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The official start date for the 2020 season remains a question mark. We’ve got updated schedules from several major conferences but the Big Ten continues to weigh its options. Despite the uncertainty, we’re continuing the countdown to kickoff and remaining cautiously optimistic we’ll have some Hawkeye football this fall, in some form.
Today, we keep things rolling with an Iowa native looking to be the next great diamond in the rough story for a program that’s built a legacy on those dream come true stories.
Logan Klemp - Sophomore
Jewell, IA (South Hamilton)
6’2”, 230 lbs
2020 Projection: Backup linebacker
The linebacker group took a hit this offseason with the graduation of senior MLB Kristian Welch and the departure of his heir apparent Dillon Doyle for Baylor. Despite the losses, the group boats strong depth and quite a bit of flexibility with the implementation of Phil Parker’s 4-2-5 defense for more spread oriented opponents.
With upperclassmen Djimon Colbert and Nick Niemann entrenched, there’s really one starting spot open and limited snaps with the emergence of the Cash position. Logan Klemp is a redshirt sophomore who could push for the gig, but is more likely to have an impact on special teams with his real debut slated for 2021.
Klemp joined the program in the recruiting class of 2018 as a 2-star prospect who’s film was above his star rating. As a senior at South Hamilton, he logged 112 tackles, 12 TFL, 6 sacks and 2 interceptions on defense. Those are really good numbers, but add in the 1,260 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns and you’ve got the Iowa Class 1A Player of the Year.
Klemp went the prototypical route and redshirted his first year in the program (2018). He didn’t see any game action in his redshirt freshman year in 2019, but has added 20 pounds of bulk since arriving in Iowa City, taking him to 230 pounds.
He’s good good size for the position and enough lateral quickness to play in coverage. Look for him to utilize 2020 as a year to continue learning and developing his instincts while contributing on special teams. It’s possible he makes a run at Welch’s vacated spot, but more likely he becomes a player to watch in 2021 with a group of more experienced backers sitting in front of him on the depth chart.