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We finally made it to the pinnacle of this three month endeavor and more importantly, Opening Day Eve. With all the excitement around here lately, I’m guessing not too many people read much about this pair of #1’s but let’s give them their due. They’ve patiently waited their turn, so let’s talk about these two players, one a freshman and one a senior.
Nolan Donald — Freshman
Morton, IL (Morton)
5’9”, 182 lbs
2019 Projection: Redshirt Running Back
Wes Dvorak — Senior
Parkston, SD (Parkston)
6’0”, 200 lbs
2019 Projection: Reserve Defensive Back/Special Teams
Donald has absolutely no bio information on the Iowa roster webpage so it took some extensive research to find out that Donald accepted a preferred walk-on spot because his dream was to play Division I football.
It was a childhood dream to make it division 1, and after all the work I’ve put in I have finally made it come true. I have decided I’m going to pursue my academic and athletic careers at the University of Iowa. @TylerBarnesIOWA @TheIowaHawkeyes #swarm19 pic.twitter.com/RTaePTq9TH
— Nolan Donald (@TheNolanDonald) February 1, 2019
He was a running quarterback at Morton High School where he rushed for over 1,500 yards as a senior and earned first-team all-state honors.
Obviously this isn’t the year for Donald to make his mark, but as we’ve seen time and time again, many a walk-on has gone on to success at Iowa. Get him in the program, get him in the workout room, coach him up and see what happens.
Dvorak saw the field in 2017 on special teams but was unable to play in 2018 due to injuries. He played in 13 games in 2017 recording two tackles on special teams. He may fill that role again this year if he can stay healthy.
The most exciting news is that in a pinch, Dvorak can kick field goals. Below is a YouTube video of him making a 50 yard field goal in his high school championship game that Parkston won 24-21 back in 2014.
That’s it. We’ve been through every roster number. I want to apologize to all the players that we may have missed for a variety of reasons. Conversely, with the recent news of a couple players entering the transfer portal, consider those player’s information bonus material and if you are a writer for their new teams, feel free to use our work.
That’s it. The appetizers are gone and it’s time for the main course. Let’s Go Hawks!