Greg Davis calls Ryan Boyle’s switch to receiver a one-year rental
IOWA CITY, Iowa – Ryan Boyle’s switch from quarterback to receiver apparently is only temporary.
“It’s not a permanent move,” Iowa offensive coordinator Greg Davis said Saturday at media day. “We just felt like (he was) probably not going to get in the mix this year (at quarterback).”
“You love to compete. You’re a great competitor. You’re a really good athlete. Let’s go to the slot position and see if you can help us.”
Boyle, who led West Des Moines Dowling to back-to-back class 4A state titles as a junior and senior, was one of two quarterbacks from in state who signed with Iowa’s 2015 recruiting class. The other was Iowa City Regina graduate Drew Cook, who also led his high school team to state titles as a junior and senior in Class 1A.
Boyle and Cook both were considered even on the depth chart at quarterback throughout last season while each was being redshirted.
But with senior C.J. Beathard firmly entrenched as the starter and with third-year sophomore Tyler Wiegers his backup, Boyle faced an uphill battle for playing time at quarterback.
So in order to get on the field sooner, Boyle raised a few eyebrows by changing positions so early in his career.
Iowa needs help at receiver where senior Matt VandeBerg is the only player with considerable experience.
“It’s a one-year rental,” Davis said of Boyle’s position switch. “If he can get in there and help us this year, it’ll be a huge advantage.”
Boyle said Saturday that he just wants to help the team as quickly as possible.
“It was pretty different,” he said of the position change. “But anyway I could get on the field and help out the team and be a team guy, whether it be on special teams or wide receiver, I’m looking forward to it and having a blast so far.”
Boyle said the coaches have made it clear to him that switching back to quarterback will be an option if he so chooses.
The 6-foot-1, 208-pounder passed for 4,566 yards and rushed for 3,043 yards in high school.
“I’m just being a receiver this year and doing special teams and once the season is over we’ll talk about what’s next, if I enjoyed it or of I’ll move back to quarterback,” Boyle said. “But I’m fully invested in being a wide receiver and help out the team the best I can.”
As for the 6-5, 230-pound Cook, he has impressed Davis with his intelligence and with his daily improvement.
“Drew is an extremely bright guy to start with,” Davis said. “What we ask from our quarterbacks, we have to have a really bright guy.
“He’s still kind of growing into his body. And as his body gets stronger just through the maturation process, I see him throwing the ball better with a tighter ball. I’m really encouraged by what he’s done.”
Iowa will have four quarterbacks on scholarship this season with incoming freshman Nathan Stanley now on the roster.