concerns
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'Do The Same Thing I've Been Doing': Iowa's Anthony Hawkins Ready To Make First Start As A Hawkeye
- Iowa safety Tyler Brown will miss the Northern Illinois game because of a late-summer soft-tissue injury, putting Villanova transfer Anthony Hawkins into the starting lineup beside veteran Zach Lutmer.
- Hawkins arrives after recording 59 tackles, four tackles for loss, two interceptions and six pass breakups at Villanova, and his 6-foot-3 frame and range have consistently impressed Iowa's coaches.
- Hawkins broke up an end-zone pass during Iowa's open fall practice, but his first start also represents a significant competition jump from Villanova to the Big Ten level.
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Iowa Football: Marcello Vitti Opens Eyes As Lone True Freshman On Offense And Defense On Initial Depth Chart
- True freshman Marcello Vitti is listed as a backup strong safety and is competing for special-teams snaps and depth roles at CASH and free safety in Iowa's 4-2-5 defense.
- Iowa's staff says Vitti has handled the scheme well in practice, but game-speed recognition and the communication demands placed on its safeties remain his immediate developmental test.
- Vitti carried spring coverage production into fall camp by disrupting passes and showing the combined box and coverage profile Iowa previously compared with Zach Lutmer and Geno Stone.
- Iowa's starting secondary remains experienced with Deshaun Lee, Jaylen Watson, Zach Lutmer and Tyler Brown, allowing younger options such as Vitti and Darion Jones to develop in supporting roles.
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