Jeremy Hecklinski proves he’s capable of operating Iowa’s system

IOWA CITY, Iowa — After orchestrating Iowa’s only touchdown drive during last Saturday’s loss to Ohio State, the backup quarterback appears ready to start his first game with the program.

Hank Brown’s shoulder injury late in the second half gave Jeremy Hecklinski an opportunity to show what he could do against an elite defense, and the gunslinger made the most out of his snaps. Although Iowa was down by 25 points in the fourth quarter, Hecklinski gave fans a glimpse of his fast release, and accuracy.

He led the offense on an eight-play, 75-yards touchdown drive, and completed all five of his passes to three different Hawkeyes. Not to mention Hecklinski converted the Hawkeyes’ two-point conversion with a completion. The Georgia native wanted to prove his value to Tim Lester’s offense.

Hecklinski showed poise, great communication with his teammates, and executed each play. The 5-foot-11, 201-pounder provided some consistency for the offense, and was mentally, physically and emotionally ready for the moment.

“Just warming up on the sidelines, trying to keep my legs loose,” Hecklinski said. “During the week of practice I just practice like I’m going out on the first drive.”

There’s no telling if Brown’s injury will linger into the short week of preparation for a road trip to Washington. Which is why Hecklinki’s motto is to stay ready, so he doesn’t have to get ready. Ohio State’s defense provided Hecklinski a taste of the speed and physicality in the Big Ten, and now he understands what it’s going to take to execute at a high level.

“They’re a good group of guys, but we got a good group of guys too, and I think they caught us on a day that we weren’t 100 percent ready to play them,” he said. “We’re going to bounce back, this isn’t the end of the season, and we’re focused on Washington on Friday.”

Iowa needs leaders to emerge through these times of adversity, so Hecklinki intends on stepping up to the plate and helping his teammates build back their confidence. Hecklinski has no doubt in his mind that the Hawkeyes will rebound, even if the naysayers have doubts.

“Just how tight of a group we are, our resilience is huge, and you all saw in the Michigan game, we’re not going to quit,” the veteran signal-caller said. “First loss of the season sucks, but we’re going to watch tape tomorrow and get to work Monday for Washington.”

Husky Stadium packs over 70,000 fans, and is arguably one of the loudest venues, and toughest places to play on the west coast for visitors. The Huskies are still winless in Big Ten play, and eager to give the Hawkeyes’ their best. Hecklinski isn’t afraid of the challenge though, and will likely take reps with the No.1 offense leading up to the pivotal Big Ten clash.

Nothing is promised, and Lester could switch up game preparations at any given moment depending on Brown’s health status. Regardless of the matter, Hecklinski plans on doing whatever it takes for the offense to be ready for a hostile environment under the Friday night lights.

“I haven’t waivered, I’m just continuing to practice like I’m going to be the starter, and keep my mind mentally in the game.”