Iowa football teases increased use of explosive playmaker on offense

USA Today

4 days ago

Some guys simply need to have plays manufactured for them to get touches. Certain players have an innate ability to make big plays happen when they get the ball in their hands. Iowa Hawkeyes' star kick and punt returner Kaden Wetjen is one of those types of players.
After flashing in an array of returns last year, Wetjen made himself a household name in the Big Ten for his ability to completely flip the momentum of a game or change the complexion of Iowa's possession with his playmaking ability.
Up next for Iowa is finding a way to harness Wetjen's electricity and convert it to offensive schemes and more touches fed to Wetjen each game. Head coach Kirk Ferentz talked about Wetjen getting an expanded role on offense when visiting with the media.
"I think he's on that road, you know, we'll see how to progress. He's done good things in camp, learning some good things in spring, but it's better than not spring. And it's just, you know, getting all the details down, and Kaden's really working hard to do that."
As a returner, Wetjen has two return touchdowns in his career with Iowa. Both came in 2024, as one was a punt return and another a kickoff return. If he can get the ball in open space on offense, he has the ability to find the end zone a lot more.
Kaden Wetjen isn't foreign to playing offense, but it has not been a common occurrence. In two years with the Hawkeyes, he has tallied three receptions for 46 yards and rushed the ball eight times for 53 yards.
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