OurQuadCities (WHBF) — As a true freshman Reece Vander Zee burst on the college football scene with a bang. In Iowa’s 2024 season opener against Illinois State, the Rock Rapids native hauled in two touchdowns. Including a leaping, highlight-reel grab over multiple defenders that flashed potential Iowa hasn’t seen in a wide receiver in a while.

“It was crazy,” Vander Zee said of his debut. “It’s great to have that experience, just to go out there and know I’ve done this before and can do it again.”

2019 is the last time a Hawkeye wide out has more than 500 yards receiving in a season. Ihmir Smith-Marsette had 722, Jacob Gill’s 411 in 2024 is the closest anyone’s gotten since.

Vander Zee had 14 catches for 176 yards in his first season as he was learning on the fly. He says continuity in Tim Lester’s offense has led to increased comfortability in the spring.

“I was a deer in the headlights trying to figure everything out coming into fall camp,” Vander Zee said. “It’s been really fun to experiment with new things, just knowing what and how to do things instead of based on different coverages and different stuff like that.”

Vander Zee’s 6’4 frame and physical tools stood out at Iowa’s open practice last Saturday. Reaching his potential is all about refining his skillset.

“The next step for me is using my strength my size and then just being physical getting off the line well-being efficient in and out of my breaks,” Vander Zee said. “It’s been exciting to have some big plays in practice, to see guys make plays and to just have that camaraderie.”