Northern Iowa kicks off their college football season today in Ames against highly rated Iowa State. While no one gives the Panthers a chance against a team expected to finish top 10 in the nation, NFL scouts will be closely monitoring this contest.
Northern Iowa vs. Iowa State | Prospects to watch
Northern Iowa had a pair of players selected in April’s draft. Offensive tackle Spencer Brown was selected in Round 3 by the Buffalo Bills, and pass rusher Elerson Smith was taken a frame later by the New York Giants. Both players made it through camp and presently reside on the active roster for each team.
Entering the 2021 season, Northern Iowa again has a pair of players expected to be selected in the upcoming NFL Draft. Receiver Isaiah Weston is a player I wrote about extensively in 2019, as he’s a tall target who continually turns in the big play. Weston is universally graded as a mid-round prospect heading into the season.
All eyes will be on Trevor Penning
Yet, the Northern Iowa prospect on everyone’s radar is offensive tackle Trevor Penning. Penning has received second-round grades in the scouting community. He’s massive (6’7 1/2″ and 330 pounds) and comes with an impressive physique. Penning plays big football, yet at the same time, he’s athletic, showing the ability to block in motion or slide in space.
Presently, many in the scouting community believe Penning grades as the No. 1 offensive tackle from the senior class and will end up a top-45 selection next April.
Today, Penning will be thrown into the fire against Iowa State. He’ll face-off against Will McDonald IV, an up-and-comer few talk about.
During my preview of the Cyclones, I described McDonald as a terrific edge rusher with great quickness, speed, and explosion. He presently holds a third-round grade on my board. Nevertheless, there’s lots of potential for McDonald to improve his draft stock.
This will be the toughest test of the season for Penning. Scouts will be watching whether or not he can protect the edge against such an explosive athlete in McDonald. A good performance will set Penning up for the rest of the season and assure he receives a coveted Senior Bowl invitation.