Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1163127
150 Illinois — he made four tackles, defended two passes, and intercepted another. Six days later — during a 31-28 win over Nebraska — he made three tackles with two pass break-ups and an interception. "You have to make the plays that come your way and when you're playing (cornerback) you might only get three or four opportunities a game," Parker said. "You have to be ready for that and you don't know when they are. I expect him to be ready for that; he did well this spring and I'm looking forward to when he reaches his full potential." Being the only senior starter in the secondary will require Ojemudia to polish his leadership skills. Sure, he wants to be All-Big Ten and All-America, but he also wants to impart his wisdom inside a defensive back room that includes 14 freshmen and sophomores. It won't be a one-man job. "Collectively, (junior) Geno (Stone), (junior) Matt (Hankins), and I are looked upon to lead," Ojemudia said. "We're going to need the help of the younger guys, so one of my roles will be showing by example how to do things and to bring them along as a coach on the field." Iowa finished the 2018 season with a record of 9-4 and an Outback Bowl victory over No. 18 Mississippi State. e Hawkeyes were seventh in the nation in total defense (allowing 293.6 yards per game), 11th in scoring defense (17.8 points per game), and 17th in fewest passing yards allowed (184.1 per game). "We can be good in-and-out, top-to-bottom, from defensive backs to the defensive linemen," Ojemudia said. "ere is talent across the board, so putting the best guys on the field will be our objective." Ojemudia will be one of those guys. Opposing quarterbacks should plan accordingly