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Draft Scout College Football Player News: Iowa

09/27/21 - Jack Campbell, Jr/2023, Iowa, 6-4, 243 (DS#17 ILB) + More +

SEPT 27 BIG TEN DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Jack Campbell, Iowa, LB – Jr. – Cedar Falls, Iowa – Cedar Falls (Iowa),...Led the Hawkeyes defense with a career-high 18 tackles in Iowa's 24-14 win vs. Colorado State. Registered the most tackles in a single game by an Iowa player since Anthony Hitchens recorded 19 tackles against Iowa State in 2019...Added three pass breakups and recovered a fumble at the Colorado State 6-yard line in the third quarter. The fumble recovery led to a Hawkeyes touchdown...Campbell's 18 tackles are the second most by an FBS player in 2021, trailing only Baylon Spector's (Clemson) 19 tackles vs. N.C. State (Sept. 25, 2021)...Earns the first Defensive Player of the Week honor of his career...Last Iowa Defensive Player of the Week: Riley Moss (Sept. 6, 2021). - Big Ten Football

(DS#17 ILB) Jr/2023

ILB Jack Campbell, Iowa
News Source: Big Ten Football
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09/25/21 - Spencer Petras, rJr/2023, Iowa, 6-5, 233 (DS#31 QB) + More +

Iowa made it through September undefeated with the remainder of the Big Ten schedule looming. But it wasn't easy for the No. 5 Hawkeyes to get to this point. They opened the season with wins against ranked teams Indiana and Iowa State. A home win over Kent State followed. Then came Saturday's game against Colorado State, and it turned out to be the biggest challenge so far for the Hawkeyes. Spencer Petras threw for 224 yards and two touchdowns as Iowa needed a second-half comeback to win 24-14.

The Hawkeyes (4-0), who trailed at halftime for the first time this season, won their 10th consecutive game, the program's longest streak since winning 12 games to open the 2015 season. Iowa also has a 15-game nonconference winning streak, the longest current streak in the nation. "I think our guys were trying today, and we had practiced well," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. "But it just wasn't clicking for us." The Hawkeyes were pushed by the Rams (1-3), who led 14-7 at halftime. "We certainly got stressed, which is going to help us," Ferentz said. Iowa rallied with touchdowns on back-to-back possessions that took a combined four plays in the third quarter. - Iowa/AP College Football

(DS#31 QB) rJr/2023

QB Spencer Petras, Iowa
News Source: Iowa/AP College Football
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09/18/21 - Tyler Goodson, Jr/2023, Iowa, 5-09, 199 (DS#8 RB) + More +

Tyler Goodson saw nothing in front of him but the end zone - and that was before he got the ball. "Pre-snap, I saw it," the Iowa running back said, smiling. The play that turned into a 46-yard touchdown run early in the first quarter of No. 5 Iowa's 30-7 victory over Kent State on Saturday, was set up perfectly, Goodson said, with the Golden Flashes heading away from him. All he had to do was get the pitch from quarterback Spencer Petras. "Which I almost dropped, by the way," Goodson said, still smiling. Goodson caught the pitch, then ran for the touchdown, the first of his three rushing scores.

The Hawkeyes (3-0) have won nine straight games. They have won 14 consecutive nonconference games, the second-longest current streak in the nation. Iowa's first two wins of the season, against ranked teams Indiana and Iowa State, were built on its defense, which forced seven turnovers in the two games. It was important to get a balanced offense, and the Hawkeyes did in this game - 206 rushing yards and 212 passing yards. "We still have a lot of things to work on," Ferentz said. "The execution is still not there. But yeah, there were some good things going on, kind of subtly. It was good to get Tyler going a little bit better." Goodson's first touchdown gave Iowa a 9-0 lead. "We liked that play going into the game, but I didn't know that was going to be a touchdown," Petras said. "That was a heck of a job by Tyler to use his speed to get to the end zone." Goodson added a 35-yard scoring run in the third quarter, then had a 2-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter to close the scoring. Goodson had just 154 rushing yards in Iowa's first two wins over Indiana and Iowa State. - Iowa/AP College Football

