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Defensive Depth Chart

Hawktech

Hawktech

Senior
Dec 18, 2022
496
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Here is my week one predicted 2025 Iowa Hawkeyes 2 Deeps for Phil Parker's Defense​

DEFENSE (4–3 Base or 4-2-5 with Cash)

Defensive Line

PositionStarterBackupNotes
LDEMax Llewellyn (RS SR)Kenneth Merrieweather (RS SO)Max is Poised for a breakout year after recording 5.5 sacks in 2024.
LDTAaron Graves (SR)Will Hubert (RS JR)A disruptive force in the interior.
RDTJeremiah Pittman (RS SR)Jonah Pace (RS SR/TR)Pittman anchors the interior; Pace adds valuable transfer depth.
RDEEthan Hurkett (GR)Joseph Anderson (RS FR)Graduate student who led the team with 6.5 sacks last season.
Potentials & Notables

  • Iose Epenesa (FR) – A 5-star freshman and A.J. Epenesa's younger brother, he arrives as one of the most heralded recruits in program history and has the versatility to play inside or on the edge. Look for reps at the edge, if he learns the containment (AJ has been in his ear, no doubt!). Along with Repeat. ;)
  • Brian Allen (RS JR) – An explosive edge rusher who tallied 3 sacks in 2024; injuries have set him back bow prep & spring.
  • Luke Gaffney (RS JR) – A defensive tackle with significant untapped potential.
  • Bryce Hawthorne (RS SO/TR) – A transfer from South Dakota State who has generated strong buzz. I like his future!
​
Linebackers

PositionStarterBackupNotes
LEOJaxon Rexroth (RS SR)Derek Weisskopf (RS FR)Weisskopf is a highly-touted recruit and a strong candidate for a breakout season.
MLBJaden Harrell (RS SR)Jayden Montgomery (RS JR)Brings a veteran presence to the middle of the linebacker corps.
WLBKarson Sharar (RS SR)Landyn Van Kekerix (RS JR/TR)Sharar offers stability, while Van Kekerix provides versatility.
Potentials & Breakout Watch

  • Derek Weisskopf – A former Adidas All-American known for his athletic instincts.
  • Preston Ries (RS FR) – Boasts impressive athletic metrics, including a 630-lb squat and a 41.4" vertical.
  • Cam Buffington (RS FR) – A raw but explosive athlete with high potential.
**Interesting note from Seth Wallace, he did NOT want to bring in any freshman LBers. He likes what he has….and I like whatever Wallace likes!!!

​
Secondary

PositionStarterBackupNotes
LCBTJ Hall (SR)Jaylen Watson (SO)Hall is considered a lockdown corner, it is his time! Watson showing significant growth potential.
RCBDeshaun Lee (RS JR)Shahid Barros (RS SR/TR)Lee returns as a starter, while Barros, a transfer, adds depth.
FSXavier Nwankpa (SR)Kael Kolarik (RS JR)X is it his time to really shine! Regarded as a future NFL draft pick.
SSKoen Entringer (RS JR)Zach Lutmer (RS SO)Entringer is primed to be a leader, with Lutmer known for his hard-hitting style.
CASHKoen Entringer (RS JR)Zach Lutmer (RS SO)Love the Cash position! It is key to our defensive flexibility; Entringer is a natural fit.
Potentials

  • Zach Lutmer – A physical and instinctive player who offers versatility in the defensive backfield.
  • Rashad Godfrey Jr. (RS FR) – An athletic corner with strong ball skills.
  • Alex Mota (RS SO) – A defensive back who also contributes as a returner.
​
Defensive Leaders & X-Factors

  • Ethan Hurkett – A vocal leader and the team's leading sack artist.
  • Aaron Graves – An anchor on the interior defensive line with All-Big Ten potential.
  • Xavier Nwankpa – Proves he can be an elite safety with high NFL upside.
  • Koen Entringer – Finished the 2024 season strong and is expected to take on a leadership role.
Thoughts???

Am I missing anyone?

On Iowa!!
 
