Black Heart Gold Pants - Counting Down the 2020 Iowa Football SeasonSwelling with Iowa Hawkeye pride since 2007https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/47511/bhgp-fave.png2020-10-17T13:06:48-05:00http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/rss/stream/210318602020-10-17T13:06:48-05:002020-10-17T13:06:48-05:007 Days Until Iowa Football: Spencer Petras & Reggie Bracy
<figure>
<img alt="Illinois v Iowa" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/mLJRXBgNSCgVRLMzcBgfO1DmQGY=/0x0:3600x2400/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67647824/1190350501.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A sophomore quarterback hopes to become Iowa’s next great signal-caller, while a freshman defensive back looks to break his way into a crowded secondary rotation. </p> <p id="L4NhdP">After months of uncertainty, the Iowa football season is only seven short days away from kicking off. In keeping with our countdown to the beginning of the season, we move on to two Hawkeye players who share one of the most hallowed jerseys in program history: #7. From Brad Banks to Reggie Roby to Marvin McNutt, some of the greatest to ever don the black and gold have made their names while wearing this legendary jersey. The two underclassmen who currently call the number their own can only hope to follow in their footsteps.</p>
<p id="bl5Poz"><span><strong>Spencer Petras</strong></span> (<strong>So)</strong></p>
<p id="WWZznd"> <strong>San Rafael, CA (Marin Catholic)</strong></p>
<p id="7VSi8p"> <strong>6’5”, 231 lbs.</strong></p>
<p id="OnohOt"> <strong>2020 Projection: Starting Quarterback</strong></p>
<p id="NNFAUU"><strong> ——————————————————————————————————————————————</strong></p>
<p id="wq30DD"><span><strong>Reggie Bracy</strong></span><strong> (Fr)</strong></p>
<p id="fP3NID"><strong> Mobile, AL (St. Paul’s Episcopal)</strong></p>
<p id="gL1Cyt"><strong> 6’0”, 203 lbs</strong></p>
<p id="spnZX2"><strong> 2020 Projection: Reserve Safety</strong></p>
<p id="tq4K3L"><strong> ——————————————————————————————————————————————</strong></p>
<p id="xHaGSS">Let’s start with <span>Petras</span>, who might be Iowa’s biggest wildcard entering the season. Petras was a highly-recruited signal-caller coming out of high school and was ranked as <a href="https://247sports.com/Player/Spencer-Petras-93297/">one of the twenty best pro-style quarterbacks</a> in the 2018 recruiting class by 247. Petras earned Conference Player of the Year honors during his record-breaking senior season in which he shattered passing yard and touchdown marks originally set by #1 overall draft pick Jared Goff. Petras’ numbers his senior year were truly spectacular (4,157 passing yards, 50 touchdowns, two interceptions, nine rushing touchdowns), which is why Hawkeye fans were ecstatic when he decommitted from Oregon State and pledged to play for Iowa. </p>
<p id="686Wu5">Oregon State’s loss was Iowa’s gain, and Petras will enter Iowa’s season opener against Purdue as the starting quarterback for the Hawkeyes after redshirting in 2018 and playing sparingly in 2019 (6-10 passing attempts for 25 yards). Petras has all the physical tools to be successful in this role, as his high school highlights display a beautiful throwing motion, a strong arm, and a penchant for accuracy even when attacking downfield. </p>
<div id="Aa6dhS"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JXhHAEDPW4g?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; clipboard-write; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="bS23E3">Petras has NFL size at 6’5 231 lbs. (he <a href="https://allhawkeyes.com/pages/story/details/2388">played defensive end</a> as a freshman in high school), and the coaching staff seems comfortable with his mastery of the offense, going so far as to signal that he was the air apparent to start this season before the 2019 campaign had even ended. Petras will also have plenty of weapons at his disposal, with proven targets like <span>Ihmir Smith-Marsette</span>, <span>Tyler Goodson</span>, <span>Brandon Smith</span>, Tyrone Tracy, <span>Nico Ragaini</span>, <span>Sam LaPorta</span>, and <span>Mekhi Sargent</span> all returning. Petras still has to prove he can handle the pressure of a Big Ten pass rush, find chemistry with his veteran playmakers, and make the right reads when facing some of the country’s best defenders and defensive coordinators. However, if Petras can hit the ground running and overcome the hurdles presented by a disrupted offseason and difficult conference-only schedule, he will have every opportunity to find success in his first season under center.</p>