(DS#8 RB) Jr/2023

RB Tyler Goodson, Iowa
News Source: Iowa/AP College Football
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09/13/21 - Tory Taylor, So/2024, Iowa, 6-4, 231 (DS#2 P) + More +

SEPT 13 BIG TEN CO-SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Tory Taylor, Iowa, P - So. - Melbourne, Australia - Haileybury College (Melbourne, Australia),...Landed four punts inside the 10-yard line in Iowa's 27-17 at No. 9 Iowa State...Recorded a career-long 69-yard punt in the third quarter...Registered four punts of 50-plus yards...Earns the first Special Teams Player of the Week honor of his career...Last Iowa Special Teams Player of the Week: Keith Duncan (Nov. 30, 2020). - Big Ten Football

(DS#2 P) So/2024

P Tory Taylor, Iowa
News Source: Big Ten Football
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09/13/21 - Jack Campbell, Jr/2023, Iowa, 6-4, 243 (DS#17 ILB) + More +

The most anticipated game in Iowa history ended with a loss to rival Iowa State. Jack Campbell returned a fumble 6 yards for a touchdown and No. 10 Iowa ran its winning streak against No. 9 Iowa State to six games with a 27-17 victory. In the first Cy-Hawk Trophy game matching ranked teams in 65 total meetings, the Hawkeyes were not about to play the foil for Iowa State's feel-good story. Iowa turned four takeaways into 20 points, ran its overall winning streak to eight games and its winning streak against ranked teams to five. Iowa has not won that many in a row against ranked opponents since 1960. The Hawkeyes used a familiar formula as last week when they had two defensive touchdowns in a rout of Indiana, another upstart program looking to build off 2020's success. Maybe the Cyclones will have better luck in the Big 12 because the Hawkeyes from the Big Ten are heartbreakers. - AP College Football

(DS#17 ILB) Jr/2023

ILB Jack Campbell, Iowa
News Source: AP College Football
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09/11/21 - Matt Hankins, rSr/2022, Iowa, 6-0, 185 (DS#39 CB) + More +

Iowa defensive end Zach VanValkenburg and offensive lineman Jack Plumb marched across the end zone with the Cy-Hawk Trophy perched on their shoulders, showing it off to the Hawkeyes fans who had come to Jack Trice Stadium to see the biggest game in the history of the rivalry with Iowa State. The trophy checks in at about 90 pounds and for all the progress the ninth-ranked Cyclone have made in recent years, they just can't pry it away from the Hawkeyes. Jack Campbell returned a fumble 6 yards for a touchdown and No. 10 Iowa ran its winning streak against Iowa State to six games with a 27-17 victory Saturday that ruined the most-anticipated home game in Cyclones history. In the first Cy-Hawk game matching ranked teams in 65 total meetings, the Hawkeyes (2-0) were not about to play the foil for Iowa State's feel-good story.

The Cyclones (1-1) hosted ESPN's "GameDay," and after years of mediocrity - at best - they came into this season ranked in the top 10. Ames was rocking, but the rivals from across the state sucked the life out of Jack Trice. Iowa linebacker Jestin Jacobs said the atmosphere was "crazy." "You really can't describe it until you're in it," Jacobs said. "Just to get that win in hostile territory fills you with emotion." Iowa turned four takeaways into 20 points, ran its overall winning streak to eight games and its winning streak against ranked teams to five. Iowa has not won that many in a row against ranked opponents since 1960. "Polls in September, they really don't mean a lot," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. "But for us it's all about building a team." This Iowa team looks like a contender in the Big Ten thanks to its defense. "You talk about physicality, that's what you do at Iowa," said Campbell, who had eight tackles and half a sack. - Iowa/AP College Football

(DS#39 CB) rSr/2022

CB Matt Hankins, Iowa
News Source: Iowa/AP College Football
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09/06/21 - Riley Moss, Sr/2022, Iowa, 6-0, 194 (DS#16 CB) + More +

