With a younger crop of players likely to be featured in the Iowa Hawkeyes' secondary this year, there is more focus than ever on the production of former five-star recruit Xavier Nwankpa to get the most out of his game. In an effort to set Nwankpa up for success, defensive coordinator Phil Parker has moved the Iowa native into the strong safety position ahead of his senior year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Parker was asked about the move and went on the elaborate why he feels this move is a better fit for Nwankpa.

"I think it's another opportunity. We had some other guys that were trying to get on the field over there, and I think sometimes if you want to try to bring him down in the box, a bigger guy, it would be helpful I think to bring him down there. I wouldn't say a linebacker depth at times.

I guess we would bring him down, and I think he can see more. I think he's more comfortable there at free safety. "With Lutmer and Koen being on the other side, I think it was just a better fit.

I think he's happy there, and we have seen real big improvement with him the last three weeks. So hopefully we get him healthy and get ready to go for the summertime," Parker said about Nwankpa's move. Entering his fourth season with the program, Nwankpa has seen plenty of action since joining the Hawkeyes.

He has made 39 appearances and 23 starts during his time. He has tallied 95 tackles, 6 pass deflections, and 2 interceptions for Iowa. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the move to strong safety, Nwankpa will be tasked with providing more support in the run game and being able to play a bit more freely.

Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7 This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa football, Phil Parker detail Xavier Nwankpa's position change