It’s now official.
Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz released the team’s depth chart as the program prepares for the offseason. Jake Rudock, a two-year starter, wasn’t listed as QB1. Sophomore C.J. Beathard was.
After the Hawkeyes’ 45-28 loss to the Tennessee Volunteers in the Taxslayer Bowl, Ferentz wasn’t prepared to talk about a change at quarterback. After further review, the coaching staff came to the obvious conclusion.
“After spending several days as a staff evaluating our 2014 season and our returning roster, we have established a two-deep depth chart that will serve as a starting point when the team returns to campus,” Ferentz said in a statement, via the Cedar Rapids Gazette. “As always, this is only a starting point and we anticipate and expect healthy competition at all positions between now and September as we prepare for the 2015 season.”
The progression was only natural after Rudock struggled throughout the season and Beathard played more snaps during the bowl game.
The soon-to-be junior signal-caller played in eight games this season. Beathard completed 56.4 percent of his passes for 645 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions. However, the underclassman provides an added dimension to the offense since he’s a better overall athlete than Rudock. Beathard ran for 10 less yards than Rudock on 39 fewer carries.
Questions at this point will revolve around whether the soon-to-be senior will eventually transfer or compete during the spring to retake his starting spot.
Ferentz will meet with the media Wednesday to discuss the depth chart and the current state of the program.