There is a massive battle before the season in Iowa’s camp to try and take over the reins of one of the best Hawkeyes in recent memory.
It was a treat for all to watch Tyler Linderbaum in black and gold, except for those poor defensive linemen who crossed his path. Linderbaum took to the position right away and for two years played center better than anyone else in the Big Ten. He added another level to Iowa’s run game with his mobility.
Now, Linderbaum is gone, though. It stinks to lose such a talented player, but that’s how college football goes. It is next man up, and, no matter how big the shoes left are, they must be filled.
That battle for the starting center position on Iowa’s offensive line was recently ranked as the fifth-best Big Ten positional battle by 247Sports’ Nick Kosko.
Kosko sees the battle to replace Linderbaum as a three-man race.
Jones is the starter right now, but Myslinski and Elsbury are hot on his tail. It’s not easy to replace Tyler Linderbaum, one of the best college centers in recent memory. Jones is probably the way to go here, but Myslinski could make a push with a healthy fall camp. Elsbury might be over at guard by the time the season starts as well. No matter what, there needs to be stout protection for Spencer Petras, or even Alex Padilla, and holes need to be opened for the run game of Gavin Williams and Leshon Williams. – Kosko, 247Sports.
It seems that part of this prediction might already be coming true. Due to a season-ending injury to guard Justin Britt, someone has to man the left guard position. It is unknown if he maybe could have started in the middle of the line like predicted in spring, but it now looks like sophomore Tyler Elsbury is the starter at left guard.
This could possibly seal up the role for Logan Jones, one of the best stories on the team. Very much like Linderbaum, Jones is a converted defensive tackle looking to cut it on the offensive line. Many hoped he would get the spot, and unless…
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