Iowa Hawkeyes are set to deploy multiple real headaches that Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks have to be prepared for
There are five Iowa players that Duck fans should be prepared for.
As the Oregon Ducks gear up for a top-25 showdown this Saturday against the Iowa Hawkeyes in Iowa City, Duck fans should be aware of more than just the team record or the hype. Iowa may not always grab the headlines, but it boasts a handful of playmakers who could turn the tide on any given drive. From explosive cornerbacks to disruptive defensive ends, here are five Hawkeyes you absolutely need to know before kickoff.
Mark Gronowski QB
Gronowski hasn’t found much success through the air this season as he’s thrown just four touchdown passes against four interceptions, but he’s a major threat when he takes off and runs. In the red zone, especially, his mobility becomes a real weapon. Defenses may need to assign a spy to him all game, as Gronowski often opts to run rather than scan for open receivers. While he doesn’t have blazing speed, his 6-foot-2, 235-pound frame gives him the power to break tackles and run through defenders like a fullback.
Kamari Moulton RB
Moulton isn’t exactly the bruising type that fits Iowa’s usual ground-and-pound style, even though he often runs between the tackles. At 5-foot-9 and 205 pounds, he relies more on quickness and agility than pure power, capable of slipping past defenders when he finds space. The problem is, he hasn’t had many chances to show that burst because of the team’s conservative playcalling. Still, if Moulton gets a crease, he has the speed to turn it into a big gain.
Logan James C
James is one of the best interior linemen in football and a bona fide NFL prospect. He is a bit undersized but is an athletic center who excels in Iowa’s zone running concepts. He will have the task of moving Oregon’s talented defensive tackles A’Mauri Wahsington and Bear Alexander in the running game, but this should be one of the best matchups in the contest.
Max Llewellyn DE
The senior has been a constant problem for opposing offenses. He brings an ideal mix of size, speed, and athleticism, allowing him to either bull-rush linemen or beat them around the edge. Llewellyn ranks fourth in the Big Ten in sacks and has made a habit of getting his hands on the ball, forcing two fumbles and batting down a couple of passes this season.
TJ Hall CB
Hall has been a standout in the Big Ten this season, leading the conference with eight passes defended. A senior, he’s embraced a major role in the secondary and already has one interception with the potential for more as the season continues. At 6 feet and 190 pounds, Hall has become defensive coordinator Phil Parker’s go-to guy in one-on-one coverage on the outside.