<p id="J4liOo">On the other side of the ball, true freshman Reggie Bracy hopes to earn his way onto the field despite a logjam of talent at safety. A three-star recruit from Alabama, Bracy earned All-State honors as a senior and twice led his St. Paul’s Episcopal team in tackles during his career (he was limited by injuries during his junior year). Bracy may seem a clear candidate to redshirt with returning talent like <span>Jack Koerner</span>, <span>Dane Belton</span>, Kaevon Meriweather, <span>Dallas Craddieth</span>, and <span>Sebastian Castro</span> ahead of him, but his athleticism and ability to play multiple positions (including Ca$h) has helped him earning meaningful reps this fall, and <span>Koerner</span> <a href="https://247sports.com/Article/Reggie-Bracy-Iowa-Hawkeyes-Football-Play-Jack-Koerner-Phil-Parker%E2%80%94152598336/">mentioned Bracy</a> as a freshman who could sneak into the rotation in 2020. Whenever Bracy does work his way onto the field, the early signs make it clear that, like Petras, his future with the program is extremely bright. </p>
<div id="DowJSe"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GKyBv6yNr6k?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; clipboard-write; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/10/17/21519962/7-days-until-iowa-hawkeye-football-spencer-petras-reggie-bracy-bhgpMattReisener2020-10-12T14:07:00-05:002020-10-12T14:07:00-05:0012 Days Until Hawkeye Football: Brandon Smith
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: DEC 27 Holiday Bowl - USC v Iowa" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ICIWAQBe7uPZhjt94ZQF9ibi1gM=/0x0:3294x2196/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67620065/1190727333.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brandon Smith has been Iowa’s reliable 1st down target. Can he be more in 2020? | Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Can the big receiver from Mississippi be Spencer Petras’ go-to target in 2020?</p> <p id="hdBSGz">The countdown to kickoff keeps rolling with Iowa’s biggest redzone target and one of its most reliable targets when a first down is needed.</p>
<p id="lcEbOj"><span><strong>Brandon Smith</strong></span><strong>, Senior</strong><br><strong>Lake Cormorant, MS (Lak Cormorant)</strong><br><strong>6’2”, 215 lbs</strong><br><strong>2020 Projection: Starting X Receiver</strong></p>
<p id="pryMbZ">At first glance, <span>Brandon Smith</span> is your prototypical Iowa X receiver. He’s got a big frame at 6’2” and 215 pounds. He isn’t a burner, but he’s fast enough to go deep if he gets a release. And he has hands. Boy does he have hands (if you haven’t heard by now that he has XXXL gloves, have you even watched an Iowa game on TV the last three years?)</p>
<p id="HTyi9o">What sets <span>Smith</span> apart from big-bodied outside receivers of Iowa past is his mindset. He’s 100% a “my ball” guy. When you turn on the film, the highlight reel is almost puzzling. You see the standard possession receiver clips where he’s running curls and out routes at the sticks, but then you see him jumping over defenders to catch passes behind their heads or hauling in balls with on hand while being interfered with with the corner of the endzone. </p>
<p id="1WpwgN"><span>Brandon Smith</span> has a knack for going to get the ball that few former Hawkeyes have displayed.</p>
<div id="a91ySE"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/D7MRu8mx7V8?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="3KBU0N">That playmaking ability made <span>Smith</span> a favorite target of former QB <span>Nate Stanley</span>. Despite missing five games in 2019, <span>Smith</span> finished with 439 yards and 5 TDs in 8 games. Now he enters 2020 looking to go out with a bang.</p>
<p id="diGg7X">Iowa will be breaking in a new starting QB in <span>Spencer Petras</span> and early reports are he looks like a Big Ten quarterback. Candidly, it would be hard not to look like a quality QB given the talent Iowa has in the WR room this year. And <span>Smith</span> is a big part of that.</p>
