NFL Tickets
The Iowa Hawkeyes have filled one of their two vacant coaching positions with former Connecticut Huskies player D.J. Hernandez, reports the school’s official athletic site.
Hernandez will replace David Raih — who left to join as the Texas Tech coaching staff — while the search is still on to fill the hole left by wide receivers coach Eric Campbell, who is “pursuing other opportunities.”
“DJ has joined our staff as a graduate assistant, replacing David Raih,” said head coach Kirk Ferentz. “DJ comes highly recommended and will work with our tight ends.”
Hernandez was an offensive graduate assistant last season at Miami (Fla.), where he primarily worked with wide receivers and tight ends. He also has had short stints as the quarterbacks coach at Brown and the head coach of a Connecticut high school.
He was a quarterback and wide receiver at UConn and is the brother of New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez.
The Hawkeyes’ offense could use all the help it can get after an abysmal year, where it recorded just 19.3 points per game (113th in the nation) and 187.4 passing yards (102nd).
The tight end position is no exception: During the 2012 season, Iowa tight ends combined for just 499 yards two touchdown receptions — among four different players.
Hernandez will have seven tight ends to work with this off-season – one senior, one junior, three sophomores and two incoming freshmen.
Iowa begins spring practice in March and will host its annual spring game in April.
Follow @Tyler_Waddell on Twitter
Share 
