No matter its level of success in 2015, every program encounters holes on its roster in the spring. New faces must emerge to fill the roles vacated by departed contributors. Iowa’s 12 senior starters fueled the Hawkeyes’ drive to 12 consecutive victories last season and the school’s first Rose Bowl appearance in a quarter-century. Their replacements face a difficult task to uphold the elevated standard. As spring practice opened this week in Iowa City, here’s a look at a few important positions for the Hawkeyes that will feature new faces:
B1G SHOES TO FILL: Austin Blythe, C
Why: Blythe started 49 games over four years and anchored the offensive line, likely the position group at Iowa that most exceeded expectations last season.