Story by
Iowa Football Midseason Grades: The Rest Of The Offense
- Story by
- Iowa Football Midseason Grades: The Rest Of The Offense
(USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect)
Tim Lester shares his decision-making process for the quarterback position.
If you thought our Iowa football midseason grades would conclude on Wednesday, you were sorely mistaken.
There's a lot of players on a football roster, which means our midseason grades are going to continue through the rest of the week. We've already done the leaders from every skill position, so now it's time to turn our attention to the rest of the offense.
Advertisement
There's simply too many players to go as in-depth as we did yesterday, but I'm going to try my best. Here's a grade and a brief note for the rest of the offense.
The Grades
NOTE: Pass catchers with three or fewer receptions won't be included
WR Reece Vander Zee: A
Though Tony Diaz has statistically been Iowa's top wide receiver this season, the man making the top plays is Vander Zee. Hawkeye fans will always remember Vander Zee's game-winning catch at Michigan, but his 6-foot-4 frame has made him a reliable deep threat. He easily deserves an A for his first-half performance.
Advertisement
WR Jarriett Buie: C+
After missing all of last year due to an injury, Buie has tallied 63 yards on five receptions. The workload has been limited, so giving him a C+ seems like a safe choice.
WR Evan James: B-
James has been serviceable this year, but that's about it. Tony Diaz and Vander Zee are clearly the top wideouts this year and have eaten up all of the targets. The Furman transfer has seven catches for 58 yards so far. Expect him to do most of his damage on special teams the rest of the way.
TE Addison Ostrenga: B+
Ostrenga has been one of the best stories of Iowa's season. Though DJ Vonnahme has been the No. 1 tight end this year, Ostrenga's veteran leadership has been very valuable to this young Hawkeye squad. He reached the end zone for the first time in over two years against Northern Iowa and has eight catches for 75 yards and the one touchdown this year.
Advertisement
TE Zach Ortwerth: B
The fourth-year doesn't see a ton of action, but he's usually good for a catch each game. There's just not a lot to grade here, but give Ortwerth props for also being a good leader and stepping up to get some yards when needed (he had a 15-yard catch against Washington).
RB Xavier Williams: B+
Williams is on almost the same path that he was on last season - have a big game early in the year and get pushed to the bottom of the depth chart. Williams is actually Iowa's second-leading rusher behind Kamari Moulton at 170 yards, but 151 of those came against Northern Iowa in Week 3. That game alone earned an A+ grade, but when you're talking about his body of work for the whole season so far, a B+ feels right.
Advertisement
RB Braeden Jackson: A
No one thought Jackson, a walk-on, would be a contributor this year, but he's done just that. Like Williams, Jackson had his breakout game against Northern Iowa, but Iowa clearly took notice of his speed and has used him a variety of ways. Kick returner seems to be his best fit as he had a 99-yard touchdown return at Michigan, but Jackson has also been a valuable back in the passing game. He's definitely a player to watch the rest of the way.
RB L.J. Phillips Jr: C+
Phillips came to Iowa City with so much hype after a remarkable season at the FCS level with South Dakota, but it just hasn't worked out so far. An injury in the opening week of the season held him out until the Ohio State game, but Moulton seems to be taking the bulk of the carries at this point. We'll see how Iowa can use Phillips' skills the rest of the way.
Advertisement
RB Nathan McNeil: C
McNeil is in the same bout as Williams. He's a very talented back, but just can't get the carries he wants right now because of the experienced guys ahead of him. It feels a little harsh to put him at a C, but there's just not a lot to go on.
OL Trevor Lauck: A
Lauck has been his usual self this year. There's nothing much else to say. His leadership is going to be very pivotal for this group moving forward.
OL Jack Dotzler: C
Dotzler's first six games at right tackle have been a struggle. Kirk Ferentz is confident in the group of guys he has, but there needs to be a lot of improvement from Dotzler if Iowa wants to maintain consistency on the ground.
Advertisement
OL Kade Pieper: B+
Like Lauck, Pieper (the right guard) is one of the anchors of this offensive line until further notice. There's nothing to believe that will change in the second half of the year.
OL Cael Winter: C+
Winter narrowly beat out Pieper for the starting center position. It's a great story considering he is a walk-on, but the growing pains have been very evident. Winter redeemed himself with a great game at Washington, but his performance was just too inconsistent for his midseason grade to be anything above a C+.
OL Leighton Jones: B-
Jones' starting debut at left guard has been solid. There have been occasional struggles, but that's just part of the position. He's only going to get better as the season progresses.
Advertisement
Looking for a FREE Hawkeyes community?
Don't miss out on our Roundtable community and the latest news! It's completely FREE to join.
Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members in the community section! Download the FREE Roundtable APP and stay even more connected!
Click here to join the fun and potentially win some FREE Hawkeye swag!
HawkeyeRoundtable publisher Brad Schultz has covered the Iowa Hawkeyes since 2023. To send him story ideas, scoops, or criticize his writing, reach him at bradschultz@roundtable.io