<p id="OEhMXu">Look for the big-bodied Mississippi native to act as <span>Spencer Petras</span>’ security blanket this season. Ihmir <span>Smith</span>-Marsette is the dynamic playmaker who gets the looks on jet sweeps, tunnel screens and deep throws down field, but <span>Brandon Smith</span> moves the chains. When there’s a 3rd and 8 coming up, <span>Smith</span> will be standing 9 yards beyond the line of scrimmage and he won’t drop the ball.</p>
<p id="FQRzjd">What’s more, he’s as good a redzone target as you’ll find. There’s nobody better on Iowa’s roster to go up and get a 50/50 ball in the endzone than <span>Brandon Smith</span> and we’ve seen him make some incredible plays in those situations. </p>
<p id="vhbT4h">The question on <span>Smith</span> in 2020 will be whether his route tree expands to include more targets down the field or across the middle. <span>Smith</span> average 11.9 yards per catch in 2019, less than ISM, Tyrone Tracy or starting tight end <span>Sam LaPorta</span>. He has excellent hands and a big frame that seems well-suited for crossing routes and deep posts where he can use his length and leaping ability (in case you missed it, Smith was a state champion high jumper in Mississippi) to go win the ball. Adding more depth to his targets could further open up the offense and create opportunities in the running game.</p>
<p id="KCU8b9">We should see whether that’s in the game plan as early as next Saturday when the Hawkeyes travel to Purdue.</p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/10/12/21512741/12-days-until-iowa-hawkeye-football-brandon-smith-ihmir-smith-marsette-tyrone-tracy-sam-laporta-bhgpJPinIC2020-10-09T10:02:00-05:002020-10-09T10:02:00-05:0015 Days Until Iowa Football: Tyler Goodson & Dallas Craddieth
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Illinois at Iowa" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DGrhqbgAXMrTSdcBlrsd_eWYkGs=/5x0:3625x2413/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67607226/usa_today_13730507.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Two talented sophomores share the #15 jersey. One hopes to break into the ranks of the nation’s elite running backs, while the other hopes to break onto the depth chart. </p> <p id="Ix3cQf">With only 15 days until the start of Iowa football, BHGP continues its countdown to kickoff with two promising young players who share the same number but hope to make an impact on opposite sides of the ball this year. </p>
<p id="EZuvAO"><span><strong>Tyler Goodson</strong></span><strong> (So.)</strong></p>
<p id="Pzyqzn"><strong>Suwanee, GA (North Gwinnett)</strong></p>
<p id="mztr7E"><strong>5’10”, 200 lbs.</strong></p>
<p id="h48dJE"><strong>2020 Projection: Starting running back</strong></p>
<p id="5G935m">————————————————————————————————————————————————</p>
<p id="fz4oib"><span><strong>Dallas Craddieth</strong></span><strong> (RS So.)</strong></p>
<p id="ByvDEN"><strong>St. Louis, MO (Hazelwood Central)</strong></p>
<p id="bwPS4Q"><strong>5’11”, 196 lbs.</strong></p>
<p id="PDCF0f"><strong>2020 Projection: Reserve defensive back</strong></p>
<p id="TA3usc"><strong> ——————————————————————————————————————————————</strong></p>
<p id="snbCCi">Let’s start on offense with Tyler Goodson, one of the most exciting skill players to come through the Iowa program in some time. Goodson came to Iowa as a highly decorated high school athlete after winning the Georgia Player of the Year as a senior at North Gwinnett High. While many expected Goodson to take a back seat to returning veterans <span>Mekhi Sargent</span>, <span>Toren Young</span>, and <span>Ivory Kelly-Martin</span>, Goodson proved too gifted to keep off the field as a redshirt freshman. The talented young player elbowed his way into the rotation and was a consistent contributor for much of the season before eventually emerging as the starting running back in Iowa’s upset victory over Minnesota, a game in which Goodson shined with an impressive 7.2 yards-per-carry average. Goodson’s best game of the season would come two weeks later on the road against Nebraska, where the freshman would gouge the Husker defense for 116 yards and a touchdown on only 13 carries, propelling Iowa’s offense in a contest in which the passing game simply was not working. By season’s end, Goodson had become the first true freshman in program history to lead the team in rushing yards. </p>