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B

Burghawk87

All-Conference
Jan 5, 2023
708
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It's Iose (with an i). The font here makes an uppercase i and lowercase L look identical. I/l
 
paednoch23

paednoch23

Senior
Oct 23, 2009
387
919
93
Hawktech said:

Here is my week one predicted 2025 Iowa Hawkeyes 2 Deeps for Phil Parker's Defense​

DEFENSE (4–3 Base or 4-2-5 with Cash)

Defensive Line

PositionStarterBackupNotes
LDEMax Llewellyn (RS SR)Kenneth Merrieweather (RS SO)Max is Poised for a breakout year after recording 5.5 sacks in 2024.
LDTAaron Graves (SR)Will Hubert (RS JR)A disruptive force in the interior.
RDTJeremiah Pittman (RS SR)Jonah Pace (RS SR/TR)Pittman anchors the interior; Pace adds valuable transfer depth.
RDEEthan Hurkett (GR)Joseph Anderson (RS FR)Graduate student who led the team with 6.5 sacks last season.
Potentials & Notables

  • Lose Epenesa (FR) – A 5-star freshman and A.J. Epenesa's younger brother, he arrives as one of the most heralded recruits in program history and has the versatility to play inside or on the edge. Look for reps at the edge, if he learns the containment (AJ has been in his ear, no doubt!). Along with Repeat. ;)
  • Brian Allen (RS JR) – An explosive edge rusher who tallied 3 sacks in 2024; injuries have set him back bow prep & spring.
  • Luke Gaffney (RS JR) – A defensive tackle with significant untapped potential.
  • Bryce Hawthorne (RS SO/TR) – A transfer from South Dakota State who has generated strong buzz. I like his future!
​
Linebackers

PositionStarterBackupNotes
LEOJaxon Rexroth (RS SR)Derek Weisskopf (RS FR)Weisskopf is a highly-touted recruit and a strong candidate for a breakout season.
MLBJaden Harrell (RS SR)Jayden Montgomery (RS JR)Brings a veteran presence to the middle of the linebacker corps.
WLBKarson Sharar (RS SR)Landyn Van Kekerix (RS JR/TR)Sharar offers stability, while Van Kekerix provides versatility.
Potentials & Breakout Watch

  • Derek Weisskopf – A former Adidas All-American known for his athletic instincts.
  • Preston Ries (RS FR) – Boasts impressive athletic metrics, including a 630-lb squat and a 41.4" vertical.
  • Cam Buffington (RS FR) – A raw but explosive athlete with high potential.
**Interesting note from Seth Wallace, he did NOT want to bring in any freshman LBers. He likes what he has….and I like whatever Wallace likes!!!

​
Secondary

PositionStarterBackupNotes
LCBTJ Hall (SR)Jaylen Watson (SO)Hall is considered a lockdown corner, it is his time! Watson showing significant growth potential.
RCBDeshaun Lee (RS JR)Shahid Barros (RS SR/TR)Lee returns as a starter, while Barros, a transfer, adds depth.
FSXavier Nwankpa (SR)Kael Kolarik (RS JR)X is it his time to really shine! Regarded as a future NFL draft pick.
SSKoen Entringer (RS JR)Zach Lutmer (RS SO)Entringer is primed to be a leader, with Lutmer known for his hard-hitting style.
CASHKoen Entringer (RS JR)Zach Lutmer (RS SO)Love the Cash position! It is key to our defensive flexibility; Entringer is a natural fit.
Potentials

  • Zach Lutmer – A physical and instinctive player who offers versatility in the defensive backfield.
  • Rashad Godfrey Jr. (RS FR) – An athletic corner with strong ball skills.
  • Alex Mota (RS SO) – A defensive back who also contributes as a returner.
​
Defensive Leaders & X-Factors

  • Ethan Hurkett – A vocal leader and the team's leading sack artist.
  • Aaron Graves – An anchor on the interior defensive line with All-Big Ten potential.
  • Xavier Nwankpa – Proves he can be an elite safety with high NFL upside.
  • Koen Entringer – Finished the 2024 season strong and is expected to take on a leadership role.
Thoughts???

Am I missing anyone?

On Iowa!!
Click to expand...
LOSE EPENESA? How can you have credibility if you don't know the kids names?
 
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nu2u

nu2u

All-Conference
Aug 10, 2006
10,187
2,125
113
Pure speculation but I doubt Epenesa gets on the field much, maybe late game action with a win secured. That could change fast with a couple injuries though.
 
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rchawk

rchawk

All-American
Oct 27, 2001
73,752
7,993
113
nu2u said:
Pure speculation but I doubt Epenesa gets on the field much, maybe late game action with a win secured. That could change fast with a couple injuries though.
Click to expand...
I would put Iose on the kickoff team starting with game one. I agree that his playing time will probably be mop up duty, barring injuries of course.
 
