Iowa Hawkeyes Football: Key Points to Observe During Iowa’s Spring Open Practice

The Iowa Hawkeyes have had an eventful week, primarily on the basketball court, with the men’s team securing a commitment from former Morehead State point guard Drew Thelwell and the women’s team landing a significant commitment from former Villanova PG Lucy Olsen. Additionally, former Hawkeye Caitlin Clark was selected as the #1 overall pick in the WNBA draft, adding to the excitement.

Now, the focus shifts to football as the Iowa football team prepares to conclude their spring practice with an open session on Saturday morning. This event holds considerable importance for fans, as Iowa doesn’t host a traditional spring game like some other schools. The Hawkeyes have notable uncertainties, especially on the offensive side, and fans will have their first opportunity to gain insights into the team’s progress this weekend.

With less than 24 hours remaining until the open practice, what specific aspects should fans be attentive to inside Kinnick Stadium on Saturday?

The Offense

It’s evident that the majority of inquiries this spring revolve around the offense. Phil Parker’s defense remains consistent, especially with the return of key players like Jay Higgins, Nick Jackson, and others, leaving little room for speculation regarding Iowa’s defense in 2024.

However, the offense is undergoing changes with a new offensive coordinator, and expectations are high. Already, one offensive player has entered the transfer portal this spring (best wishes to Jacob Bostick, unless he ends up at Iowa State). With the distinction of having the worst offense in Power 5 football, it’s reasonable to seek reassurance about improvement.

Recently, offensive coordinator Tim Lester addressed the media for the first time since his introduction. Although his initial remarks weren’t captured in the audio recording by the UI, Lester mentioned that approximately 80-85% of his offensive scheme has been implemented. Now, the emphasis is on refining the core plays and incorporating the remaining 15-20% of the playbook.

For fans, it’s crucial to observe what comprises that 80-85% of the playbook. During his time at Western Michigan, Lester gained recognition for extensively utilizing RPOs (run-pass options). Unlike the QB running the ball, RPOs rely on the defensive alignment post-snap to determine whether the offense will run or pass. This concept is entirely new for the Hawkeyes, and while early hiccups are expected, the extent to which it appears on Saturday could indicate how closely the new offense resembles Lester’s strategies from WMU versus the influence of Kirk Ferentz.

Fans should pay attention to plays resembling read-options, where the QB reads the potential handoff to the RB. Monitoring the number of box defenders pre-snap is essential. RPOs thrive on exploiting defensive weaknesses, meaning the offense may run if there are as many or fewer defenders in the box as there are offensive players to block them.

Beyond RPOs, post-snap blocking from the offensive line is critical. While Iowa traditionally favored outside zone under Ferentz, Lester has leaned towards inside zone schemes. Observing if the offense focuses more on runs between the guards versus towards the edge can provide insights. Additionally, noting the linemen’s techniques, whether they prioritize heavy combos or quicker seals, can reveal adaptation strategies.

Saturday’s practice will also unveil finer points expected in the fall, such as increased motion and defensive conflict creation. New OC Tim Lester’s expectations for the group will offer further insights into their development.

“I just want to be efficient. Stay onsides with all the pre-snap stuff, all the motions and cadence, and come off the ball. I’m sure he’s going to put us in some situations, two minute and third along, which will be tough for us this early but we’re going to take swing. I want to say we had one last Saturday where we had 12 plays and moved the ball down the field and had a drive today we scored on, so there have been good days but some rough days too. Good thing is they always respond. On offense, if one guy screws up the play is done. On defense, you might have the left corner fall down, but if the QB throws right it might be a pick six. We just want to continue to stack reps and want to see the guys respond to having people there. It’s different when you get in the stadium, so the ability to stay focused and still execute the things they’ve learned. It will be fun to see who steps up. I just want to see us be better and more efficient. No penalties and take care of the ball.”

Personnel

Beyond the revamped offense, one of the most intriguing aspects of the spring is observing new personnel. Cade McNamara’s progress has been noted by Lester, although he remains limited in practice. Fans will be eager to see how much he throws and assess his mobility.

Deacon Hill will be taking first-team reps, as he’s deemed the most advanced in making reads and progressing through his options, providing valuable live reps for other first-team players. Evaluating his improvement compared to last year and his overall performance will be crucial. Additionally, fans will keep an eye on Marco Lainez’s development as he juggles second and third-team reps.

Given McNamara’s injury history, Iowa needs reliable options behind him, potentially prompting exploration of the transfer portal for solutions. However, understanding the current roster’s capabilities and progression is paramount.

The wide receiver group’s performance is equally intriguing. With Jacob Bostick’s departure and Seth Anderson and Kaleb Brown nursing injuries, attention shifts to emerging talents. Fans wonder who will step up, and whether Iowa will need to seek an X receiver from the portal. Alternatively, the potential of redshirt freshman Jarriett Buie could alleviate roster constraints, as Iowa currently exceeds the scholarship limit for 2024.

While Phil Parker’s defensive unit is expected to remain formidable, there are valid concerns regarding the defensive line. Departures such as Logan Lee heading to the NFL and Noah Shannon exhausting his eligibility, along with Anterio Thompson’s departure to the portal, raise questions about the interior line’s depth.

At this stage of the offseason, the defense typically outshines the offense, especially considering the latter’s complete overhaul. If the offensive line dominates the interior defensive line during practice, it could signal potential issues for the fall. However, even if that’s not the case, monitoring the rotation and identifying players stepping up will be crucial.

Another area of focus is cornerback, where the departure of standout Cooper DeJean creates a void. While Jermari Harris and Deshaun Lee bring experience, attention is on John Nestor, Deavin Hilson, and TJ Hall, who have shown promise in spring practice. Who will fill DeJean’s role, and who will handle punt returns?

Following Tory Taylor’s departure, Iowa welcomes another Aussie punter, Rhys Dakin, who’s set to showcase his skills at Kinnick Stadium for the first time. While it’s unlikely Dakin matches Taylor’s prowess immediately, early reports suggest his leg strength might be even greater. Punting enthusiasts, get ready for some thrilling action!