Issue link: http://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/99790
University of Iowa senior cornerback Micah Hyde congratulates freshman defensive back Sean Draper near the end of the Hawkeye's season-opening 18-17 victory against Northern Illinois on Sept. 1 in Chicago's Soldier Field. Hyde compiled four tackles and a pass breakup in the game. (Photo by Darren Miller) During his time at the UI, Hyde played with, and learned from, four defensive backs who were drafted into the NFL: Amari Spievey, Tyler Sash, Shaun Prater, and Jordan Bernstine. Hyde will have an opportunity to play professionally, but in the short term he is focusing on final exams and graduating in May with a degree in recreation and sports business. "The whole next-level thing was not big in my mind. It will play out how it is supposed to," Hyde said. As good as the Big Ten defensive backs were in 2012, they had nothing on the ability of the wide receivers in the league. Hyde drew assignments against the likes of All-Big Ten performers Allen Robinson of Penn State, Kenny Bell of Nebraska, and Cody Latimer of Indiana. In Hyde's opinion, the pair of Roy Roundtree and Jeremy Gallon of Michigan was also among the best he faced. What prepared Hyde most for Saturday was what he confronted Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at Hawkeye practices. 10 "I have to commend our receivers — Keenan Davis and Kevonte (Martin-Manley) and our tight ends that we play against every day helping us prepare for these other teams," Hyde said. "It's a good conference with a lot of playmakers." As for an individual highlight of the 2012 season for Hyde, you have to look beyond a single play or plays. What sticks out to him is the combined defensive effort during a 19-16 double-overtime win at Michigan State on Oct. 13. Hyde made seven tackles with a pass breakup that day, and Iowa limited the Spartans to 12-of-31 passing for 179 yards…and an interception to seal the victory. "The game in general we played well was at Michigan State," Hyde said. "As a secondary we played well, and we were dealing with adversity. That game was the highlight of our season."