Iowa Adds In-State '24 LB Derek Weisskopf
Derek Weisskopf
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Derek Weisskopf - 2024 LB – Iowa Commit
The Basics
Derek Weisskopf is a class of ’24 linebacker hailing from Williamsburg, Iowa. Weisskopf stands 6'3", weighing around 205 pounds. He announced his commitment to the Hawkeyes just about a week after receiving the offer from head coach Kirk Ferentz and LB’s coach Seth Wallace. Weisskopf also held offers from Nebraska, Iowa State, and Wisconsin. This move makes perfect sense for Weisskopf, given that Iowa City is just 29 miles from Williamsburg. With the sustained relative success of Iowa’s in-state recruiting, it’s no surprise that the Hawkeyes were able to land an early commitment from another homegrown prospect in Weisskopf.
Current Roster depth at LB
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According to Hawkeye Sports’ listed spring roster current LB’s on the roster include: Jestin Jacobs (Jr.), Kelby Telander (RS Fr.), Jack Campbell (Sr.), Eli Miller (RS Fr.), Jay Higgins (Jr.), Justice Sullivan (RS Fr.), Kyler Fisher (Jr.), Greg Fagan (Fr.), Josef Smith (So.), Jaden Harrell (RS Fr.), Zach Twedt (RS Fr.), Karson Sharar (RS Fr.), Seth Benson (Sr.), Logan Klemp (Sr.), Jayden Montgomery (Fr.), Landyn Van Kekerix (Fr.).
Incoming Classes: Jack Dotzler (’22), Ben Kueter (‘23), Cam Buffington (’24).
Where he fits and opportunities for playing time
Per usual, Iowa has no shortage of quality players along the defensive side of the ball. After reviewing some of the film on Weisskopf, there are a few things that stand out. First is his tackling technique. He excels at making lower-body and ankle tackles on receivers. Weisskopf understands running angles and positional leverage, using them to effectively bring down players who are either larger or quicker than himself. His pass coverage is decent, but he is at his best making tackles in the open field and bringing down ball carriers. In a run-heavy division like the Big Ten West, excelling at run-stopping and tackling will go a long way for Weisskopf.
At just 205 pounds, he must add mass to be able to manage the physicality of the Big Ten conference. Depending on how he fills out over the next two high school seasons, he could be a potential redshirt as a freshman. Once he’s learned the ins and outs of the Iowa defense and develops physically, he should be a strong contributor for the Hawkeyes. He also has experience covering special teams, so if he wants to play as a freshman, the special teams unit could be his path to the field.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]
