Iowa safety Xavier Nwankpa is ready to take the next step in his career. The former Southeast Polk standout started at strong safety in the Hawkeyes Music City Bowl win over Kentucky and closed his freshman season by returning an interception 52-yards for a touchdown. He was inserted into the starting lineup after Kaevon Merriweather opted out of the bowl game.

He says a year in the program has made him feel more confident.

He is also doing a better job reacting to the offense.

The Hawkeyes close out spring drills Saturday in Kinnick Stadium.