The Iowa Hawkeyes ended their spring work with one final open practice for fans and media to take in over the weekend.
Though Iowa was without multiple starters, including quarterback Mark Gronowski, there was still plenty of talent on display and a number of key Hawkeyes available.
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“Overall, the spring was good. It was productive for us. Saw growth pretty much top to bottom with the roster. And I think one thing that’s been consistent, and this goes back to January, the work ethic and the attitude’s been pretty good from the onset. So, happy about that.
“And then I think our leadership base was surprisingly good prior to spring ball and it continues to grow too. So, I think we have a lot of guys that are really invested in thinking right and acting right, doing those types of things. So, finishes this phase,” Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz said following the Hawkeyes’ open spring practice.
As Iowa turns the page toward summer workouts and then fall camp, here’s some takeaways and observations from Iowa’s open spring practice.
Jackson Stratton is a contender as Iowa’s backup quarterback
Apr 26, 2025; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa quarterback Jackson Stratton (19) throws during a spring NCAA football open practice at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Cress-The Des Moines Register
On a day where Mark Gronowski only took part in warmup throws, Iowa fans saw extended looks at quarterbacks Jackson Stratton, Hank Brown and Jimmy Sullivan.
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Stratton was clearly the most comfortable throughout the day’s proceedings. The 6-foot-4, 193 pound signal-caller led multiple touchdown drives and looked confident commanding Iowa’s offense.
It shouldn’t be a big surprise considering Stratton has been in Tim Lester’s quarterback room the longest dating back to last summer and considering Stratton started a pair of games for Iowa last season. Still, for anyone that thought the backup quarterback job was destined to be someone else’s, Saturday was an indication that Stratton is squarely in the mix.
Hank Brown isn’t afraid to air it out
Apr 26, 2025; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa quarterback Hank Brown (9) warms up during a spring NCAA football open practice at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Cress/For the Register
The Auburn transfer took plenty of downfield shots, which had to be encouraging for Hawkeye fans in attendance. Brown wasn’t particularly accurate when he aired it out downfield, but it was exciting nonetheless.
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The 6-foot-4, 208 pound quarterback showed off his dual-threat capabilities on an option where he raced it in for a score. Brown is still getting up to speed in the Lester offense and will only get more comfortable as the summer rolls into the fall.
Iowa’s wide receivers have taken strides
Apr 26, 2025; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa wide receiver Reece Vander Zee (15) runs a drill during a spring NCAA football open practice at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Cress/For the Register
Iowa is counting upon sophomore receiver Reece Vander Zee taking a jump in 2025. On Saturday, Vander Zee looked like that could very well be underway. The 6-foot-4, 207 pound receiver made plenty of plays, including a touchdown grab from Stratton.
It wasn’t just Vander Zee, though. Even with Sam Phillips, Jacob Gill and Jarriett Buie not dressing, Seth Anderson, Dayton Howard, KJ Parker and Kaden Wetjen were all routinely involved in the passing game.
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Iowa’s downfield attack looked sharp and explosive. Without its starting quarterback, the Hawkeyes had a lot going on in the passing game.
Kamari Moulton was Iowa’s best running back
Apr 26, 2025; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa running back Kamari Moulton (28) rushes during a spring NCAA football open practice at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Cress/For the Register
Kamari Moulton had the bulk of the chunk runs on Saturday. The 5-foot-9, 197 pound running back is the favorite to be Iowa’s top back in 2025 and Saturday showed why.
Junior Jaziun Patterson will obviously factor into Iowa’s rushing attack heavily as well, but freshman Nathan McNeil and Xavier Williams demonstrated some positive signs, too.
Max Llewellyn was incredibly disruptive
Apr 26, 2025; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa defensive lineman Max Llewellyn (48) looks to the sideline during a spring NCAA football open practice at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joseph Cress/For the Register
Senior defensive end Max Llewellyn registered 22 tackles and 5.5 sacks a season ago and Iowa is counting upon him to take on a larger role alongside Ethan Hurkett.
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Llewellyn was all over the place making plays on Saturday. That version of Llewellyn could be one of Iowa’s best defensive players. Other defensive standouts up front included Jonah Pace with a pass deflected at the line of scrimmage and pressures from defensive ends Joseph Anderson and Chima Chineke.
Jaylen Watson, TJ Hall also stand out
Iowa defensive back Jaylen Watson (3) watches a drill with other players during practice Thursday, April 3, 2025 in Iowa City, Iowa.
Sophomore cornerback Jaylen Watson deflected a Stratton pass in the end zone that was intended for Parker and junior safety Kael Kolarik intercepted it. Earlier in the week, Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker mentioned that TJ Hall had been Iowa’s top corner thus far throughout the spring.
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Hall showcased what Parker had been talking about and delivered the biggest hit of the afternoon on Moulton along the sideline.
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This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Takeaways, observations from Iowa football open spring practice