QB

Iowa starting sophomore quarterback Jake Christensen started his first-ever game last year in a 24-14 home victory against NIU.

He has been named the starter for this year and will once again face the Huskies. The Lockport, Ill. native is considered a strong passer but not the fleetest of foot.

Christensen takes over for four-year starter Drew Tate and all of Hawkeye nation will be eager to see his abilities.

Grade: C-

Hasn’t proved anything yet. Highly touted but will need to develop his own identity.

RB

Iowa has a two-headed monster at running back in seniors Albert Young and Damian Sims.

The duo combined for 1,443 yards and 13 touchdowns last season and are considered by many to be the top 1-2 punch in the Big Ten. Last year, Young caught 30 passes for 225 yards and is considered to be more of a power runner and with the ability to break tackles.

On the other hand, Sims is an explosive, break away runner; a nice change-of-pace back. Sims also led Iowa in kickoff returns last year, returning 10 for a combined 184 yards.

Grade: A-

It’s a good thing NIU’s defense looks to be a strong point this year because they’ll have their hands full with these two.

WR

This will be a problem area for the Hawkeyes. Sophomore receivers Domonique Douglas and Anthony Bowman were suspended indefinitely by the team for alleged unauthorized use of a credit card earlier this month.

As a true freshman last year, Douglas was the Hawkeyes leading receiver and led all freshmen nationally with 49 receptions. With the loss, Iowa will rely on junior Andy Brodell, whom was the team’s third leading receiver last year and Sophomore Trey Stross.

Grade: C-

A lot of underclassmen will need to step up and learn quickly at this position. The loss of Douglas is a big blow to the Hawkeyes but good news for the Huskies.

OL

Like NIU, Iowa has a lot of questions up front. The Hawkeyes lost three starters from last year, two of which made the all Big-Ten team. Back to anchor the group at center is sophomore Rafael Eubanks.

Eubanks was injured mid-way through last season but was still selected to two freshman all-American teams. A big change for Iowa will be the move of Alex Kanellis from defensive end to offensive tackle. The two guards, Andy Kuempel and Wes Aeschilman, will be starters for the first time in their careers.

Grade: C+

They are reloading up front and it is essential for Iowa’s line to perform well in front of an inexperienced quarterback.