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Kirk Ferentz speaks on mindsets of various Iowa players in regards to potentially returning in 2023
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Kirk Ferentz answered if conversations about returning to Iowa in 2023 have been had with players. Ferentz revealed this at Early Signing Day on Wednesday.
The Iowa head coach told reporters that while several veterans have already elected to declare for the upcoming NFL draft, others remain on the fence entering bowl week. Several veterans, including tight end Sam LaPorta might have a better answer following the Music City Bowl against Kentucky on Dec. 31.
“Yeah, we’ve had conversations with several of our guys, and I think they’re all kind of weighing and measuring,” Ferentz said. “It’s not the same, but a little bit like last year at this time Riley Moss was trying to figure out was he going to go to the NFL.”
All-American safety Kaevon Merriweather announced he would be opting out of the bowl game to prepare for the draft. Linebacker Jack Campbell will be going pro following the bowl game due to eligibility but elected to play 1 more time in hopes of potentially bettering his draft stock.
LaPorta is the main name to watch for moving past next week’s showdown in Nashville. The John Mackey Award finalist led Iowa in receptions (53), and receiving yards (601), and finished with 1 touchdown.
LaPorta is expected to be a mid-round selection should he elect to go pro. The Hawkeyes kick off against the Wildcats at Nissan Stadium at noon ET on ABC.
(H/T 247Sports)
Cole Thompson is a freelance writer for Saturday Tradition who has covered college football and the NFL for multiple websites. Thompson is currently based in Houston, Texas, and also can be heard daily on SportsMap National Radio's 'Just Sayin It' from 3am-6am.