Patience is paying off for Iowa linebacker Jaden Harrell. The fifth year senior from Urbandale is listed as the starter at middle linebacker after spending the past two seasons as a backup to Jay Higgins. Harrell has seen action in every game the past two seasons, mostly on special teams.

Harrell is part of a young group of linebackers that he says learned a lot from the guys they played behind.

Higgins was held out of spring drills a year ago so Harrell has some experience working as a starter.

Even though he has waited until his fifth year to be the starter Harrell says he never considered the transfer portal to find another place to play.

The Hawkeyes close spring drills with an open practice in Kinnick Stadium on April 26th.