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As Iowa fans clamor for a more explosive offense, the staff has primarily responded with more throws to the tight end. That made sense with the immense talent the Hawkeyes has at the position this year in All-Americans Noah Fant and T.J. Hockenson.
But looking to the future, it’s fairly obvious Brian Ferentz would like to have more options on the outside. While Brandon Smith appeared to have a bit of a coming out party this season, and Ihmir Smith-Marsette has shown flashes over the last two seasons, Ferentz and receivers coach Kelton Copeland continue to look for taller receivers who can still stretch the field on the outside to stock the cupboard.
In the class of 2019, they found Raytown’s Desmond Hutson. The receiver has been committed since May, but today he makes it official.
Excited to show you this playmaker from the Show-Me State – WR Desmond Hutson | #Swarm19 https://t.co/wAIrCXFeUH pic.twitter.com/5s4vcA1MeL
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) December 19, 2018
Hutson is more like Brandon Smith in style than ISM, given his plus size at 6’4”. He doesn’t have elite speed, but he’s fast enough to create separation through good route running. And given his frame and the ability to go up and get the ball, he won’t need as much room to operate.
As a senior at Raytown, Hutson finished with 742 receiving yards and 8 touchdowns on 44 receptions for a 16.9 yard per catch average. Raytown ended the year 8-2.
Hutson is the only player in the class from the state of Missouri. The Hawkeyes have been looking more heavily at the Kansas City metro of late and are in on a few of Hutson’s teammates in the class of 2020 and beyond. He’s also the only wide receiver to commit ahead of signing day, though that may change before things are finalized.