IOWA CITY, Iowa – – The University of Iowa football program has named 16 players to the 2021 Player Council. Head coach Kirk Ferentz announced the group Friday.

The group includes six seniors and 10 juniors. The purpose of the group is to assist in formulating policies and being involved in team decision-making throughout the year. Players were selected following coaching staff and player input.

“The Hawkeye Player Council plays a vital role in our program,” said Ferentz. “This group, made up of the 12 Hawkeye Championship captains and four at-large selections, helps strengthen our program by providing team feedback to the coaches and staff. Their perspectives ensure that all of our players feel their voices are heard throughout every facet of our program. The council has already provided valuable leadership throughout winter and summer workouts and will continue to have an impact as we enter the 2021 season.”

The 2021 group consists of seniors Matt Hankins, Ivory Kelly-Martin, Jack Koerner, Kyler Schott, Caleb Shudak and Zach VanValkenburg, and juniors Dane Belton, Seth Benson, Jack Campbell, Joe Evans, Tyler Goodson, Sam LaPorta, Tyler Linderbaum, Kaevon Merriweather, Spencer Petras, and Tyrone Tracy, Jr.

The 2021 Hawkeye Player Council includes:

• Dane Belton                             DB                   Junior                          Tampa, Florida
• Seth Benson                             LB                   Junior                          Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Jack Campbell                          LB                   Junior                          Cedar Falls, Iowa
• Joe Evans                                 DE                   Junior                          Ames, Iowa
• Tyler Goodson                         RB                   Junior                          Suwanee, Georgia
• Matt Hankins                           DB                   Senior                          Lewisville, Texas
• Ivory Kelly-Martin                   RB                   Senior                          Plainfield, Illinois
• Jack Koerner                            DB                   Senior                          Des Moines, Iowa
• Sam LaPorta                             TE                    Junior                          Highland, Illinois
• Tyler Linderbaum                     OL                   Junior                          Solon, Iowa
• Kaevon Merriweather               DB                   Junior                          Belleville, Michigan
• Spencer Petras                          QB                   Junior                          San Rafael, California
• Kyler Schott                             OL                   Senior                          Coggon, Iowa
• Caleb Shudak                           K                     Senior                          Council Bluffs, Iowa
• Tyrone Tracy, Jr.                      WR                  Junior                          Camby, Indiana
• Zach VanValkenburg                DL                   Senior                          Zeeland, Michigan