<p id="diskjN">Goodson’s freshman numbers were solid (638 rushing yards, 166 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns), but greater things are expected from him as a sophomore, as evidenced by him being named to the Doak Walker watch list along with several pre-season All-Conference teams. Fortunately for Iowa fans, Goodson has the skills to support this hype. The sophomore possesses a combination of breakaway speed,</p>
<div id="SaoOMb"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/gLihLeIYA68?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="xByI22">and shiftiness</p>
<div id="9YeJf3"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/IGBbJ-82DkU?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<div id="0VDIFe"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7G-zZko6RiY?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="G4OyAa">that make him an absolute nightmare to tackle in the open field, but also runs with the toughness required of a Big Ten running back.</p>
<div id="7WSNbC"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Jq1voI645nA?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="pp3vNk">As Goodson continues to add strength and grow as a pass protector, he will have even more opportunities to shine in Iowa’s offense, and has the potential to emerge as a true feature back for the Hawkeyes. </p>
<p id="7McmUb">On the other side of the ball, <span>Dallas Craddieth</span> is hoping to accomplish in his sophomore year what Goodson managed to do as a true freshman. Craddieth was Iowa’s highest rated recruit of the 2018 class <a href="https://247sports.com/college/iowa/season/2018-football/commits/">per 247</a> and was a highly regarded prospect after earning Missouri All-State and All-Conference honors three times and being named his conference’s Defensive Player of the Year as a senior. However, Craddieth has yet to make the impact on the field that many fans expected when he arrived in Iowa City. The defensive back redshirted in 2018 and saw action in only one game in 2019 (Middle Tennessee) in which he recorded no statistics. Many fans believed <span>Geno Stone</span>’s departure for the NFL would enable Craddieth to break into the rotation this year, yet his name does not appear on the <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/10/8/21507933/iowa-football-hawkeyes-release-initial-2020-depth-chart-spencer-petras-coy-cronk-dane-belton-bhgp">fall depth chart</a> released by the team yesterday. </p>
<p id="4unrA5">Craddieth is still young and has plenty of time to earn his way onto the field, but he may have to wait his turn to do so, as all of the players listed above him on the depth chart have multiple years of eligibility remaining. Football careers are defined by three things: talent, hard work, and opportunity. Craddieth certainly has the talent to play at this level, and there’s nothing to suggest that he’s been anything other than a hard-worker and excellent teammate throughout his career. All Craddieth is missing is opportunity, but barring injuries he may need to wait another season for his to arrive. </p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/10/9/21508494/15-days-until-iowa-hawkeye-football-tyler-goodson-dallas-craddieth-bhgpMattReisener2020-10-08T09:46:00-05:002020-10-08T09:46:00-05:0016 Days Until Hawkeye Football: Charlie Jones and Terry Roberts
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Buffalo" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/aX_iAOgT4dL1d6-Yys_x53zySRQ=/85x391:1623x1416/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67601312/usa_today_11300052.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Charlie Jones - Buffalo transfer | Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Buffalo transfer and Erie product hope to contribute in 2020</p> <p id="cOKZ7Q">The countdown to kickoff continues with WR <span>Charlie Jones</span> and DB <span>Terry Roberts</span>.</p>
<h4 id="XY41t3">
<span><strong>Charlie Jones</strong></span><strong>, Junior</strong>
</h4>
<h4 id="7wkSBZ"><strong>Deerfield, IL (Deerfield HS) / Buffalo</strong></h4>
<h4 id="rrEMrn"><strong>5’11”, 187 lbs</strong></h4>
<h4 id="RIAznc"><strong>2020 Projection: WR Rotation</strong></h4>
