Michigan football: 4 key things to watch for against Iowa
By Jacob Shames
Michigan connections
The Iowa program’s extensive connections to Michigan football and the state of Michigan at large can’t be ignored.
Most notable among these is wide receiver, Oliver Martin. Part of the heralded 2017 wide receiver class that also included Donovan Peoples-Jones, Nico Collins and Tarik Black, Martin showed flashes but ultimately couldn’t make a name for himself. The Iowa City native transferred back home this offseason, gained immediate eligibility and has five catches for 28 yards this year including a touchdown.
Iowa’s other Michigan connections are different. In recent years, the Hawkeyes have boasted a sizeable cadre of contributors from the state, most prominent among them being former All-American defensive back, current Los Angeles Charger and Detroit native, Desmond King.
The Motor City pipeline is alive and well in 2019, especially on defense. Half of Iowa’s starting defensive backfield to open the season is from Detroit — cornerback Michael Ojemudia, whose brother Mario played defensive end at Michigan and safety Kaevon Merriweather. Defensive linemen Chauncey Golson and Cedrick Lattimore were teammates at Detroit’s East English Village Prep. On offense, Alaric Jackson was a standout tackle at Detroit Renaissance.