Jayden Montgomery’s role with No. 20 Iowa football has grown. It’ll be vital against No. 9 Oregon

IOWA CITY — There’s something different about November.

It’s colder at kickoff, and it’s dark by halftime in an afternoon game. There’s palpable energy in the air. Every football game means something.

There’s a number next to Iowa football now, No. 20, granted by the College Football Playoff committee Tuesday night. The Hawkeyes’ opponent also has a number, No. 9. Add that to the list to why Saturday’s game against the Ducks grows more important.

Linebacker Jayden Montomgery likes that excitement, though.

He’s been tasked with handling the starting position throughout the middle portion of Iowa football’s season, taking over after senior Jaden Harrell was injured before the Hawkeyes’ first bye week.

Montgomery made his first career start against Wisconsin, and has held the role since. Moving from second-team to a starter doesn’t have too many changes. Montgomery had to adjust to wearing the defensive communications system in his helmet regularly, but he’d already experienced it a few times.

“Them having little reminders and things like that is definitely helpful while you're out there and you're working on getting the defense set and making calls and things like that,” Montgomery said. “I feel like they did a really good job of preparing us for that through camp. So stepping out there, it wasn't anything that was totally new.”

Montgomery has recorded 13 tackles in his three games as a starter, including a career-high seven against Penn State.

Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker’s watched Montgomery’s progression throughout his three seasons, and since stepping into the new role. Most of the Hawkeyes spent time learning from veteran teammates — like Harrell — before being a starter. While Montgomery was thrust into the role because of injury, Parker’s enjoyed seeing Montgomery handle the responsibility.

“He's been one of those guys in there. He's been in the program, understands what he has to do. He's been very productive, like the way he's plays,” Parker said. “He's done a hell of a job for us, and we're pleased with what he's done.”

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Wearing the communications system means that player has to be a vocal leader just as much of a physical one, knowing how to convey the coverage as the opposing team gets set at the line of scrimmage.

Repetitions help. Each week, Montgomery said he’s felt more confident as a starter. It’s helped that the Hawkeyes have demonstrated a balanced defensive effort to help boost themselves to a 4-1 conference record, too.

The growing opportunities help him feel confident scanning the field. It lets Montgomery understand the coaching staff’s plan better, so it becomes instinctual once he’s playing in Kinnick Stadium on Saturdays.

“I think the more reps you get, the more confident you get and the more that kind of meshes together,” Montgomery said. “Obviously, by Saturday you feel super confident with the game plan. And then it all just kind of flows together.”

Harrell will be available against the Ducks on Saturday, but head coach Kirk Ferentz said Montgomery will still start. Harrell played against Penn State and Minnesota after his injury, but Ferentz and Parker agreed Montgomery is the better choice while Harrell continues his recovery.

“We'll start out with Montgomery. Harrell is coming along. I think he's pretty close to being 100-percent,” Ferentz said. “If he has to play, he'll play, but we have confidence in both right now.”

Iowa’s game against Oregon kicks off the final month of the regular season in college football, and Montgomery’s found himself in a deeply important part of the Hawkeyes’ game plan.

He’s confident the defense can step up to the challenge of a top 10 opponent. Preparation for whatever Oregon decides to bring is stuck in his mind.

“That's what we prepare during the week for, is a new game plan,” Montgomery said. “A new new team, new offense. So there's certainly some carryover between teams, but it's never just a perfect rollover from week to week.”

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