Iowa tight ends Luke Lachey and Erick All were named to the 2023 John Mackey Award Watch List on Friday morning. The award is given to the top tight end in the country annually.
The preseason distinction affirms what Kirk Ferentz and the Iowa staff already knew.
"Having those guys really helps our offense," Ferentz said at Big Ten Media Days. "We've seen it in the past with (TJ) Hockenson and (Noah) Fant -- [having two elite tight ends] gives you a pretty good start. It's nice to know we have some real quality players at the position."
"With Luke and Erick, I think we have two guys that are proven guys. Getting Erick out of the portal was exciting," he continued. "Luke has grown tremendously over the years. I thought last year, he particularly took off when Sam (LaPorta) was out. That was kind of a glimpse of what he can become -- he's a top notch player. I'm not going to say he's one of the best in the country, but he's one of the best in the country, in my opinion."
Lachey was second in receiving yards and first in receiving touchdowns for the Hawkeyes last season. In total, he caught 28 passes for 398 yards and four scores.
Lachey spoke highly of his position counterpart in Indianapolis, too.
"He's a really good leader," Lachey said. "I feel like he goes out there, plays to a certain level and that makes you respect him. He fits in as an Iowa tight end. He's hardnosed, goes out there ready to block and is unselfish."
They've learned from one another this spring and offseason as well.
"He teaches me some little things to add to my routes," Lachey said. "At the top of my route, getting out of my stance and stuff. It's just a bunch of little things that he's learned over the years that have helped me. I help him, and he helps me."
Lachey has been impressed with the prior connection All has retained with new Hawkeye quarterback Cade McNamara, too.
"They have a lot of great chemistry," the Columbus, Ohio native said. "They know each other well. They hang out off the field and banter with each other well."
In 2021, the pair of former Wolverines connected 38 times for 437 yards and two scores en route to the Big Ten Title and Michigan's first College Football Playoff appearance.
The returning tight end said that All has had a few 'Welcome to Iowa' moments over the last few months in Iowa City too, though. So, maybe it hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows.
"Everyone, when they come in their first time, they struggle because all the schools block differently than we teach it," Lachey said. "So, I think that's been the main thing -- trying to learn how to block in our scheme. He's done a great job, and he's very vicious."
Though All didn't attend Big Ten Media Days, he sang Lachey's praises this spring.
"Man, Luke is a leader," he said. "He's a guy to watch, and I try to take something from his game. He's a beast, and I just love being able to do different drills and do tight end work with him. I just look at him and try to mimic some things he does."
The praise doesn't go just between All, Lachey and Ferentz. Their quarterback has seen the significant potential that's in the tight end room, too -- and he saw it early.
“With Erick, Luke and Addison (Ostrenga), I think our tight end room is very special," McNamara said following Iowa's spring game. "That’s going to be the strength of our offense."
