Special teams have been a big part of Iowa’s success over the years and they will likely be counted on again this season. The Hawkeyes ranked in the top five in the Big Ten in nearly every special teams category and led the conference in kickoff returns.

That’s special teams coordinator LeVar Woods. Senior defensive back Terry Roberts has been a special teams standout and saw it as a way to get on the field early in his career.

Roberts has excelled at covering punts and says it is a way to create field position.

Robert says the Hawkeyes are not concerned about preseason expectations. Despite 16 returning starters from a 10-4 team the Hawkeyes will open unranked.

The Hawkeyes open September third at home against South Dakota State.