The University of Iowa football team always seems to have a knack for defense, regardless of the personnel and experience on the field.

That theory could possibly receive its biggest challenge this season, as multiple departures to the NFL and graduations have left the Hawkeyes with one of their youngest teams in head coach Kirk Ferentz’s 14 years on the job.

Just like on the offensive side of the ball, Iowa will have a new defensive coordinator in Phil Parker. However, Parker is also entering his 14th year on the staff and is running a similar defense to Norm Parker’s, so the transition hasn’t been as big through the first week of practice.