Earning the starting spot at “Cash” (a hybrid linebacker/safety role in Iowa’s 4-2-5 base defense) is a pretty telling accomplishment.

Consider that the last three starters at the position — Amani Hooker, Geno Stone, and Dane Belton — are either in the NFL or, in Belton’s case, about to be drafted. Who better to carry on the cash legacy than one of the highest-rated recruits in program history?

Xavier Nwankpa will be roaming the field at cash for the Hawkeyes this fall.

At 6-foot-2 and a bulked-up 211 pounds, Nwankpa is the ideal size for the position — quick enough to fly through the secondary while strong enough to be an imposing figure in the box.

Nwankpa has had individual film sessions with Iowa defensive coordinator and DBs coach Phil Parker since the freshman enrolled in January. So far, the five-star recruit has lived up to the hype, both on the field in practice and in the way he studies the game, Parker said.

Asking a freshman to play a rather complex and crucial role on Iowa’s defense is tough. There’s a lot to learn in not much time before the opening game. Enrolling early should help “X” some in that regard, though. Similar to how Keagan Johnson and Arland Bruce IV broke out on offense during the 2021 season, I think Nwankpa will instantly become a key component on the back end for the Hawkeyes in 2022.

Oh, and just between us, Austin thinks Nwankpa will start at cash, too, and he’s being forced to argue for someone else. So we’re all in agreement here.

Robert stole my pick for this one, so to a certain extent, I’ll be playing devil’s advocate here. However, we’re still choosing between dynamite athletes.

Xavier Nwankpa is a five-star recruit. He left Southeast Polk High School in Altoona a semester early to participate in Iowa football’s spring practices. He joined the program at 6-foot-2, 195 pounds. Nwankpa is now 211 pounds.

Because of his physical stature and seemingly accelerated growth, Nwankpa appears to be the favorite to play cash over the likes of 5-foot-11, 204-pound junior Sebastian Castro.

While Nwankpa is a great choice to play cash, I have my eye on sophomore Cooper DeJean.

Like Nwankpa, DeJean is a superb athlete, and he possesses the frame needed to play cash at 6-foot-1, 203 pounds.

Yes, he’s not quite as big as Nwankpa. But he has a lot more experience than “X.”

DeJean has been on the Hawkeyes’ roster since 2021, practicing and learning defensive coordinator Phil Parker’s scheme. During that time, DeJean has gotten a lot of reps in the defensive backfield. DeJean even started at strong safety in Iowa’s 28-21 win over Nebraska in Lincoln.

DeJean checks all three boxes Iowa has for its cash. He’s big enough to drop down and function as a pseudo-linebacker in run situations. He is quick enough to serve as a defensive back on pass plays. DeJean is also smart and experienced enough to know where he’s supposed to be on the field based on what opposing offenses are doing.

I hear the “X” crowd loud and clear. They’ve made points I can’t dispute.

Still, I think Hawkeye fans should watch for DeJean at cash this fall.