Notes, Observations: Iowa Spring Practice

Rundown of What Was Seen Saturday at Kinnick Stadium

Iowa Football players huddle at midfield during the team's spring practice on April 22, 2023 at Kinnick Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. (Rob Howe/HawkeyeNation.com)

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IOWA CITY, Iowa - Having now covered 26 Iowa Spring games/practices, I know better than to predict the weather. I do know what I'll see from the Hawkeyes - a work in progress. 

That certainly was the case Saturday here at a cold and blustery Kinnick Stadium. They enjoyed some wow moments, good and bad. 

Here's my rundown of what I saw and heard: 

-I left here with a positive feeling about Iowa's outlook for 2023. Again, there's much work to be done, but the energy level and practice tempo during the two views the media received this Spring looked on point. 

-This annual recap usually includes a list of student-athletes sitting out practice. There were too many to count Saturday. 

The good news is that most of the guys in the two-deep are expected back at June workouts. Fullback Eli Miller would be an exception. 

Defensive tackle Yahya Black's left foot was in a boot Saturday. Offensive lineman Daijon Parker didn't practice but was out of a boot he wore earlier this month. 

The health issues made judging most position groups difficult. Projected starters/key players Cade McNamara, Mason Richman, Connor Colby, Seth Anderson, Nico Ragaini, Logan Lee, Noah Shannon and Joe Evans were among those folks out or limited. 

-McNamara, a Michigan transfer, participated in drills and seven-on-seven portions of the workout. Tight end Erick All was his favorite target. You could see the chemistry they built in Ann Arbor. 

Accuracy stands out in McNamara's game. He puts the ball on guys at the right time and keeps his throws out of harm's way. He shows excellent mechanics. 

-All looks like an NFL tight end. Running mate Luke Lachey is starting to look like one as well. Third-teamer Addison Ostrenga would play a lot more in the different program. 

All three guys shined Saturday. Iowa often has enjoyed depth at the position. It appeared that would be the case once again.

-All-Big Ten cornerback Cooper DeJean took off when inserted as the punt returner last season. He was working as the top guy there again Saturday. 

Keeping DeJean company during punt-return work were fellow corners T.J. Hall and Deshaun Lee. Walk-on receivers Alec Wick and Kaden Wetjen also got in on the act. 

-Ragaini and Anderson will be key contributors at receiver if healthy. They're expected back in June. Diante Vines keeps improving and should be a factor as well. 

There's a good group of walk-ons. Wick and Wetjen are in it as are Saturday standouts Jack Johnson and Graham Friedrichsen. 

We'll see if Iowa adds anyone from the portal. It should. 

-Quarterback Spencer Petras looks like he slimmed down since the end of the season. He's rehabbing after major surgery. 

The senior from Northern California was coaching the offense on Saturday. He was helping quarterbacks and working with the offensive line as well. 

He likely won't be healthy enough to play in the Fall, but his deep knowledge of the system is benefitting the Hawkeyes right now. 

-Tory Taylor didn't practice much during spring. He worked on technical aspects of punting and holding for the kicker. 

That opened up reps for back-up kicker, Aaron Blom. The junior has been backing up Taylor and starting kicker Drew Stevens. 

Blom punted a few times in high school. Taylor said his teammate took to it well this Spring. 

On a related note, Stevens and Blom didn't miss any of their field goal attempts Saturday. 

-If tight end wasn't the top position group Saturday, running back would've been the pick. Coach Ladell Betts has formed a strong stable. 

RB1 Kaleb Johnson looked good in limited work. So did Leshon Williams and Jaziun Patterson. True freshman Terrell Washington Jr. impressed.