Jayden Montgomery setting the standard in Iowa’s linebacker room

CHICAGO — After learning from All-American defenders like Jack Campbell and Jay Higgins, the senior linebacker is taking center stage and showing the rest of the unit the way of the Hawkeyes.

Campbell won the Butkus Award as the nation’s best linebacker in 2022, and Higgins tied Iowa’s record for most tackles in a single-season in 2023, so Jayden Montgomery was able to observe elite production from the position early in his career. Now he’s preparing to build on his legacy after a promising campaign last year.

Despite being undersized at 5-foot-11, Montgomery worked his way up the depth chart, started seven games, and finished sixth on the team in tackles. His journey with the Hawkeyes is starting to take flight, and Montgomery continues to impress his teammates, and coaches in fall camp. The Wisconsin native is clearly on a mission in practice, and won’t stop until he accomplishes it.

“My mindstate is to always prepare like I’m the starter, regardless of not playing as a freshman, or a sophomore on special teams, and last year when I did end up winning the job,” Montgomery said. “So when that opportunity arose for me last year, I felt like I was able to take advantage of that, and I’m going to continue to prepare in that way, and not change what has worked for me.”

Linebackers Coach Seth Wallace has observed Montgomery’s work ethic since he was a freshman, and how he overcame several roadblocks along the way. Wallace admires how Montgomery takes care of business on the field, and in the classroom. After all, Montgomery is a two-time, Academic All-Big Ten performer, who started out as a grayshirt.

With last year’s leading tackler Karson Sharar no longer around, Wallace expects Montgomery to step into a bigger role for the defense this fall, and feels the best is yet to come.

“He’s a coach’s kid, leader, tough and had gone through some adversity,” Wallace said. “There was injury, obviously he dealt with a little bit of limited height and things of that nature, but the kid has pushed past every obstacle that’s been put in his way, to include walking out on a Big Ten field, and being unbelievably productive.”

Montgomery posted eight tackles apiece against Oregon, and Vanderbilt. Not to mention he tallied seven stops in wins over Penn State, and Nebraska. The younger linebackers are aware of what Montgomer can do on the field, and they always pick his brain in practice. Which is why Montgomery is making it a priority to be more of a vocal leader, and hold his teammates accountable.

“As a younger guy, it’s tough to come in and be a vocal leader because you got so many tremendous leaders,'” he said. “I’ve always tried to lead by example as a young guy, but as I’ve gotten older, and started to get more reps on the field, and more comfortable in that leadership role, I’ve been able to transition more into a vocal leader.”

All of the concern in fall camp is about the defense up front, where several of last season’s starters are no longer around. However, Montgomery trusts that the defensive line will be fine with Coach Kelvin Bell still at the helms. Iowa is a developmental program, and Bell has a plethora of defenders waiting for their chance to shine, which Montgomery is confident they’ll do.

“All those guys been taking their time developing over the last two or three years, so they’ll be ready to go once week one comes around,” the 22-year old said. “I’m super excited to see what those guys are going to do, and Coach Bell has done a great job preparing them through the spring and summer.”

Practice is getting more intense each day, but Montgomery is enjoying it all, especially getting reps against the No. 1 offense. The Hawkeyes have an All-Big Ten caliber player along the offensive line, and at the skill positions, so in Montgomery’s eyes they’re making the defense that much better.

“Going up against our offense everyday is a blessing because these guys are studs, and have one of the best o-lines, tight ends and receivers.”