The Iowa Hawkeyes don’t just produce high-level on-field talent under head coach Kirk Ferentz, they are also known for their ability to create even better men who go on to successful careers in many different facets of life.
Iowa native Aaron Graves is a perfect example of that. Graves is a supremely talented defensive lineman, even being rated among the top 10 best in the entire college football landscape. But, Graves is also a great teammate and representative of the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Graves’ character is exemplified by his place on the Lott IMPACT Trophy Watch List entering the 2025 season. The award goes to college football’s best defensive player, who also makes a great impact on and off the field.
The award stands for players who are displaying integrity, maturity, performance, academics, community, and tenacity, which creates the acronym of IMPACT.
Graves is entering his senior season with the Hawkeyes and has been a staple on their defensive front for defensive coordinator Phil Parker.
During three seasons with Iowa, Graves has amassed 39 appearances, 85 tackles, 18.5 tackles for loss, 11.5 sacks, and 4 forced fumbles. Graves displays the characteristics on the field with his standout production while also taking it off the field in the Iowa way.
The 6-foot-4, 300-pound defensive lineman tallied 33 tackles, eight tackles for loss, six sacks, three forced fumbles and had three passes defensed last season.
The Dayton, Iowa, native was tabbed Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week last season after registering five tackles, including two sacks and a career-high two fumbles along with a pass breakup in Iowa’s 40-16 victory over Washington.
Former Hawkeye linebacker and current Carolina Panther Josey Jewell won the award in 2017. James Morris was a finalist in 2013, while Desmond King (2016), Cooper DeJean (2023) and Jay…
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Publish date : 2025-05-31 10:45:00
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