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F

Fuzzy4141

Redshirt
Jan 3, 2004
6
9
3
Based on the On Iowa podcast that dropped this afternoon, Pittman is injured and it looks more likely that Hubert or Hawthorne are the next likely DT’s to fill the spot opposite Graves.
 
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nu2u

nu2u

All-Conference
Aug 10, 2006
10,187
2,125
113
ObeseMuffins said:
I say throw him in on clear passing situations. We cannot waste his athletic potential.
Click to expand...
You’ll waste his potential and potentially cost the team if you put him at n there and he isn’t ready.

Multi-year vets Llewelyn and Hurkett are Phil’s trusted edge pass rushers. I can virtually guarantee that those two, if healthy, won’t be sidelined in order to play Epenesa. Maybe you were thinking that Epenesa would go inside?

A lot of fans and some analysts are predicting a breakout year for Brion Allen. Chima Chaneke and Kennth Merrieweather have received decent reviews also.

Epenesa is definitely talented and he arrives with B10 size/ strength but like Kittle said, once you get to Iowa the recruiting rankings don’t matter.
 
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DukeSlater

DukeSlater

All-Conference
Jul 2, 2023
1,753
3,990
113
Hawktech said:

Here is my week one predicted 2025 Iowa Hawkeyes 2 Deeps for Phil Parker's Defense​

DEFENSE (4–3 Base or 4-2-5 with Cash)

Defensive Line

PositionStarterBackupNotes
LDEMax Llewellyn (RS SR)Kenneth Merrieweather (RS SO)Max is Poised for a breakout year after recording 5.5 sacks in 2024.
LDTAaron Graves (SR)Will Hubert (RS JR)A disruptive force in the interior.
RDTJeremiah Pittman (RS SR)Jonah Pace (RS SR/TR)Pittman anchors the interior; Pace adds valuable transfer depth.
RDEEthan Hurkett (GR)Joseph Anderson (RS FR)Graduate student who led the team with 6.5 sacks last season.
Potentials & Notables

  • Iose Epenesa (FR) – A 5-star freshman and A.J. Epenesa's younger brother, he arrives as one of the most heralded recruits in program history and has the versatility to play inside or on the edge. Look for reps at the edge, if he learns the containment (AJ has been in his ear, no doubt!). Along with Repeat. ;)
  • Brian Allen (RS JR) – An explosive edge rusher who tallied 3 sacks in 2024; injuries have set him back bow prep & spring.
  • Luke Gaffney (RS JR) – A defensive tackle with significant untapped potential.
  • Bryce Hawthorne (RS SO/TR) – A transfer from South Dakota State who has generated strong buzz. I like his future!
​
Linebackers

PositionStarterBackupNotes
LEOJaxon Rexroth (RS SR)Derek Weisskopf (RS FR)Weisskopf is a highly-touted recruit and a strong candidate for a breakout season.
MLBJaden Harrell (RS SR)Jayden Montgomery (RS JR)Brings a veteran presence to the middle of the linebacker corps.
WLBKarson Sharar (RS SR)Landyn Van Kekerix (RS JR/TR)Sharar offers stability, while Van Kekerix provides versatility.
Potentials & Breakout Watch

  • Derek Weisskopf – A former Adidas All-American known for his athletic instincts.
  • Preston Ries (RS FR) – Boasts impressive athletic metrics, including a 630-lb squat and a 41.4" vertical.
  • Cam Buffington (RS FR) – A raw but explosive athlete with high potential.
**Interesting note from Seth Wallace, he did NOT want to bring in any freshman LBers. He likes what he has….and I like whatever Wallace likes!!!

