Iowa Football: Post-Spring 2-Deep Depth Chart

The Iowa Hawkeyes are one of the sleeper teams in the Big Ten this season, as they return a total of 13 starters, including seven on the offensive side of the ball. They just completed their spring practices and spring game and look to have improved a few of the weaknesses they may have.

But while spring is about fixing a few issues, it's also an opportunity for players at the bottom of the depth chart to move up.

With the spring over for the Hawkeyes, here's what the post-spring depth chart should look like.

Quarterback

Starter: James Vandenberg

Backup: Jake Rudock

James Vandenberg threw for over 3,000 yards and 25 touchdowns. I think it's pretty safe to say that he's the starter heading into the regular season. I would like to see him improve his 58 percent completion percentage, but the Hawkeyes overall could do a lot worse at the quarterback position.

Running Back

Starter: Damon Bullock

Backup: De'Andre Johnson

With Marcus Coker transferring schools, it opens the door up for Damon Bullock. He's had a solid spring and really stepped up in the spring game with very tough running. Although, experience is lacking at this position, as Bullock has only carried the ball 10 times in his short career.

Fullback

Starter: Brad Rogers

Backup: Jonathan Gimm

Rogers has had a solid spring practice and has shown the ability in the past that he can be effective running the football. Overall, he's a solid and experienced fullback now that he enters his junior season.

Wide Receiver

Starter: Keenan Davis

Backup: Don Shumpert

Davis made a huge jump from his sophomore to junior season, as he caught 50 passes for over 700 yards and four touchdowns. He'll remain in his starting role and will be looked at as the new No.1 option with Marvin McNutt no longer on the roster.

Wide Receiver

Starter: Kevonte Martin-Manley

Backup: Steven Staggs

Martin-Manley is the speedy receiver who really shined his freshman year, catching 30 passes for over 300 yards. We'd like to see him improve his touchdown total of last year, (three) but overall, he's a solid No.2 option to have at the wide receiver position.

Tight End

Starter: C.J. Fiedorowicz

Backup: Zach Derby

Fiedorowicz didn't produce a catch his freshman year, but did show he has ball skills his sophomore season, hauling in 16 receptions and three of them for touchdowns. At 6'7", the starting tight end for Iowa could easily become one of the top tight ends in the Big Ten this season.

Left Tackle

Starter: Brandon Scherff

Backup: Andrew Donnal

Scherff started a total of three games last season, and all of them were at left guard. Now he'll have the most important job on the offensive line, protecting the quarterback's blindside and trying to replace future NFL star Riley Reiff.

Left Guard

Starter: Matt Tobin

Backup: Drew Clark

Matt Tobin is one of the more experienced offensive linemen on this roster, as he's started a total of 10 games in his career. May not sound like a lot, but nearly the Hawkeyes' entire offensive line left this offseason. Tobin started 10 of 13 games at left guard last season and will likely remain in this role.

Center

Starter: James Ferentz

Backup: Conor Boffeli

With many issues along the offensive line, the coaching staff has a breath of fresh air at the center position in James Ferentz. He's done a great job over the years and is the most experienced lineman the Hawkeyes have this season. This is one of the few good things Iowa's offensive line has going for it heading into the fall.

Right Guard

Starter: Conor Boffeli

Backup: Austin Blythe

This is still a battle that will likely be decided in the fall, as neither of these players have much experience. Although I will give Boffeli the early nod simply because he has the bigger frame and does have game experience, unlike Blythe, who was reshirtted last season.

Right Tackle

Starter: Brett Van Sloten

Backup: Nolan MacMillan

Brett Van Sloten is another player on the offensive line who doesn't have much experience and will become a first time starter. Although, he did play well in the limited action he saw last season and has had a solid spring practice.

Defensive End

Starter: Joe Gaglione

Backup: Mike Hardy

Joe Gaglione will be starting for the first time in his Iowa career. He played in nine games last season and finished with seven tackles. In the spring game, he was one of the better defensive linemen, which only makes it easier to put him in the starting defensive end spot.

Defensive Tackle

Starter: Darian Cooper

Backup: Dean Tsopanides

Cooper is a redshirt freshman who will become a starter this year due to all of the losses on the defensive line. He is a former 4-star recruit and plays the game with a high motor and gets off the ball extremely quick. He could quickly become the playmaker along this line once he gets comfortable on the field.

Defensive Tackle

Starter: Steve Bigach

Backup: Louis Trinca-Pasat

Bigach is one of the more experienced players on the line, as he played in 12 games last season and started five of them. He finished the year with 24 tackles and one sack. He's one of the more respected players on this team and will likely become one of the leaders on this side of the ball.

Defensive End

Starter: Riley McMinn

Backup: Melvin Spears

McMinn is another redshirt freshman who will likely get the nod to start on the defensive line. He's a former 3-star recruit who's been doing a solid job throughout the spring. Although, he's still raw on the football field and will have to quickly develop as the workouts continue in the fall.

Linebacker

Starter: Christian Kirksey

Backup: Shane DiBona

Kirksey led the Hawkeyes last season with a ridiculous 110 tackles and also managed to defend three passes and add a sack as well. He's without question one of the playmakers on this team and is an important piece for the Iowa team heading into next year.

Linebacker

Starter: James Morris

Backup: Quinton Alston

Morris was the second-leading tackler on this team last season, as he racked up 109 tackles and added an interception for good measure. The junior linebacker has Big Ten title thoughts on his mind, and the Hawkeyes will need another big season from Morris if they expect to accomplish those goals.

Linebacker

Starter: Anthony Hitchens

Backup: Marcus Collins

Hitchens is a versatile player who was recruited as a safety, played a little bit at running back and now will be expected to become the weakside linebacker. Despite being injured last season, he finished the year with 25 tackles in eight games. He's a speedy player who should be able to make the transition and have a chance to make plays with his solid ball skills.

Cornerback

Starter: Micah Hyde

Backup: Greg Castillo

Playmaker Micah Hyde will move back to cornerback, as he played a little bit of free safety last season as well. He is an extremely solid player and has a chance to become great. He finished last season with 72 tackles, broke up eight passes and intercepted three. That doesn't include the great work he does on special teams.

Cornerback

Starter: B.J. Lowery

Backup: Jordan Lomax

Lowery is that player that will bring the toughness to this defense, as he really loves contact. He only played in eight games due to a hand injury, but should become the starting left corner by the time the season starts. He's had a fabulous spring practice and was making plays left and right against his teammates.

Strong Safety

Starter: Nico Law

Backup: Tom Donatell

Law is somebody who brings energy to the football field and will help the Hawkeyes in so many different ways. He is a former wide receiver, so he has great ball skills to make plays in the defensive backfield. He's a physical player and has great instincts. He's entering his true sophomore year and should make a huge impact for this team heading into the season.

Free Safety

Starter: Tanner Miller

Backup: John Lowdermilk

Miller may only be entering his junior year, but if this season is anything like last season's, the Hawkeyes will be in great shape. He was fourth on the team with 76 tackles, broke up three passes and intercepted three passes, including running one back for 98 yards and a score. Miller will be taking on a new leadership role and should help shape up the defensive backfield nicely for the Hawkeyes.