Iowa City, Iowa — Deacon Hill, the former Iowa quarterback, has recently made the decision to enter the transfer portal with two years remaining in his college football career. This news was announced by Hill himself on his Instagram account on Tuesday.
Hill, who started nine games for Iowa last year, stepped up as the team’s quarterback when Cade McNamara, the original starting QB, suffered a torn ACL early in the fifth game of the season once morest Michigan State. Despite the pressure and responsibility, Hill was able to lead the Hawkeyes’ offense for the remainder of the season, which ended with a 10-4 record and a Big Ten West Division title.
However, the Hawkeyes’ offensive struggles were evident throughout the season, as they finished with the lowest-ranked offense in the nation, averaging just 234.6 yards per game. This was the lowest offensive output by any Big Ten team since Northwestern in 1984.
Hill, standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 258 pounds, received a significant portion of the blame and attention for Iowa’s offensive woes, along with former offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, whose contract was not renewed. Hill’s individual performance last year included a completion rate of 48.6% for 1,152 yards, five touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Notably, Hill also struggled with fumbling, losing six out of the 11 fumbles he had throughout the season, contributing to the team’s struggles. The Hawkeyes ended the season with back-to-back shutout losses.
In his statement, Hill expressed gratitude towards his former coaches and teammates, emphasizing the positive experiences he had during his time at Iowa. It is important to note that Hill transferred to Iowa in spring 2023 following spending two seasons at Wisconsin.
Looking ahead, with McNamara still recovering from his knee injury, Hill and redshirt freshman Marco Lainez III were the only available scholarship quarterbacks to run the new offensive coordinator Tim Lester’s system during the spring. However, with incoming freshman James Resar joining the team in June, the Hawkeyes will have three quarterbacks available for summer workouts. It is likely that Iowa will consider signing another quarterback from the transfer portal to provide further competition during training camp.
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz expressed the team’s willingness to explore all options in order to improve. He stated, “We’ll do anything we can to help our team. If an opportunity presents itself that makes sense, we’ll consider it.”
This recent development puts Iowa in a position where they must assess and strategize their quarterback situation moving forward. The departure of Hill presents an opportunity for the team to evaluate other options and potentially improve their offensive performance.
Looking at the implications of these events and considering the current landscape of college football, it is clear that quarterback depth and performance play a crucial role in a team’s overall success. Iowa’s struggles last season highlight the need for a strong, reliable quarterback who can lead the team and generate consistent offensive production.
In light of these circumstances, it is foreseeable that Iowa will continue to focus on recruiting and developing talented quarterbacks. The inclusion of James Resar, a promising prospect from Florida, indicates the team’s intention to bolster their quarterback roster. However, it is crucial for the coaching staff to carefully evaluate the available options and ensure that the new signings fit well within the team’s offensive system.
Furthermore, given the increasing trend of teams utilizing the transfer portal to acquire experienced quarterbacks, it would not be surprising if Iowa explores this avenue as well. The transfer portal provides an opportunity for the team to bring in quarterbacks who have already proven their abilities at the collegiate level, potentially offering an immediate solution to their offensive struggles.
In conclusion, the departure of Deacon Hill presents both challenges and opportunities for the Iowa Hawkeyes. It is crucial for the team to carefully assess their quarterback situation and strategize accordingly. The inclusion of James Resar and the potential addition of another quarterback through the transfer portal highlight the team’s commitment to improving their offensive performance. As the college football landscape continues to evolve, it is crucial for Iowa to stay proactive and adapt to emerging trends in order to remain competitive.