<p id="kxlk8J">Recent news out of “camp” has been some talk about Buffalo transfer Charlie Jones. Iowa arguably is returning the best group of wide receivers in the Kirk Ferentz era. <span>Brandon Smith</span>, Ihmir <span>Smith</span>-Marsette, <span>Nico Ragaini</span> and Tyrone Tracy are known commodities. It appears that another receiver is pushing for playing time. Jones redshirted last year for the Hawks. I looked back at his time at Buffalo. His stats as a true freshman were solid, gaudy even when talking about yards per catch. He hauled in 18 balls for 395 yards and 3 TD’s. A terrific average of 21.9 yards. He was also quite adept at returning kicks at a 19.3 yard average. Interestingly enough, <span>K.J. Osborn</span>, now with the <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/">Minnesota Vikings</a>, also returned kicks that year for Buffalo with the exact same average. On tape Jones showed he can make all of the catches. His toughness is evident as well, as many of his catches came in the middle of the field. Jones had a number of over-the-shoulder catches that reminded me of <a href="https://dknation.draftkings.com/2019/8/29/20838552/adam-thielen-fantasy-football-dfs-salary-stats-2019">Adam Thielen</a>. Iowa has a history of getting the rock to slot receivers, <span>Nick Easley</span>, <span>Nico Ragaini</span>, etc... I would expect that Charlie will be hauling in quite a few passes for the Hawks this season. </p>
<div id="mvCrEK"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/AnlaRnHKQ8k?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media; accelerometer; gyroscope; picture-in-picture"></iframe></div></div>
<h4 id="xfcopR"></h4>
<h4 id="LRkOlK">
<span><strong>Terry Roberts</strong></span><strong>, Sophomore</strong>
</h4>
<h4 id="1OVN0Z"><strong>Erie, PA (Cathedral Prep)</strong></h4>
<h4 id="KVmFLl"><strong>5’10”, 177 lbs</strong></h4>
<h4 id="LBgc1l"><strong>2020 Projection: Backup Defensive Back / Special Teams</strong></h4>
<p id="t6UUdo">I’d like to be a fly on the wall when it comes to Hawkeye coaches recruiting Cathedral Prep in Erie, Pennsylvania. My guess it goes something like this:</p>
<p id="yZvtF8">Hawk coach “You got any guys for us?” </p>
<p id="WIbpKS">Erie coach “Yes, Coach.”</p>
<p id="iv5NU7">Hawk coach “We want ‘em. We know we’d get tough, hardworking, winners. See you next year.”</p>
<p id="qJusZ0">The Erie pipeline has produced Bob Sanders, Ed Hinkel, and Jovon Johnson. Terry Roberts was a do-it-all player for Cathedral Prep, helping them win state championships in his junior and senior years. Roberts played in 12 games in 2019 for the black and gold. He tallied three solo tackles and assisted on eight others. Roberts could carve out a role on the back end of the defense for Iowa this fall. You can never have enough athletes on the field; Roberts will make a name for himself on special teams, and from there, tough, hardworking, winners find themselves on the field more often than not. </p>
<p id="bgDGgn"></p>
<p id="Ej0Tza"></p>
<p id="zqmkZ2"></p>
<p id="AXsd6b"></p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/10/8/21506890/16-days-until-iowa-hawkeye-football-charlie-jones-and-terry-roberts-bhgpBartt Pierce2020-10-06T16:16:47-05:002020-10-06T16:16:47-05:0018 Days Until Hawkeye Football: Diante Vines
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/uIXFLZ7d1ryQvLHYZPvjCERxqLI=/0x112:329x331/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67591245/EMBdj6qXkAA2l1F.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Can Vines find the field in 2020 or will he make his debut in 2021? | Image via @diantev22</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The true freshman from Connecticut has some serious skill, but is there room in a crowded group of WRs for him to earn a role?</p> <p id="hdBSGz">The countdown to kickoff continues with a true freshman from the east coast looking to carve out a role on one of the deepest WR groups Iowa’s ever had.</p>
<p id="lcEbOj"><span><strong>Diante Vines</strong></span><strong>, Freshman</strong><br><strong>Danbury, CT (The Taft School)</strong><br><strong>6’0”, 187 lbs</strong><br><strong>2020 Projection: Redshirt</strong></p>
<p id="pryMbZ">Iowa isn’t known for churning out top WR talent, but the position has seen a noticeable tick up in both production and recruiting in recent years. The Hawkeyes threw the ball 48% of the time last season and they did it with quite a bit of success. That was due in part to the fact Iowa had a third-year starting QB and in part because the Hawkeyes had as many weapons at the WR position as they’ve had in more than a decade. </p>
