Iowa Football: Post-spring game 2018 depth chart projection
Defensive Backs
Starting Cornerbacks: Matt Hankins (LCB), Michael Ojemudia (RCB)
Nickel corner: Manny Rugamba
Backups: Trey Creamer
For the last three seasons, Iowa has produced some shutdown cornerbacks. Iowa was led in 2015 and 2016 by Desmond King, while Josh Jackson exploded onto the national scene in the 2017 season. The question is: who will fill the role as the Hawkeyes shutdown corner? My answer is sophomore Matt Hankins. Hankins is a carbon copy of Jackson, a tall, long corner who plays the ball very well.
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The right side corner is likely junior Michael Ojemudia. Ojemudia stands at 6-foot-1, 199 pounds, taller than most average cornerbacks. He saw plenty of action last season while Phil Parker searched for a consistent second corner to compliment Josh Jackson. Ojemudia was inserted late in the season and held his own very well.
Manny Rugamba finds himself as the nickel corner, which could harbor success against smaller receivers. Redshirt freshman Trey Creamer finds himself as next man in for whoever comes out.
Starting Safeties: Jake Gervase (FS), Amani Hooker (SS)
Backups: Geno Stone, John Milani
The group that stood out the most during the spring game for me was the safety duo of Jake Gervase and Amani Hooker. Both players were flying across the field, making big play after big play, whether it be interceptions or big hits. Gervase remains the starting free safety until word comes back that Brandon Snyder is fully healthy. Geno Stone currently remains in as Gervase’s backup.
Hooker found himself as a household name following his unforgettable start to the Ohio State game last season, picking off J.T. Barrett on the opening play from scrimmage and returning it for a touchdown. Hooker had a very productive sophomore season despite limited games, compiling 41 tackles with two interceptions. His backup is junior John Milani, a local product from Iowa City West High School.