Tim Lester expecting learning curve as Hawkeyes grasp his offense

IOWA CITY, Ia. — Iowa is cranking up the intensity early in fall camp after finishing the 2023 season last in the FBS in total offense.

The unit is getting a fresh start under Tim Lester, who happens to be a strong presence in just six months on the job. The transition is going smooth with the players soaking up Lester’s playbook. Terminology, concepts and audibles all come with the territory of learning a new offense.

Which is why Lester understands that challenges and mistakes will happen with each group, but he’s keeping his foot on the pedal as the Hawkeyes navigate through the month of August.

“There’s a normal curve to a new offense, no matter where you go, and that’s the battle we’ve been in,” Lester said. “The more plays that we can put in, the more efficient we become, so we are working hard at it and the guys are doing a great job.”

Lester has a quarterback battle on his hands too. Cade McNamara, Brendan Sullivan and Marco Lainez are all impressing Lester in different ways. The competition could very well go deep into fall camp. The running backs give Lester options with his play-calling. Kaleb Johnson is the big bruiser, and Leshon Williams has the explosiveness on the outside. Lester is also making it a priority to get the two rushers more catches out of the backfield.

Over the past two seasons the wide receiver position has been a liability. Iowa hasn’t had a wideout that can stretch the field since Ihmir Smith-Marsette. Lester wants more pass catchers to emerge from the shadows. Kaleb Brown will likely be the go-to target, but Lester needs more pieces around him. So far, he finds it encouraging with how much the younger receivers are grinding in practice.

“They’re probably the one group that’s been the most fun to watch because it is leaps and bounds of improvement every day,” he said. “They’ll do something and not understand how to attack a coverage, and then the next day they do it right and they immediately get the gratification of getting themselves open and making a play.”

Having tight end Luke Lachey back fully healthy is huge, considering he’s one of the best in the conference at his position. Lachey and the rest of the tight ends should be able to thrive in Lester’s system, and that’s going to open up the play-action pass.

However, everything starts up front at the point of attack. The offensive line is still a work in progress, but has a ton of experience and leadership with veterans like Nick DeJong and Tyler Elsbury. The big boys need to have good hand placement, and operate with more physicality. Lester wants to see them maul defenders in the trenches.

“We are trying to set the standard of what we can do at the line of scrimmage, and what plays we can get good at,” the 47-year old said. “You come in and you’re bringing a lot of new stuff, but they have really embraced it along with the leadership in the room, especially the offensive line leadership.”

Iowa’s offense has a long way to go, and there’ll be some pressure on Lester to produce immediate results. Still, Lester’s No. 1 goal is to make sure the players are making strides each day, and staying ahead of schedule. Fall camp is looking promising in Lester’s eyes because the players believe, and genuinely want to get better.

“The buy-in from the players is always the biggest thing, they’re excited and once they take ownership in it, it really gives us a chance to go.”