Iowa Football: Post-spring game 2018 depth chart projection

Linebackers

Starting Linebackers: Nick Niemann (SAM), Kristian Welch (MIKE), Amani Jones (LEO)
Backups: Jack Hockaday, Barrington Wade, Dillon Doyle

The toughest challenge facing Kirk Ferentz and his staff is replacing three outstanding senior linebackers in Ben Niemann, Bo Bower and “The Outlaw” Josey Jewell. While the replacements may not have reps on the field, they have been with the program a long time, which speeds up the process of learning on the field.

Nick Niemann, Ben’s younger brother, is etched in at strong-side outside linebacker following a solid spring. Niemann already looks like a better build than his older brother and had a very solid spring game as well. Backing him up is sophomore Barrington Wade, a 6-foot-1, 233-pound linebacker who hails from Skokie, Ill.

Replacing an all-time great like Josey Jewell is not easy in any way, shape or form. But Iowa fans should have plenty of confidence in junior Kristian Welch. Welch saw some action towards the end of last season, including an interception against division rival Nebraska. Welch will be backed up by senior Jack Hockaday, a special teams headhunter who will surely be ready to go whenever.

Going into the spring, Amani Jones was listed as the backup to Aaron Mends, however Kirk Ferentz told reporters that Mends had suffered a “serious knee injury” on Wednesday practice, putting his season in limbo. However there is no need to worry, Jones is a very talented player who has been with the program for a few years as well. His backup is likely Dillon Doyle, son of Iowa strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle.