Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker says junior Amani Jones would be the starter at middle linebacker if the Hawkeyes had a game this weekend. Iowa closes out spring drills with a practice on Friday night. Jones was listed as the back up at weakside linebacker enter spring but has excelled since his move to the middle.

Parker says Jones has the traits needed to play in the middle.

Parker says the other starters right now at linebacker are senior Aaron Mends and sophomore Nick Niemann. The Hawkeyes must replace three senior linebackers from a year ago and Parker says experience up front and in the secondary will help in the transition.

(Learfield Sports)