The Lions starter helped prepare former Iowa teammate for the combination of the NFL

Indianapolis, remains to be seen if Iowa’s supporter, Jay Higgins, who met with Detroit Lions staff in Indianapolis, fits the mold of a type of Dan Campbell. But one thing is safe: it is a type of Jack Campbell.

In the days before the NFL exploration harvester, Higgins shared that his former Hawkeyes teammate, now a holder for the lions, not only gave him an idea of ​​how to play the position during his time in Iowa, but also spoke with him before his arrival in Indianapolis.

“I learned a lot from Jack Campbell. He sent me a text message a little before the combination, preparing me, but definitely just how to operate, “Higgins said Wednesday.” I think in college, you have 90% of the boys who do one thing and 10% who go and try to be great.

“Since I arrived at Iowa, Campbell was always in that elite group. I am grateful that I have allowed me to be under his wing, and I learned how to operate, how to take me, how a leader looks like and what is a mike support in Iowa. Really appreciative for him. “

Higgins joked saying that he did not completely leave Campbell’s shadow until the lions selected their former teammate with the 18th general selection in the NFL 2023 draft.

For your credit, that is exactly what you did: look for a name for yourself and land on the radar of the lions.

Last season in Iowa, Higgins registered 124 Total Tacle, 53 alone, along with five defeated passes, four interceptions, two forced loose balls (one recovered) and a sack. His production earned him the Honors Unanimes All-American, as well as the Big Ten LineBacker of the Year award.

The 23 -year -old supporter also shared that he had an informal meeting with the Lions staff.

“(We) we really overcome their defense, and they were seeing how quickly he could pick it up,” said Higgins. “But yes, just a good interview in general.”

As for your greatest food to take? It was simply that the lions have a new defensive staff, highlighted by the promotion of Kelvin Sheppard, of the coach of the supporters to the defensive coordinator.

Together with that, the native of Indianapolis of 6 feet 2 and 232 pounds left the meeting with a better understanding of why the lions were so successful. Based on the tape they saw, he saw “many details, many types playing with discipline, such as Iowa.”

Speaking with journalists a day before, Sheppard shared that, as in recent years under former coordinator Aaron Glenn, he will not be tied to a rigid scheme.

On the other hand, he plans to execute the best staff based on the staff, something that Higgins, who is considered a versatile player, would probably welcome if he lands in Detroit.

When asked if he could see himself playing for the lions based on the tape they saw, he did not hesitate.

“Definitely,” he said. “I want to say, every time I see a front of four Down, I think I can play the supporter in any system.”

In addition to its praise, Higgins is a selection of twice in the first All-Big Ten team (2023, 2024).