at Children Day on Aug. 13, it is too near name. Particular groups coordinator Levar Woods mentioned earlier this month at media day that it is attainable each place kickers may play. Possibly one in every of them kicks off and handles lengthy subject targets, and the opposite takes the brief three-pointers and further factors. Time will inform the way it shakes out, however as of proper now, Stevens stands a superb probability of not crimson shirting. 

3. Jacob Bostick, WR – It is the place group drawing essentially the most concern heading into the Sept. 3 opener towards South Dakota State. Accidents are impacting the place proper now after attrition hit it through the offseason. None of that ought to take away from Bostick’s capability to contribute. It ought to improve his abilities as a deep risk and lengthy goal. He confirmed reliability in a small pattern dimension at Children Day, working crisp routes and hanging onto the ball in site visitors. If wholesome, Johnson, Bruce IV and Nico Ragaini form up because the Prime 3 on the place. After that, it is extensive open, so to talk. 

2. Aaron Graves, DL – From a bodily standpoint, Graves is a marvel within the mildew of Tristan Wirfs and AJ Epenesa, who have been highly-touted true freshmen at Iowa that averted crimson shirting earlier than being drafted into the NFL after three seasons on campus. Graves is becoming a member of a deep, proficient and skilled line of defense, however there is a respectable probability he passes up some veterans. The coaches are being unusually complimentary of him and his Children Day efficiency reveals he belongs. It is arduous to say how a lot he’ll play, however barring harm, Graves possible will probably be within the defensive sort out rotation from the beginning with an opportunity to extend reps relying on how he performs. 

1. Xavier Nwankpa, S – The crown jewel of the category from a recruiting rankings standpoint, Nwankpa is helped by being humble. He arrived in January able to work and made strides over the last eight months, positioning him to play instantly. He is competing at free security, the place junior Quinn Schulte, a former walk-on, is listed because the starter. The veteran holds a definite benefit in information of the system, which is large on the place. The newcomer is making up floor in that space, nevertheless, and appears the half bodily and from an athletic standpoint. I think Nwankpa will play on particular groups from the bounce and will work his manner into reps on protection relying on his development and growth.