Iowa TE Luke Lachey returns in 2024: ‘It’s really just about leaving a legacy.’
The most significant news for Iowa on Friday came not from a news conference or a side interview session, but from a tight end who will not play in the Citrus Bowl.
Luke Lachey, arguably the Mackey Award favourite for next year, elected to return next fall rather than enter the NFL Draft process. Lachey has missed the past ten games after breaking his leg in the first quarter of Iowa’s third game. But he has remained a team captain in almost every game, with the exception of the Hawkeyes’ trip to Penn State the week after his operation.
“I think it’s really just about leaving a legacy,” Lachey stated Friday night. “That has always been a dream of mine. I felt like if I returned, I could have a significant impact there. And it’s also the opportunity to play with your brothers for another season.”
Lachey said he relied on several individuals, including his father, Jim, a three-time All-Pro for San Diego, and former teammate and Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta. His father informed him that if he could play one more game at any level, it would be in college.
“I just love it here,” Lachey explained. “There is no other place for me to be. I thought I could use another year to improve and refine my skills.”
Lachey (6-feet-6, 253 pounds) has 10 receptions for 131 yards in nine quarters this season. His performance came one year after leading the Hawkeyes with four touchdown receptions, vying with LaPorta, who leads NFL tight ends with nine touchdown catches this season.
Lachey may have the most upside out of Iowa’s NFL prowess at that position group – T.J. Hockenson is second in catches (95) and yards (960), while George Kittle has the most yards per reception (16.0) and ranks second in touchdown receptions (six). Lachey is taller and heavier than Iowa’s four NFL starting tight ends (LaPorta, Hockenson, Kittle, and Noah Fant), but he has comparable athletic ability. Lachey’s speed is comparable to his predecessors, and he has made similar progress as a blocker.
Lachey trained for the Citrus Bowl and did side exercises at Celebration High School. However, prior to the trip, coach Kirk Ferentz ruled him out.
“He might be close, but it just didn’t make any sense right now,” Ferentz told reporters.
With Lachey’s return, Iowa’s tight end corps appears to be a strength in 2024. Sophomore Addison Ostrenga has taken over for the injured Lachey and Erick All (torn ACL) and is tied for the team lead in receptions (29). That combination has the potential to be one of the greatest in the nation next season.
Leave a Reply