<p id="JYARry">As we turn to 2020, Iowa will be breaking in a new starting QB, but all the weapons on the outside are returning. That includes All-Big Ten return man <span>Ihmir Smith-Marsette</span>, big time target <span>Brandon Smith</span>, the team’s leading pass-catcher <span>Nico Ragaini</span> and perhaps the most versatile of the bunch Tyrone Tracy.</p>
<p id="FlqTIQ">With so much talent returning, it’s hard to see many younger receivers earning a role in Brian Ferentz’s offense in 2020. That doesn’t mean incoming freshman Diante Vines won’t be trying.</p>
<p id="i5YN49">Vines comes to Iowa from The Taft School in Connecticut. It’s not an area the Hawkeyes have heavily recruited in the past, but they have had some success in the area including the aforementioned <span>Ragaini</span> and former RB <span>Jordan Canzeri</span>. </p>
<p id="UmmNaU">As a prep, Vines hauled 48 receptions for 552 yards and 8 receiving touchdowns as a senior, as well as 3 rushing touchdowns, a kickoff return touchdown, and 2 defensive touchdowns (one interception and one fumble return). On film he comps well to Ragaini as a prototypical slot guy in Iowa’s offense, though he does have a touch of Tyrone Tracy to his game.</p>
<div id="SaNYQc"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/11067339/5dcc884da67738125c5e14d8" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="dX7Uzn">Those are great attributes for when Vines finds his way onto the field. Unfortunately for the true freshman, with so much returning talent it’s going to be difficult to find many reps in 2020. It’s possible he finds his way onto the field due to injury or in big time blowouts, but the most likely scenario finds Vines playing in up to 4 games and keeping his redshirt intact.</p>
<p id="ysOn89">With <span>Smith</span> and ISM both slated to graduate after this season, there will be substantially more playing time available in 2021. Look for Vines to emerge as a contender for reps a year from now in a WR room that is still quite full, but will have a few more openings.</p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/10/6/21504851/18-days-until-iowa-hawkeye-football-diante-vines-ihmir-smith-marsette-brandon-tyrone-tracy-bhgpJPinIC2020-10-05T09:45:00-05:002020-10-05T09:45:00-05:0019 Days Until Iowa Football: Max Cooper
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: HawkCentral" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/jEA4KjbKWLWolL5FOfvq2c4EwF8=/0x0:2211x1474/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67583018/usa_today_13539609.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen, Iowa City Press-Citizen via Imagn Content Services, LLC</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>One last chance for the senior to make an impact for the black and gold </p> <p id="aQ8ceo"><span><em>Max Cooper</em></span><em> is hoping to make an impact in his senior season for the </em><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com"><em>Iowa Hawkeyes</em></a><em> as we continue our countdown to the beginning of the abbreviated 2020 football season. </em></p>
<p id="lcEbOj"><span><strong>Max Cooper</strong></span><strong>, Senior</strong><br><strong>Waukesha, WI (Catholic Memorial)</strong><br><strong>6’0”, 192 lbs</strong><br><strong>2020 Projection: Reserve WR, Special teams</strong></p>
<p id="3Vp8cC">Four years after being one of just a handful of true freshman to see playing time for the <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/">Iowa Hawkeyes</a>, Max Cooper unfortunately doesn’t have to show for it. Cooper has one more chance to really prove his worth heading into the 2020 season as a senior, but unfortunately, he’s competing against one of the best Iowa football receiving corps in recent memory. Headlined by Ihmir <span>Smith</span>-Marette, who hit his stride in the 2019 season, along with <span>Brandon Smith</span> and <span>Nico Ragaini</span>, along with the receiving ability of running back Tyrone Tracy, it’s tough to imagine Cooper will see a ton of playing time, but who knows? </p>
<p id="YLJPev">Statistically, things haven’t been great for Cooper. He only saw 3 receptions for 15 total yards in 2018, which at least is literally positive yards. 2019 wasn’t as kind. On the receiving end, Cooper had a single reception that tallied -3 yards. Oof. </p>
