IOWA CITY, Iowa — Inside Kinnick Stadium, redshirt freshman Kyler Gerardy does not take being an Iowa Hawkeye for granted.

“It’s everything I dreamed of growing up,” Gerardy said. “Ya know, (I’ve) always been a Hawkeye fan since day one. When I got the opportunity, I was more than excited.”

A former first-team all-state quarterback at North Scott, Gerardy has switched sides of the ball and now takes reps as a defensive back.

“Just learning formations, tendencies out of certain formations and things like that, and just learning the defense and getting that down,” Gerardy said. “There’s a lot, but as you get more reps, you get better at it.”

“It’s kind of nice to have a guy who has an understanding of the offense, and what offenses are trying to do to you,” said Phil Parker, Iowa’s defensive coordinator.” So, being on the offensive side, it should help you on the defensive side with what they are trying to do. I think it coincides with a benefit, I think.”

Gerardy’s cool, calm, and collected demeanor has caught the attention of more experienced players on the Iowa defense.

“He’s super smart. He understands route concepts, he understands the quarterback’s progression and stuff. It really helps,” said Xavier Nwankpa, an Iowa senior defensive back. “I feel like that transition has helped a lot of guys here. Quinn (Schulte) and Cooper (DeJean) played as high school quarterbacks. Stuff like that has really helped them take their game to the next level, and I can see that for him for sure.”

Gerardy is taking the transition into college football in stride.

“Coming in, D1 football, you think, like, it’s a lot of physical stuff. You come here and learn quickly there is a lot of mental stuff that goes with it, too,” Gerardy said.

He’s focusing on being ready if and when his name is called.

“I’m excited for him. He just keeps making plays and showing up,” Nwankpa said. “I’m super excited for what he’ll become.”

“I’m just going in during camp, doing what I can in practice, making the most of my reps, and let the rest take care of itself,” Gerardy said.