Kirk Ferentz details growth of Deacon Hill as Iowa's quarterback

Iowa has accomplished a lot this season without the quarterback that they planned to have. To Kirk Ferentz, that’s a credit to the continued growth and improvement of Deacon Hill from the moment that they had to call his number to today.

Ferentz spoke highly of Hill and his development as the Hawkeyes’ starter during a press conference this week. He understands that, without much experience, this has been a big ask of him. Still, with the help of their staff and a commitment from Hill, he has been better as the season has gone on.

“When we threw him in there? We all knew he had, basically, zero experience,” Ferentz explained. “No game experience, scout team for a couple years up in Wisconsin, really got his first work starting last spring with us. So it has been a process all the way through.”

“I think he has improved each and every week,” said Ferentz. “It has been a long haul. And I think, really, the credit goes to him. It’s everybody working with him, though. But I think we know him better. He certainly has improved dramatically.”

Since taking over for Cade McNamara, Hill has gone 82-165 (49.7%) for 833 yards, six total touchdowns, and five interceptions. It hasn’t been a whole lot but, paired with the Iowa defense, has been enough to get them to a 6-1 record with him at QB1. It has also helped put them in a position to be in the Big Ten Championship.

Considering all things, it could have been very easy for Hill to not be what they need and spiral because of it. Instead, he put the work in, has improved over the course of the campaign, and, now, will lead the Hawkeyes into their season-finale in Lincoln before taking them to Indianapolis the weekend after.

“I think it’s just a credit to him sticking with it, just kept on going. Certainly, his ball security has gotten better too. That’s the other part about it which is important. His awareness,” said Ferentz. “I thought, the last two weeks, he has made some really nice throws, some clutch plays.”

“It has just been a process. We’re not out of the woods yet. But I just can’t say enough about his attitude,” Ferentz said. “That’s a position where everybody notices, everybody has got an opinion. It wasn’t going great – he could have gone south on that one. But he stayed positive, kept working. It’s just nice to see him get rewarded a little bit.”