I spoke with a senior-to-be recently about going through his last spring ball, asking him if it felt good to get through that grind one last time. He said it was certainly a challenge, and added how it was different at Iowa than at many places. He stated that many schools "Just let athletes be athletes, but that is not how it is done at Iowa." The staff is extremely focused on everyone making progress, doing the little things, and pulling on the rope in the same direction. If you are not doing those things, you will have a hard time getting on the field.
This is why the NFL loves Iowa guys so much. They don't have to worry about teaching guys how to work hard, act professionally, and be accountable, because those things were instilled in college. They can just bring an Iowa guy in and plug him into the system, and you know he will do his job to the best of his ability. I am sure this approach pays great dividends for the vast majority of players who do not make it to the NFL as well. Heck, if you're not teaching life lessons and helping these players become better men, then what is the real value in any of the work these coaches do?