<p id="KpjHGp">Cooper’s main contributions last season came on special teams. He returned 17 total punts over the course of the year, including a career high for 16 yards against Illinois. While the number is low, he did prove himself as a capable punt returner on special teams, and capability is really something that Kirk Ferentz looks for on that end. Cooper doesn’t need to be flashy in the role, he needs to be consistent, and he showed exactly that, including two punt returns in the Holiday Bowl win over USC. </p>
<p id="krdspC">We’ll probably see Cooper in that same role this year, maybe in a great capacity. As far as his presence on the wide receiver end goes, it will probably remain limited, at least injury notwithstanding. But it’s probably safe to say that Cooper has found his place on the team on special teams, and he’ll have one more season — albeit a shortened one — to end his career on a high note. </p>
<p id="65mtgP"></p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/10/5/21501737/19-days-until-iowa-football-max-cooper-hawkeyes-kirk-ferentz-ihmir-smith-marsette-brandon-smith-bhgpmattcabel2020-10-01T10:07:37-05:002020-10-01T10:07:37-05:0023 Days Until Hawkeye Football: Shadrick Byrd
<figure>
<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 12 Penn State at Iowa" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/W5IhUxKeGU1bHlUYEuoSB2CM19U=/4x0:5404x3600/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67564745/1175940972.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Can Shardick Byrd find a role in a crowded backfield? | Photo by Keith Gillett/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Is there a role for the redshirt freshman from Alabama in 2020?</p> <p id="hdBSGz">A redshirt sophomore from Michigan and a walk on true freshman from the Hawkeye state are on deck as we continue our daily countdown to the return of Iowa football.</p>
<p id="lcEbOj"><span><strong>Shadrick Byrd</strong></span><strong>, RS Freshman</strong><br><strong>Alabaster, AL (Thompson)</strong><br><strong>5’10”, 210 lbs</strong><br><strong>2020 Projection: Reserve RB, Special Teams</strong></p>
<p id="pryMbZ">When it comes to recruiting, Iowa has a recipe: load up early and often on kids from the midwest who play positions you’ve got a proven track record developing, then supplement as needed from hotbeds such as Florida where kids can fall through the cracks, and round things out with late bloomers nobody else noticed.</p>
<p id="Fmcjyf">Shadrick Byrd doesn’t fit with Iowa’s typical recipe. For starters, the class of 2019 commit is from a state Iowa rarely recruits: Alabama. That’s the deep south rather than a national recruiting hotbed like Florida or Texas, and a place that typically sees its under the radar types land at schools in the south. </p>
<p id="TbujTA">Perhaps more importantly, though, Byrd <em>wasn’t</em> under the radar. Despite being Iowa’s second commit in the class with <span>Tyler Goodson</span>, Byrd chose the Hawkeyes over offers from a good chunk of the ACC, including Louisville, Duke, North Carolina, Vanderbilt and Wake Forest. Those offers were earned on the back of more than 1,800 total yards and 17 touchdowns in a senior season that saw him named to Alabama’s All-State team.</p>
<p id="q5CnX3">He ultimately <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2018/12/19/18135054/iowa-football-recruiting-hawkeyes-land-commitment-from-alabama-rb-shadrick-byrd">committed in December of 2018</a> and signed in the early signing period, meaning he fell somewhere between that second and third wave of recruiting for the Iowa staff, but didn’t really fit with either. Credit to running backs coach Derrick Foster for not only finding a quality second back in the class after focusing on Goodson for so long, but for being able to actually reel him in (and from a state Iowa almost never recruits, no less). </p>
<div id="ENUtfO"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/4533481/5c105ee15ef65409ac1a1854" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="0pUtVV">In terms of skillset, Byrd reminds a bit of fellow Iowa back <span>Mekhi Sargent</span>. He isn’t as dynamic as Goodson and lacks the breakaway speed, but he has balance, patience and more power than Goodson. The two would make a very good 1-2 punch if not for the fact Iowa already has the aforementioned Sargent on roster, as well as redshirt junior <span>Ivory Kelly-Martin</span>.</p>
