By: Nathan Bloechl — nathanb@977thebolt.com
Iowa City, Iowa — Entering his red-shirt junior season, Humboldt’s own Brady Ross sees his name atop Kirk Ferentz’s depth chart at fullback.
Ross, a 2014 graduate of Humboldt High School, where he was named first-team all-state by the Des Moines Register as a linebacker has always found ways to get on the field at Iowa, now his snaps are sure to increase.
Ross spoke with the media as a part of the Hawkeyes’ media day and said things are progressing well as the Hawkeyes prepare for their season opener versus Northern Illinois.
“Right now everyone is just trying to improve individually, and if everyone does that then collectively, we’ll be much better as a team. We’re just trying to build towards something special” Ross said.
While he hasn’t had much in the way of nominal stats, Ross has appeared in 26 games since joining the roster in Iowa City, yet each and every year his role has grown.
This year he feels prepared to take over at fullback for a loaded Hawkeye offense that returns TE Noah Fant and QB Nathan Stanley.
“You know everyone is trying to do whatever they can to help the team, and if that means playing seventy snaps a game that means playing seventy snaps. [I’m] just trying to do whatever I can to help the team” explained Ross.
As Ross enters his first full season a starter he reflected on what got him to this point, how much he improved over the course of his career and what he focused on specifically in the off-seasons.
“Every year you become more familiar with things, whether that’s technique or the routine, so hopefully I’m moving in the right direction. But it’s never easy, that’s why we continue to work hard in camp.”
As previously stated, the Hawkeyes return their standout quarterback Nathan Stanley for the 2018 season. Stanley, a 6’4″, 242 pound junior, threw for over 2,400 yards and amassed 26 touchdowns through the air. Ross said the development both on the field and off for Stanley has been something everyone in the facility has noticed.
“Nate’s a tremendous leader for us, that’ll never change. But yeah, we’re very lucky to have Nate, he’s a great leader” Ross mentioned.
Ross has had one rushing attempt in his career for two yards, he’s also caught two balls for 11 yards. Ross is a two-time mention on the Academic All-Big Ten team.
The Hawkeyes open their season September 1st at home versus Northern Illinois University.
Kick-off is slated for 2:30 p.m.