SEPT 6 BIG TEN DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: Riley Moss, Iowa, DB - Sr. - Ankeny, Iowa - Centennial (Iowa),...Returned two interceptions for touchdowns in Iowa's 31-6 win over Indiana, marking just the second time since 2000 that a Big Ten player has recorded two pick-sixes in a conference game...Becomes the third Iowa player since 2000 to return two interceptions for touchdowns in the same game, joining Joshua Jackson (Nov. 11, 2017 at Wisconsin) and B.J. Lowery (Sept. 21, 2013 vs. Western Michigan)...Is just the second FBS player since 2018 to return two interceptions for touchdowns in a single game. The last player to accomplish the feat was Akron's Alvin Davis at Northwestern on Sept. 15, 2018...Earns the second Defensive Player of the Week accolade of his career and his first since Oct. 8, 2018...Last Iowa Defensive Player of the Week: Zach VanValkenburg (Nov. 16, 2020). - Big Ten Football

(DS#16 CB) Sr/2022

CB Riley Moss, Iowa
News Source: Big Ten Football
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09/05/21 - Riley Moss, Sr/2022, Iowa, 6-0, 194 (DS#16 CB) + More +

SEPT 5 WALTER CAMP FOOTBALL NATIONAL DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK: RILEY MOSS, IOWA, Senior, Defensive Back, Ankeny, IA/Centennial,...Riley Moss recorded two interceptions for touchdowns as Iowa opened up the 2021 season with a 34-6 victory over Big Ten-rival Indiana. Moss had interception returns of 30 and 55 yards for touchdowns and added one tackle and two pass breakups for the Hawkeyes. Notes: Riley Moss is the sixth Iowa player to earn Walter Camp National Player of the Week honors since 2004, and the first since former Hawkeye quarterback Nate Stanley (Oct. 14, 2018). - Walter Camp Football Foundation

(DS#16 CB) Sr/2022

CB Riley Moss, Iowa
News Source: Walter Camp Football Foundation
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09/03/21 - Jestin Jacobs, rSo/2024, Iowa, 6-3, 236 (DS#21 OLB) + More +

Iowa fans remember linebacker Jestin Jacobs from his recruitment in 2019. Then, the four-star Army All-American spurned in-state power Ohio State in favor of the Hawkeyes. Since then, he's grown in more ways than one. He's physically bigger, but he's grown from a fan favorite to a team favorite among coaches and players. This year, the redshirt sophomore is set to break out on the field with big expectations. He's one of the three starting linebackers alongside Seth Benson and Jack Campbell, and he's working at the linebacker/safety hybrid "cash" position with Dane Belton. Wherever he lines up this fall, he'll be a welcomed weapon in Phil Parker's defense. "He's got great football instinct, great eyes and great feet," veteran defensive back Riley Moss said. "He's just a big dude. His arms are long. He takes up a lot of space, which helps us out in the back end, if they're running crossers and meshes; he can sit underneath those. It helps out he's got that natural IQ, kind of a football baller." - Iowa City Press-Citizen

(DS#21 OLB) rSo/2024

OLB Jestin Jacobs, Iowa
News Source: Iowa City Press-Citizen
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08/07/21 - Zach VanValkenburg, rSr/2022, Iowa, 6-3, 267 (DS#32 DE) + More +

VanValkenburg's three years of experience before coming to Iowa, he said, played a role in his quick transition. This spring, Ferentz felt VanValkenburg looked more confident than ever on the field. "Some call (VanValkenburg) a marquee guy, but he wasn't two years ago, not a big story, but he turned out to be a really good fit," Ferentz said. Now a leader of a young defensive line group, VanValkenburg said the difference between Day 1 and Day 15 of spring practice was staggering for him and his teammates, which was needed for a unit that lost three key veterans last season. Redshirt freshmen tackle Yahya Black and right end Deontae Craig made their way on the pre-fall depth chart. "Yahya surprises me every day, I just walked by him like this guy is as big as offensive tackles, and he's super athletic and really smart," VanValkenburg said. "I think the strength is, everyone is selfless, ready to play their role. It's not an NFL locker room where you're just grabbing people and throwing them together - we're a tight-knit group. We've been together for a while, even the freshmen have been here a couple years."

