Iowa’s linebacking corps is in a strange spot entering the 2020 season. With the Hawkeyes increasingly relying on the 4-2-5 defense to increase their team speed and better adapt to pass-happy spread offenses, Iowa is likely to play two linebackers as opposed to three for the majority of the snaps next year. Furthermore, the loss of Kristian Welch to graduation deprives Iowa of its most successful linebacker from 2019, a sure tackler who provided leadership and playmaking out of his MLB spot. Finally, the transfer of Iowa’s presumptive starter at middle linebacker Dillon Doyle to Baylor has diminished the depth at this position group, creating further doubt that the Hawkeyes will roll with many 4-3 sets in 2020.
Iowa Football 2020 Position Previews: Linebacker
