Probably no surprise, but usually the key to the great Iowa defenses of the KF era has been, at worst, consistent LB play and at best, AA/elite level talent.
But LB is without a doubt THE biggest question mark for the defense going into 2023, and could be a major factor in whether this defensive unit can carry the burden of our limpdi** offense (hopefully until it comes around or some unknown WRs emerge) like they were able to the last few years.......or if they will falter under the weight of having to play perfectly each and every possession of each and every game with a thin LB group that has some talent, but is mostly unproven/inexperienced.
Losing Justin Jacobs was a big blow, even though we sort of made up for it with the transfer of Nick Jackson from Virginia. Jay Higgins will man the other LB spot while Sebastian Castro will fill the Cash position.
Karson Sharar is currently listed opposite Higgins on the Spring depth chart, but that's mainly due to Jackson not being enrolled at Iowa, yet (presumably because he's finishing up the academic year at Virginia).
As we saw at the end of last year, though, we can ill-afford injuries at certain positions, and this year that will be LB. As mentioned, we are very inexperienced/limited beyond the projected starters.
I think if Iowa has any hopes of maintaining that 8+ wins a year streak, it's gonna depend on the health (and growth) of this LB unit.
But LB is without a doubt THE biggest question mark for the defense going into 2023, and could be a major factor in whether this defensive unit can carry the burden of our limpdi** offense (hopefully until it comes around or some unknown WRs emerge) like they were able to the last few years.......or if they will falter under the weight of having to play perfectly each and every possession of each and every game with a thin LB group that has some talent, but is mostly unproven/inexperienced.
Losing Justin Jacobs was a big blow, even though we sort of made up for it with the transfer of Nick Jackson from Virginia. Jay Higgins will man the other LB spot while Sebastian Castro will fill the Cash position.
Karson Sharar is currently listed opposite Higgins on the Spring depth chart, but that's mainly due to Jackson not being enrolled at Iowa, yet (presumably because he's finishing up the academic year at Virginia).
As we saw at the end of last year, though, we can ill-afford injuries at certain positions, and this year that will be LB. As mentioned, we are very inexperienced/limited beyond the projected starters.
I think if Iowa has any hopes of maintaining that 8+ wins a year streak, it's gonna depend on the health (and growth) of this LB unit.