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Big Ten Football: Every team’s most important newcomer in 2021

By Dante Pryor

Dec 19, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day lifts the Big 10 Conference championship trophy as running back Trey Sermon (right) reacts after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day lifts the Big 10 Conference championship trophy as running back Trey Sermon (right) reacts after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Syndication: HawkCentral
Syndication: HawkCentral /

Iowa Hawkeyes, 6-2:

It seems like the Hawkeyes have the worst timing. Going all the way to the Brad Banks era, the Hawkeyes have missed opportunities. Last year Iowa had the most talented team in school history to have a new quarterback and a national pandemic. This season, they lose their top two receivers to graduation.

Also, the Hawkeyes lost three of their top linemen on offense and defense. There is a lot of depth that needs filing in at Iowa City. The Hawkeyes rarely play freshman; Iowa could make an exception this season.

  • David Davidkov, OT: At 6-foot-6 and 295 pounds, Davidkov is ready-made to plug and play as a true freshman. The New Trier High School product is very well proportioned, with some room to fill out still and not lose any of his explosion off of the snap. Davidkov plays tackle with a mean streak and is a polished run blocker which fits with what Iowa traditionally likes to do offensively. Though Davidkov needs some refining as a pass blocker, he is dominant in a phone booth and a devastating drive blocker. Expect this young man to challenge for some snaps this fall.
  • Keegan Johnson, ATH/WR: Recruited as an athlete, Johnson could provide the explosive plays lost with the graduation of Ihmir Smith-Marsette and Brandon Smith. Though Johnson does not possess overwhelming size, the Nebraska native was productive as a high school senior and was used in various ways. Johnson could line up all over the field for the Hawkeyes. Johnson could be the most explosive player the Hawkeyes have this season.
  • Justice Sullivan, EDGE/LB: For every scout that has a critique about Justice Sullivan’s height (6-foot-1), they never saw future Hall of Famer Dwight Freeny play football. After an All-American career at Syracuse, Freeny collected 125 sacks over 16 seasons in the NFL. That’s not to say Sullivan is the next Freeney, but Sullivan has that stocky build like Freeney. Sullivan is thick in the lower body and has a great first step off of the snap. Sullivan needs to develop more pass rush moves at the next level where the competition increases. Sullivan is such a great athlete; he could grade out as a linebacker if he develops coverage skills but has value immediately as a situational pass rusher.
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