Oct. 1, 2015
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By DARREN MILLER
hawkeyesports.com
IOWA CITY, Iowa — Adrian Falconer made the most of his snaps against North Texas on Sept. 26 and the result is more playing time.
Falconer, a University of Iowa wide receiver from Leesburg, Florida, is one of three true freshmen to see action for the Hawkeyes this season. When the 6-foot-1, 180 pounder has been in games, he has made an impact.
“I had a pretty big hit, so they put me on special teams,” Falconer said of his performance against the Mean Green.
Now Falconer can be seen on kickoff, punt, and punt return teams.
Falconer was also a versatile player in high school, playing wide receiver, defensive back, and kick returner. He was team captain as a senior. In his final three seasons, Falconer caught 146 passes for 2,156 yards (14.8 average) and added 90 tackles.
He continues to succeed in college.
“Adrian has done a nice job for us,” UI head coach Kirk Ferentz said. “He drew our attention a year and a half ago and he is off to a really good start. He is not playing a lot, but he is playing. We think he has a chance in time to be a really good receiver for us.”
Aside from lettering four times in football for Leesburg High School, Falconer also participated in basketball and track.
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“Adrian has done a nice job for us. He drew our attention a year and a half ago and he is off to a really good start. He is not playing a lot, but he is playing. We think he has a chance in time to be a really good receiver for us.”
Kirk Ferentz
UI football coach |
Like many who elect to become Hawkeyes, Falconer was impressed by the family atmosphere at the University of Iowa. And once he played inside Kinnick Stadium, he was blown away by the support.
“It was a good experience getting in a couple games,” Falconer said. “There are tons of fans, it is a lot different from high school, I’ll tell you that.”
Falconer knows the playing time he receives this season will pay off in years to come.
“The experience will help me get ready for next season,” he said.
Ten different Hawkeyes have combined to catch 77 passes this season. Falconer has been soaking in the route-running of junior Matt VandeBerg, who has caught 25 passes for 242 yards and two touchdowns.
“He is a good role model; I look up to him and the different routes he runs,” Falconer said.
Iowa opens Big Ten Conference play Saturday at Wisconsin. Kickoff from Camp Randall Stadium in Madison is scheduled for 11:01 a.m. (CT).
Falconer expects to be a contributor, as part of the offense or on special teams.
“I want to do anything that is possible to help the team,” Falconer said.