That selflessness transfers into his off-the-field branding. Recently, VanValkenburg joined teammates Jack Koerner and Tommy Kujawa to launch an apparel line called "The Walk-On Mentality," where 50 percent of the money made off the apparel or company partnerships will benefit a scholarship fund for walk-on athletes across the country. While not a walk-on himself, VanValkenburg believes the message can resonate with Division II transfers like him. "Technically, I'm not a walk-on, I'm a Division II transfer, but I do understand the power of that mentality," VanValkenburg said in an interview with KGGO radio station on Monday. "My two roommates are walk-ons, so I've seen the work they've had to go through to be successful. You don't get the same preferred privileges or scholarships, but you still do all the work, obviously school as well." - The Gazette

(DS#32 DE) rSr/2022

DE Zach VanValkenburg, Iowa
News Source: The Gazette
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07/27/21 - Zach VanValkenburg, rSr/2022, Iowa, 6-3, 267 (DS#32 DE) + More +

Two years ago, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz made a rare dip into the transfer portal. Where the portal is mainly known for harboring high-level recruits and established names on the college landscape, Ferentz recruited a little-known defensive end from Division II Hillsdale College in Michigan. "Somebody may get a marquee guy," Ferentz said. "We got Zach VanValkenburg, who I think is a marquee guy but he wasn't two years ago. It wasn't a big story." Today, VanValkenburg is an All-Big Ten selection and one of three players representing Iowa at Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis. He is a "super senior" who utilized his extra year of eligibility granted due to COVID-19. Despite last year's production - 30 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss and a nation-leading four fumble recoveries - this will be VanValkenburg's first opportunity to be at the forefront of Iowa's defensive line. A lot of that has to do with his teammates in Iowa City.

Along the defensive line, Iowa has had three products drafted to the NFL over the past two years, including 2020 first-round pick A.J. Epenesa. VanValkenburg was a dominant player at the Division II level, but there were Power 5 growing pains during his reserve season in 2019, as well as when he was a starter in 2020. "Learning a new defense and playing behind really good guys," VanValkenburg said. "You get your time in there and you're just trying not to mess up and that's a hard way to play. Getting the opportunity to start, get a lot of reps, you get more comfortable, game speed slows down and you can focus on making plays and not just holding your own." - Iowa City Press-Citizen

(DS#32 DE) rSr/2022

DE Zach VanValkenburg, Iowa
News Source: Iowa City Press-Citizen
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07/23/21 - Jack Campbell, Jr/2023, Iowa, 6-4, 243 (DS#17 ILB) + More +

Statistically, Iowa's defense has been among the nation's best over the past decade. Since 2010, the Hawkeyes have finished in the top 25 in total defense eight times, including three top-10 finishes. In 2020, they finished sixth in country, surrendering only 16 points and 313 yards per game. No question it's a collaborative effort. But ask veteran Jack Campbell and he'll tell you that a lot it starts in the middle at linebacker. "All three (linebacker) positions are vitally important to the defense," Campbell said. "I feel like the Hawkeye defense at the core is all going to start with that linebacker room. I'm excited to see what we do in these final weeks of July and into the season." Campbell, a preseason All-Big Ten selection, is entering his second season starting at weakside linebacker. His emergence last season with a full offseason this year is one big reason why the linebacker core is expected to perform at a high level. - Iowa City Press-Citizen

(DS#17 ILB) Jr/2023

ILB Jack Campbell, Iowa
News Source: Iowa City Press-Citizen
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07/17/21 - Jack Campbell, Jr/2023, Iowa, 6-4, 243 (DS#17 ILB) + More +

This year, there isn't anything hold Campbell back. He entered the offseason with a clean bill of health, successfully completed spring practice and summer workouts. Now, he figures to play a starring role on Iowa's defense as starting weakside linebacker. He, and the other Iowa linebackers focused on increasing position versatility during the off-season. "That was a big thing during spring ball," Campbell said. "Being able to move guys around is so beneficial. I'm just continuing to learn and develop myself at other positions so I can bounce around." Campbell has fully embraced the developmental process at Iowa. When he arrived as a freshman in 2019, he weighed about 208 pounds. Today, he's around 245 pounds. "It's hard to not get stronger when you come here," Campbell said. "I've seen that in all my lifts, my jumps, the way I run has all improved dramatically. That day-by-day mentality and controlling what you can control and doing things away from the facility that will benefit you."

