Spring Football Begins Tomorrow

March 6, 2007

IOWA CITY — University of Iowa Football Coach Kirk Ferentz will greet over 90 players tomorrow as the Hawkeyes formally begin spring football practice.

The Hawkeyes will practice Wednesday and Thursday before taking almost two weeks off. The University’s spring break is next week. Following the break, the first practice will be Mar. 22.

Iowa returns 37 lettermen and 14 starters from a year ago. Defensively, eight starters return. The defensive line returns intact and is expected to be a major strength this season. Two starting defensive backs need to be replaced.

Offensively, quarterback Drew Tate is gone as the Hawkeyes will be looking for a new signal caller for the first time in four years. Finding his replacement and re-tooling the offensive line will be keys in the development of the offense.

A new punter and place kicker also need to be found.

“This is an extremely important spring practice,” said Ferentz. “We’ve got a number of holes to fill and establishing some depth at numerous positions is a must. I’m looking forward to the coming weeks and the 2007 season.”