Iowa Football: Ten Hawkeyes with game-changing ability in 2023 – 247Sports

IOWA CITY, IA--Tight End University is off to a running start in the 2023 NFL offseason. The Detroit Lions rookie camp has just gotten started and former Iowa tight end Sam LaPorta is already making a good impression on his new team. The No. 34 overall pick was catching everything during his first day of the minicamp.

"Sam LaPorta was the best player on the field at Lions rookie minicamp and it wasnt particularly close," Detroit Lions reporter Colton Pouncey tweeted. "Very impressive day."

LaPorta was the second tight end drafted in the 2023 Draft. Despite playing in one of the worst offenses in America, he was one of the constant forces for the Hawkeyes.

LaPorta finished his career ranking 14th in career receiving yards with 1,786 yards on 153 receptions. The 153 receptions are most among Iowa tight ends all-time. His 1,786 yards rank second among tight ends.

The record-setting prospect out of Illinois surprised a lot of outsiders when he went at No. 34 overall, but his consistency in a Hawkeye uniform and demeanor are a perfect fit for what Dan Campbell wants to do with his Lions squad. It's a lot of training for only a season's worth of games, but LaPorta is excited about the professional grind that he's going through.

Its nice to get acclimated for sure. Its great to be playing football again. All these guys are out here, theyre here because they love football and were trying to get better, trying to make the team and trying to add value, LaPorta said via the Detroit News. Its been great these last couple of days, getting to know faces, getting to know the system.

Playing in Iowa's offense does prepare its players for the NFL based on the style they play. LaPorta's focusing on every detail he can and is prioritizing 'asking questions' and not 'feeling stupid' for asking them.

They demand a lot, LaPorta said. Very small details. Im learning all the real intricate details of the system right now. Of course, Ive messed them up a couple times already. You probably heard them yelling at me. Those details are really what separates youin the National Football League.

One of the highlights of Saturday was when fellow Hawkeye and Lion Jack Campbell got the chance to square off in a 1-on-1 special teams drill. LaPorta got the best of his teammate during that rep.

Competition brings out the best in both people, Campbell said of LaPorta. Hats off to him. Hes a hell of a player. You guys know that. All you can do is keep going every rep, give it your all, focus, fundamentally sound. Obviously, Ill look back on it, theres probably somethingtheres definitely somethingbetter I could have done, but it was a hell of a play by him.

LaPorta and Campbell will begin their NFL season on September 7 when they travel to Kansas City to take on the Super Bowl champion Chiefs.

You can get anannual membership for 30% off. Take advantage now and be the first to know everything going on regarding Iowa football, basketball, and recruiting!Click Here!

Read more from the original source:
Iowa Football: Ten Hawkeyes with game-changing ability in 2023 - 247Sports