Hayden Large is listed at No. 1 at fullback on Iowa’s depth chart.
As far as Large is concerned, he’s positionless.
“I like not to be just called ‘fullback,’” Large said. “I don’t think I have a title. I just love how they use me, and I’m going to play whatever position they tell me. If I play left tackle this week, I’ll play left tackle. I really don’t care.”
The fullback has always been a part of a Kirk Ferentz offense, a position that can be used in multiple ways.
Large, at 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, looks the part, right down to the neck roll padding that he wears.
“The neck roll, at first, it was a little uncomfortable,” Large said. “I love it, like it’s comfy now, and when I hit now, it doesn’t affect my neck or my back, so it’s nice. I don’t do it for looks, even though it looks kind of cool.”
Large was involved in Iowa’s offense early in last Saturday’s 20-19 loss to Iowa State at Kinnick Stadium. He had a reception for 10 yards on the Hawkeyes’ opening possession, and had a 2-yard rush when Iowa had a first-and-goal at the Iowa State 5-yard line in the second quarter.
“I think everybody likes to get early catches,” Large said. “I don’t usually have the ball in my hands, so I think that surprises defenses, too. So whatever they asked me to do, I’m OK with.”
Large, like a lot of the Hawkeyes, did some reflecting after Saturday’s loss. He is often a key blocker for a running game that produced 204 rushing yards, but there was the lament among the offensive players about two possessions inside the Iowa State 5 that only produced two field goals,
“I specifically remember four or five plays where I messed up my assignment,” Large said. “I think that’s good that every person does that, reflects on what they’ve done.”
Large transferred to Iowa from Dordt University, where he played tight end, before last season.
“I’m having the time of my life at Iowa,” Large said. “I came from a small high school (Unity Christian High School in Hudsonville, Mich.), got injured, went to Dordt University for 2 ½ years, and now I’m here. I’m living the dream. I think anyone who doesn’t appreciate the opportunity doesn’t know what they have when they’re in it. I get emotional thinking about it.”
“Hayden is a great story,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. “I’m still trying to figure out how he ended up in my office a couple of Decembers ago, he and his dad. I figured there had to be an Iowa tie because his name is Hayden. You must have family (from Iowa) or whatever. They don’t. They’re from over in Michigan, the west side of Michigan.
“But there was a connection a little bit through some other sources and he showed up here. He’s been a great guy since he showed up here.”
Ferentz appreciated the way Large has adjusted.
“He has an unbelievable attitude, is a really good learner,” Ferentz aid. “He’s very versatile in his play. I think he’s taken a real big jump. He’s worked hard physically and mentally. He’s a versatile guy who can play the tight end spot for us back in the backfield a little bit, too. He’s a really good addition to our team and a valuable team member.”
“I am so blessed to be here,” Large said.