<p id="8dvVuX">The <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/8/5/21354994/iowa-football-2020-position-previews-running-backs-tyler-goodson-mekhi-sargent-bhgp">current depth at running back</a> is something Iowa has rarely enjoyed under Kirk Ferentz. The existence of a certain deity which shall remain unnamed has long wreaked havoc on Iowa’s backfield. It’s entirely possible that happens in 2020, particularly with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.</p>
<p id="y4dmRe">But absent a series of injuries, it’s hard to see a significant role for Byrd in his redshirt freshman season. It’s much more likely we see him get some spot duty in the event of a blowout while biding his time on special teams. </p>
<p id="bsGcfC">With Sargent set to graduate after this season, Byrd will likely have his chance to earn a substantial role as a redhsirt sophomore in 2021. As an upperclassman, he has all the tools to work as a lead back in Iowa’s offense.</p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/10/1/21496940/23-days-until-iowa-hawkeye-football-shadrick-byrd-tyler-goodson-mekhi-sargent-ivory-kelly-martinJPinIC2020-09-27T06:54:00-05:002020-09-27T06:54:00-05:0027 Days Until Hawkeye Football: Jermari Harris and Jack Johnson
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/yxk1msNqHpbN7k8g8zvlO8ruYHU=/0x182:1200x982/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67476222/Dylwog_U0AASaRg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Can a talented freshman earn a role in Phil Parker’s secondary? | Image via @_jmar27</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Two freshmen looking to see the field for the black and gold.</p> <p id="hdBSGz">A true freshman and a redshirt freshman continue our countdown to Hawkeye football. </p>
<p id="0Gg5Sh"><span><strong>Jermari Harris</strong></span><strong>, RS freshman</strong></p>
<p id="lcEbOj"><strong>Chicago, IL (Montini Catholic)</strong></p>
<p id="UvZx43"><strong>6’1”, 177 lbs</strong></p>
<p id="uQ9aRV"><strong>2020 Projection: Backup defensive back and special teams</strong></p>
<p id="pryMbZ">Jermari Harris was one of 8 true freshmen to see the field for the Hawks last year, appearing in two games. Harris played in the Iowa State game and recorded two tackles against Middle Tennessee. Harris is a Chicago-area product, playing football, basketball, and track in high school. He also was academic all-conference. Jermari also has been named to the 2020 Leadership Group. </p>
<div id="MAbo8A"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/9768360/5b953f792352420ee8b28ec2" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="rLkjfl">Harris seems to have good ball skills and instincts; he picked off eight passes his senior year in high school. I was looking for some comparisons and his ballhawking reminds me a little bit of Desmond King. King set an incredible record of 29 interceptions in his high school career in Michigan. Phil Parker turns defensive backs into NFL players every year. At 6’1” Harris has some nice size and length. </p>
<p id="TReH0h"></p>
<p id="mlygfk"><span><strong>Jack Johnson</strong></span><strong>, True Freshman</strong></p>
<p id="lyE4UR"><strong>West Des Moines, IA (Valley)</strong></p>
<p id="854yj8"><strong>6’0”, 190 lbs</strong></p>
<p id="bEZLi3"><strong>2020 Projection: Redshirt</strong></p>
<p id="L6Q9UM">Wide receiver Jack Johnson comes to the Hawkeyes after helping Valley to a 22-2 record the past two years. Johnson caught 7 touchdowns his senior year. He was a team captain and won an award for academics. His highlight video includes some nice catches, but I was most impressed with his blocking. At Iowa we say “Punting is Winning”; we also say “Receivers blocking is winning” (Ok, so I made that part up). Johnson looks to be a do-it-all type of player. He had some nice toe-dragging catches, was utilized often with a bubble screen (shout out to Coach O’Keefe), and had some nice instincts after the catch. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him as a gunner on special teams early in his career.</p>
<div id="U0GUi3"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%;"><iframe src="https://www.hudl.com/embed/video/3/8023681/5d7fc5a46e81590f5848b8a6" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="Fmcjyf"></p>
https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2020/9/27/21456446/27-days-until-iowa-hawkeye-football-jermari-harris-and-jack-johnson-bhgpBartt Pierce