​
Secondary

PositionStarterBackupNotes
LCBTJ Hall (SR)Jaylen Watson (SO)Hall is considered a lockdown corner, it is his time! Watson showing significant growth potential.
RCBDeshaun Lee (RS JR)Shahid Barros (RS SR/TR)Lee returns as a starter, while Barros, a transfer, adds depth.
FSXavier Nwankpa (SR)Kael Kolarik (RS JR)X is it his time to really shine! Regarded as a future NFL draft pick.
SSKoen Entringer (RS JR)Zach Lutmer (RS SO)Entringer is primed to be a leader, with Lutmer known for his hard-hitting style.
CASHKoen Entringer (RS JR)Zach Lutmer (RS SO)Love the Cash position! It is key to our defensive flexibility; Entringer is a natural fit.
Potentials

  • Zach Lutmer – A physical and instinctive player who offers versatility in the defensive backfield.
  • Rashad Godfrey Jr. (RS FR) – An athletic corner with strong ball skills.
  • Alex Mota (RS SO) – A defensive back who also contributes as a returner.
​
Defensive Leaders & X-Factors

  • Ethan Hurkett – A vocal leader and the team's leading sack artist.
  • Aaron Graves – An anchor on the interior defensive line with All-Big Ten potential.
  • Xavier Nwankpa – Proves he can be an elite safety with high NFL upside.
  • Koen Entringer – Finished the 2024 season strong and is expected to take on a leadership role.
Thoughts???

Am I missing anyone?

On Iowa!!
Click to expand...
Has anyone gotten more press than Nwankpa and done less on the field? (Maybe Willie Guy way back when?) The kid's a senior already, and you might not have noticed him the last three years. I haven't. If he's an NFL draft pick, then that would likely mean he's finally done something on the field this season, so that would be good.
 
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Hawktech

Hawktech

Senior
Dec 18, 2022
496
642
93
rchawk said:
I would put Iose on the kickoff team starting with game one. I agree that his playing time will probably be mop up duty, barring injuries of course.
Click to expand...
Espenesa may have some wheels for a big guy. But when was the last time we had a lineman on a kickoff team?? Can't see that happening...

The DL looks deeper than I thought it was at the end of last year. But the growth & additions have added some very good depth. That noted, Phil has been rotating in linemen frequently. Keeping everyone fresher. So, there is a good chance Iose sees the field.

The young guys on our DL, makes this a solid group for at least the next 3 years... All the more to be excited about our DL!
 
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rchawk

rchawk

All-American
Oct 27, 2001
73,752
7,993
113
Hawktech said:
Espenesa may have some wheels for a big guy. But when was the last time we had a lineman on a kickoff team?? Can't see that happening...

The DL looks deeper than I thought it was at the end of last year. But the growth & additions have added some very good depth. That noted, Phil has been rotating in linemen frequently. Keeping everyone fresher. So, there is a good chance Iose sees the field.

The young guys on our DL, makes this a solid group for at least the next 3 years... All the more to be excited about our DL!
Click to expand...
I was thinking of a couple big, fast guys at the line a few yards on either side of the kicker.

If it doesn't happen I'm not going to argue with LeVar Woods. One, he does a great job, Iowa special teams are very respected in the Big Ten. Two, he is paid much more than I was before I retired. Three, he played football at the highest level on the planet while I was a scrub on a below average high school team. Four, he could bend me like a pretzel, even on my youngest strongest day while he had the worst case of flu in his life.
 
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WeBeHerkin

All-Conference
Aug 5, 2016
4,050
4,681
113
Hawktech said:
We have some STRONG, young and athletic LBers. The future looks bright for the defense, as long as Phil can phil-in the DBs, we will be set. Per usual Phil... ;)
Click to expand...
Hope they can fly and don't bite too many times.
 
Franisdaman

Franisdaman

Heisman
Nov 3, 2012
14,008
20,310
113
speaking of the starting linebackers,

The full text of the tweet:

We've talked a lot about Jaden Harrell and Karson Sharar taking over for Iowa at MLB and WLB, but not much about fifth-year senior Jaxon Rexroth as the #1 OLB. The special-teams lifer, like Kyler Fisher before him, has grinded for 5 years awaiting this opportunity.

Seth Wallace: “He’s waited his turn. He's been a fixture on our special teams. And in return, he’s positioned himself right now where he will take the field as our starting Leo tomorrow (at Kids Day). ... He fully understood the path in which he was going to have to take to get to this position. He’s embraced it. He's taken every opportunity to give him this chance right now.”

 
Franisdaman

Franisdaman

Heisman
Nov 3, 2012
14,008
20,310
113
full text of tweet:

A couple of interesting Iowa-related notes:

Desmond King and Jaleel Johnson have spent the week with the program informally as interns. Iowa did this 7-8 years ago with Abdul Hodge and Colin Cole.

Noah Shannon is with the program as asst. director of development. He's down about 75 pounds from his playing weight and runs 4-5 miles a day.

 
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