Nov. 16, 2012
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Friday Interview with Assistant Coach D. Wilson
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — University of Iowa defensive backfield coach Darrell Wilson has been pleased with the progress his players have made during the season as the Hawkeyes prepare for another tough challenge Saturday at Michigan (11 a.m. CT, ESPN).
The secondary is led by senior cornerback Micah Hyde and junior safety Tanner Miller, but Wilson has been impressed by the progress some of the younger guys have made.
Junior B.J. Lowery has returned to the starting line-up at the other corner position and sophomore Nico Law has started the last two games at strong safety. Lowery missed time earlier in the season due to injury.
“B.J. is playing really well,” said Wilson. “We need him to play well to solidify our secondary. He’s doing a lot of good things and is much more confident because he feels a lot better physically.
“Nico is coming along, but he is still a work in progress,” said Wilson. “Each week is better. The older guys are really helping him along, doing a fantastic job helping him in the film room and on the practice field. He’s learning a lot and playing better for us.”
Among the younger players, true freshmen Sean Draper and Kevin Buford are seeing more action, both on defense and on special teams.
“It’s gone pretty well with the younger guys because of the leadership we have this year,” said Wilson. “Micah has taken Sean and Kevin in and nurtured those guys. It’s good to see those guys start to mature. They are getting a better feel for the game and understanding concepts better, which allows them to play faster.”
The Hawkeyes will face another challenge Saturday in Michigan quarterbacks Denard Robinson and Devin Gardner.
“You have two different style quarterbacks'” said Wilson. “With Robinson in there, you have to be alert for the quarterback runs and the option game. With Gardner in there, they have a little different passing game. They are doing the things they feel he can do without being two complicated; they are fitting the game plan around him so he has a chance to be successful.”
Following Saturday’s contest the Hawkeyes will return home to host Nebraska Friday (11 a.m., ABC) to close the regular season.