Wallace likened his size to another position on the defense. "In a lot of ways, Jack Campbell is a defensive lineman at the second level," Wallace said. "With his physicality and his presence." With that said, it's clear the Iowa coaches believe Campbell is a multi-purpose weapon for the defense. "I see myself as a guy that's willing do to anything," Campbell said. "I'd describe as fearless when I'm on the field. Also as a player I've been trying to work on taking mental break on the sideline and kind of reset, then next time go out and really hone in on the smaller details that'll help me in the game." - Iowa City Press-Citizen

(DS#17 ILB) Jr/2023

ILB Jack Campbell, Iowa
News Source: Iowa City Press-Citizen
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07/16/21 - Sam LaPorta, Jr/2023, Iowa, 6-4, 249 (DS#8 TE) + More +

Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta has proven to be a reliable target over the past two seasons. After starting only two games in 2019, he emerged as a full-time starter last year. He led the team in catches (27) and was second in receiving yards yards (271). With 20 career games and seven starts under his belt, LaPorta is a veteran on offense. His experience will be counted on heavily this year with several young, inexperienced tight ends behind him on the depth chart. In year three of Brian Ferentz's offense, LaPorta is more comfortable than ever in his role. He believes he can make an impact regardless of the game situation. "I think I see myself as a really versatile guy," LaPorta said. "I've been telling people that I can have a great game whether I have no catches or 10 catches. "Running is a huge part of our offense; we like to pound the rock. I think I've progressed as a blocker and a pass-catcher. I've gotten a lot of reps in spring ball and seen a lot of game action, so that's helping me."

LaPorta's pass-catching abilities are not in question. The goal in 2021 is emerging as that all-around tight end that Iowa's grown accustomed to over head coach Kirk Ferentz's tenure. So far this offseason, LaPorta has stepped up as a leader and showcased the ability to impact the game in multiple ways. "He's definitely an all-around tight end," quarterback Spencer Petras said. "He knows how to block. He's extremely physical and really tough. I also think he's really good at running routes and, if he catches the ball, can make plays after the catch." - Iowa City Press-Citizen

(DS#8 TE) Jr/2023

TE Sam LaPorta, Iowa
News Source: Iowa City Press-Citizen
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07/10/21 - Xavior Williams, rSr/2022, Iowa, 5-11, 192 (DS#47 CB) + More +

At cornerback, Hankins and Moss have been starters since 2018. Koerner has started since 2019 and Kaevon Merriweather is the newest starter to the group, taking on the strong safety role last season. The five have a combined 68 starts among them. And behind them, Parker is excited about the secondary's depth and the versatility to line players up in different spots. "We'll have some guys I think with flexibility of playing different positions," Parker said. "I see a lot of growth with some guys in the backend with (Sebastian Castro), (Jermari Harris) has done a good job and Terry Roberts has really stepped up at corner. "So the depth is kind of back. I know we have Matt and Riley at corner, but I think it'll be interesting to see how it all pans out. But I think we're in a good spot."

And the Hawkeyes are getting some help from the portal. Cornerback Xavior Williams, a Burlington native, transferred to Iowa from Northern Iowa as a graduate transfer. In three years there, he was a three-year starter and was a first team all-Missouri Valley Conference selection in 2018 and 2019. "(Xavior brings) leadership," Moss said. "He's very, very athletic. He broke the vertical (jump) record in his first three weeks being here. He's a great kid. He's one of my best friends and brings a lot to the (defensive backs) room. "He's a veteran too. Even though he's a transfer he knows how all of it works, how to prepare and watch film. He brings a lot to the table." - Iowa City Press-Citizen

(DS#47 CB) rSr/2022

CB Xavior Williams, Iowa
News Source: Iowa City Press-Citizen
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