Stanley has continued to develop on and off the field during his time in Iowa City.

It’s not unusual to find Stanley in Iowa’s facility watching film late at night. Sometimes, he brings a roommate to keep him company.

Whether he’s alone or with a friend, this is something Stanley has taken strides in and an important piece of a quarterback’s life that Stanley will need to continue if he’s going to capture the Big Ten West division title Iowa is chasing or shatter Long’s career touchdown mark.

“I always talk about the importance of preparation, but I think I didn’t understand that [as a freshman],” Stanley said. “In high school, I probably didn’t watch as much tape as I should have. People can rely on their athletic ability in high school and not have to worry about it as much. Then moving into college, I didn’t really understand the importance of it probably until the spring after my freshman year.”

His position coach has noticed the difference.

“His desire, his discipline, his determination to prepare on a daily basis and put the work in is really something,” Iowa quarterbacks coach Ken O’Keefe said. “That’s where he can help everybody else along. That preparation ultimately allows you to play with confidence on Saturday afternoons, and that’s what we’re after.”