10 Questions with John Lowdermilk

Aug. 8, 2013

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hawkeyesports.com caught up with junior safety John Lowdermilk at Hawkeye Media Day on Aug. 8.

How is practice going to start camp?
“Good, starting to prepare, install everything. It’s not too complicated yet, but we’re trying to get the younger guys caught up. It’s gone really well so far.

What is it like working with Coach Phil Parker again?
“It’s great, he’s a very intelligent coach. He critiques the little things, and it’s really nice to have him here.”

There is some depth at the defensive back position. How do you feel about the group overall, and where do you see yourself fitting in?
“Wherever I can help the team, wherever coach wants me to be, that’s where I see myself fitting in.”

As a junior, how do you try and help the newcomers?
“Helping them learn the defense overall. They come in and their eyes are really big, so just helping them learn techniques and the defense overall.”

What led you to Iowa City and the Hawkeye football program during the recruiting process?
“Coach Parker recruited me late, in about December. He called me a couple times, and I knew they had a great program, Coach (Kirk) Ferentz is a great coach, Coach (Chris) Doyle is a great strength coach. I actually committed before I even visited here because I knew about the coaches, the program, and how good they were.”

How hungry is the team for the start of the 2013 season?
“Very hungry. We had a down year last year and we’re anxious for the first game, and to get out there and play.”

What are you working on most heading into the fall?
“Everything. I need to know the defense a little better and get my techniques down and work on everything overall.”

What professional athlete have you looked up to throughout your athletic career?
“Brett Favre. I like his style of play and his personality.”

Describe the feeling you get when you run out of the tunnel at Kinnick Stadium in front of 70,000 screaming Hawkeye fans.
“There’s no feeling like it. It’s a great feeling, coming out here to Back in Black, and coming down the tunnel while it’s shaking. There’s no feeling quite like it.

Do you have any pregame rituals?
“I go over some stuff, listen to some music, and focus on what my assignments are and think about the game.