:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/65007649/usa_today_11272102.0.jpg)
Can either local kid make an impact their final season in Iowa City?
Drew Cook – Senior
Iowa City, IA (Regina)
6’5”, 252 lbs
2019 Projection: Reserve tight end
John Milani - Senior
Iowa City, IA (West)
6’0”, 204 lbs
2019 Projection: Backup safety
Drew Cook’s career might be one of “what if?” The senior toiled his first three seasons, one redshirt, as a reserve quarterback behind C.J. Beathard before Nate Stanley took the reigns in 2017. The move signaled it was not in the cards for him at QB so he took his talents where many (well, at least my dad) wanted him in the first place: tight end.
Iowa’s illustrious tight end history more or less begins in earnest with Cook’s father, Marv, who finished at Iowa with 1660 yards and six touchdowns, the most famous of which is the game winner against Ohio State:
Back to Drew...
The switch to tight end proved similarly difficult to break through as he found himself behind two first rounders throughout last year. He played very sparingly and figured to have a real (or fake) shot at time if Iowa continued their two tight end depth chart. So he finds himself behind Nate Wieting and Shaun Beyer.
I’m being 100% selfish but I want just one moment out of Cook’s career at Iowa. It went a little sideways and any moment he has will pale in comparison to his father’s, but he’s got the pedigree, sticktoitiveness, and build to make an impact for the Hawks in 2019.
According to Wikipedia, John Milani “is an American stand-up comedian, actor, writer, and producer” known for his observational comedy and surreal humor. His stand-up can be found on Netflix.
Oh wait, wrong John Mulaney.
Anyways, this John Milani has the classic Iowa safety trajectory after walking on in 2015 before seeing himself as the #2 free safety during spring ball behind Geno Stone. He’s since been passed by Devonte Young and figures to be a reserve on defense.
However, he did play in 13 games last season on special teams and had 11 tackles in the role. College football teams, especially Iowa, need John Milanis. Being a special teams star is no small feat and he’s in a position to be one for 2019.