The Spring Transfer Portal window closes for entry on Sunday night, April 30th. Buzz with the Hawkeyes has been quiet in regard to any new additions, but there’s a position that could use strengthening. Iowa’s final Spring practice was low on scholarship wide receivers. There were a handful of injuries that kept some notables sidelined, that included Nico Ragaini and transfer Seth Anderson. Ragaini enters his sixth year with the Hawkeyes and has been a staple in the Iowa offense for the majority of his career. Anderson is a sophomore coming from Charleston Southern. He was named Big South Offensive Freshman of the Year in 2022.
Following Iowa’s final Spring practice on April 22nd, Kirk Ferentz alluded to conversations he’s had with players in the transfer portal. “I had a really interesting conversation with a young guy last night actually,” Ferentz said. He continued to say that wide receiver is “definitely an area that we’ll look at.” It seems as though the Hawkeyes will have their sights set on some depth in the receiver room. These are some names that have entered the portal in the Spring window to watch.
Wide Receiver Names to Watch for Iowa
Out of Michigan, AJ Henning is a potential target. His name has been linked to the Hawkeyes throughout this transfer window. He also has former teammates already in Iowa City. Cade McNamara and Erick All played with Henning at Michigan, both one year older than him. He caught 10 passes from McNamara during the 2021 season as a sophomore. Henning is a four-star transfer and checks in at five 5′ 10″ and 185 pounds. He’d be a slot guy who would bring elite speed to the offense with a threat for explosive plays.
From Colorado, Montana Lemonious-Craig has reportedly received correspondence from the Hawkeyes. The former Buffalo ignited Deion Sanders‘ offense in the nationally televised Spring game also on April 22nd. Lemonious-Craig tallied 158 receiving yards including a 98-yard touchdown reception. He also high-pointed a downfield pass from Shedeur Sanders, coming up with a contested catch. Lemonious-Craig looked like he would emerge as one of Colorado’s top receiver targets, but he decided to move on. He’s said he has been in contact with over 20 schools in the past week, and Iowa is in the conversation. At six feet two inches and 190 pounds, Lemonious-Craig would bring much needed height to the position group.
Iowa could consider Alante Brown, a wide receiver from Chicago, Illinois. He started nearly every game last season for Nebraska and was a member of the 2020 class. Brown’s recruiting profile included interest from the Hawkeyes, and he could be a name to follow heading later into the Spring. Brown is not a true X receiver, but he’s six feet tall and 190 pounds and caught 16 passes for about 200 yards last year.
Finally, Jahdae Walker is a six-foot-four-inch and 185-pound receiver from Grand Valley State. The Division II receiver had 132 yards and two touchdowns last season. He has currently received offers from nearly every MAC program, but a guy with his size could be a good addition to Iowa’s wide receivers. The group needs size, and Walker would bring that to the roster.
Photo courtesy: Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen / USA TODAY NETWORK
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