Matt VandeBerg, wide receiver, Iowa
The Hawkeyes are happy to have VandeBerg back in the fold for the upcoming season. After missing most of the 2016 season with a broken foot, the receiver was granted a medical waiver this past winter that has allowed him to return for a fifth season in Iowa City.
Though VandeBerg did re-injury his foot this spring, he’s expected to be a big part of what the Hawkeyes do offensively this upcoming season. He led the team in receptions in 2015, hauling in 65 receptions for 703 yards and four touchdowns. Before his foot injury last year, he was on a hot streak, catching 19 passes for 284 yards and three scores in four games.
We should expect Iowa’s passing attack to rely on VandeBerg all the more this year now that Jermenic Smith is off the team. In fact, it wouldn’t be a stretch to say VandeBerg is the most valuable player on Iowa’s offense. Period.
Staying healthy is key. Suffering two foot injuries in half a year is disconcerting, to say the least. But if VandeBerg doesn’t rush back and can stay on the field this year, 100-plus catches is on the horizon.