24 Hawkeyes to Watch 2016-17 | Photo Gallery
How do you feel with the offense and playbook going into another year?
“I feel good. It keeps progressing every year and coaches add little tweaks here and there, but the coaches always have a great game plan for us. They get us ready to play on Saturday so I think it’s going well and we’re ready to execute.”
What was the biggest takeaway from last season’s great run?
“The biggest thing is coming together as a team. We did a great job of that and the seniors last year really led us and brought us together through the offseason, got everybody doing the little things right, and paying attention to the details. Coming together is the biggest thing.”
Anything specific you have made an effort to improve upon in the offseason?
“I am always trying to improve everything. There are countless little things you can work on. I wouldn’t say there’s one thing in particular but just overall raising my level of play and making quicker decisions, better ball placement, and all that stuff.”
What is it like watching C.J. (Beathard) play? What can you take from his game into your own?
“It’s awesome. He’s a great player, but I think he makes great decisions with the ball as well and really puts us in a great position to win games. That, coupled with his leadership, has just been awesome to watch.
“There are a lot of things I’d like to take into my game, but the biggest thing I’d like to emulate is his decision-making ability, how quick he gets the ball out, and getting it to the right spots.”
You will serve as the holder on PATs/FGs… is there a chemistry you need to develop with the kicker?
“I think just taking reps, getting down with the long snappers, and being able to execute and be flawless with it.”
In the limited time you played last year, what was it like being on the field in Kinnick Stadium?
“It was fun. It’s great being out there in front of 70,000 people even when you’re not on the field, but it’s fun being able to get in there, get some snaps, and show what you can do.”
What are your personal goals and what are they as a team?
“Personally I just want to get better every day, play my role, whatever that is, and be able to be a reliable guy everybody can depend on. As a team we’d like to go out and win as much as possible and that’s what we’re preparing to do right now.”
Who do you think could have a breakout season?
“I don’t know. There are a lot of guys. Hopefully we’re saying there are a bunch of guys who had breakout seasons, but I think there are some roles people have to step up and fill. We lost some guys last year so hopefully we see some of those guys emerge and have good years.”
Who is the funniest person on the team and what makes them so funny?
“We have a lot of funny guys. The Paulsen twins are funny, goofy guys. George Kittle is pretty funny. There are a lot of funny guys; I couldn’t pick just one.”
What is the most exciting thing you did this summer?
“I went to Josey Jewell’s house and we had a big slip-n-slide there, which was pretty fun. I also got to go to a Dierks Bentley concert over the summer. Those were both a good time.”