The Hawkeyes are still active in the transfer portal as they are looking to add a piece to their secondary. Specifically, another piece at cornerback. On May 29th, Iowa offered Massachusetts transfer cornerback Josh Wallace. The former Minuteman defensive back was a four-year starter in Amherst and a two-year captain. Wallace’s experience at the position is exactly what Iowa is after, looking to add a third piece next to Cooper DeJean and Jermari Harris.
Josh Wallace Profile
Wallace has played nearly 2,200 snaps in his career thus far, and the 2022 season was his best. He had two interceptions and seven pass breakups. In his career with the Minutemen, Wallace tallied 140 tackles, three interceptions, and 28 pass breakups. He’s been more than reliable in the defensive secondary for UMass under head coach Don Brown.
Iowa’s competition for Wallace includes Oklahoma, Michigan, and Virginia Tech. He spent two days on a visit to Oklahoma that went well. He’d be joining a deeper defensive back room in Norman, adding to the competition in Brent Venables’ secondary. Wallace spent two days in Ann Arbor over the first two days of June. Michigan’s former defensive coordinator was Wallace’s head coach at UMass. Wallace visited Virginia Tech this past weekend, and they are expected to be another major player in the cornerback’s decision. Hokie running backs coach Elijah Brooks was Wallace’s head coach in high school, which is a big reason for his interest in Blacksburg.
Iowa has not locked down a visit from Wallace to this point, but the cornerback has not trimmed his list. If the Hawkeyes can get Wallace on campus, their defensive success speaks for itself. It wouldn’t be a stretch for Wallace to consider Iowa. The Hawkeyes are still an option for the three-star transfer, and he’d be a great addition to Iowa’s secondary. Getting a third, experienced starter next to DeJean and Harris would be ideal. The younger talent behind them includes sophomore TJ Hall who saw the field a bit last season. Deshaun Lee and Brenden Deasfernandes are also on the depth chart, but the three have combined for limited playing experience.
What’s Next
A lot could fall into place early in the first full week of June. Wallace has not taken any names off the table to this point, but there have been reports a decision could come this upcoming week. Iowa’s traction with Wallace is a good sign. However, until the Hawkeyes get him on campus, it’s difficult to be certain the Hawkeyes are in play. Wallace has offers from the aforementioned schools as well as Oregon State, Penn State, Michigan State, and Indiana.
