IOWA CITY — Iowa football defensive back Tyler Brown has been sidelined during fall camp with an injury.
Brown was a high-profile member of Iowa’s most recent transfer portal class. Last season, Brown started 14 games at free safety on a James Madison team that won 12 games and made the College Football Playoff. Brown ranked second on the team in total tackles with 80 while also recording five tackles for loss, one sack and one interception.
Brown got reps with Iowa’s first team defense during the spring, but is now dealing with an injury as the season approaches.
“Just getting better day by day,” Brown said during Iowa football media day on Aug. 14. “Not too big, not too small. But I just took it as a blessing. God was sitting me down, and now I’m ready to move forward.”
As for his timetable for return, Brown answered that he has “no idea.”
If Iowa has to operate without Brown, Anthony Hawkins is a possible replacement at strong safety. Hawkins, who also transferred to Iowa this offseason, totaled 59 tackles, two interceptions and one forced fumble at Villanova in 2025.
“It's concerning a little bit as far as like, hey, he (Brown) was really doing good,” Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker said. “But Anthony's done a good job. Hawkins has come in there and didn't miss a beat. Obviously, it'd be nice to get him back. It just gives us more options in the nickel, dime situations.”
Physically, Hawkins’ 6-foot-3 frame can be a strength for the Hawkeyes.
“He's got great size,” Parker said. “He's got great length. Now he’s got to make sure he’s in that commander role when you're out there on the field. You’ve got to make decisions quick, and that's what we keep pressing on him.”
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This article originally appeared on Hawk Central: Hawkeyes gauge concern for preseason injury to Iowa football DB Tyler Brown