Ferentz: Lots of Work Ahead, But Optimistic

July 24, 2008

• Watch Kirk’s presentation compliment of the Big Ten Network
• Purchase your Iowa Football tickets online now!
• Current and new UI students: Purchase your tickets online now!

CHICAGO – Young and old. Experienced and inexperienced. Injured and healthy.

University of Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz touched all corners when he talked about his 2008 squad at the Big Ten Conference Media Day today.

“It’s an unusual and rare combination. As a whole, we are again a relatively young football team. But, on the other hand, we are also experienced in lots of ways,” said Ferentz, who enters his 10th season at the helm of a UI football program still stinging from a 2007 campaign that wasn’t up to his or the Hawkeyes’ expectations.

The numbers confirm Ferentz’s story: 38 upperclassmen dot the roster. An almost matching 37 sophomores are also listed alongside 18 redshirt freshman and 23 first-year freshmen.

The team’s two-deep also supports Ferentz: Exactly half – 28 – of the 56 names listed are student-athletes who are sophomores or red-shirt freshmen.

“We know we need a lot of work and we’re counting on a lot of improvement, but we’re very optimistic about how it will all shake out,” said Ferentz.

Fans of the Hawkeyes won’t be surprised that Ferentz points to four-year starters Matt Kroul and Mitch King in Iowa’s defensive line as the anchor to that side of the line of scrimmage.

“We haven’t had too many four-year starters around here the last nine years. That says all you really need to say about these two guys,” said Ferentz.

Ferentz also noted the return of A.J. Edds at the linebacker position.

“He’s pretty indicative of our team…a third-year junior who has started for two years.”

Iowa’s veteran head coach described Iowa’s losses on the defensive side of the ball as “symmetrical” – Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker will be looking at a pair of new faces at the defensive end and cornerback positions.

On offense, Ferentz announced that offensive lineman Dace Richardson’s collegiate career has ended due to injury. A much-heralded high school standout, Richardson saw action as a freshman but was slowed by injury and suffered his final setback earlier this summer

“You always feel terrible when a young man’s career is cut short and doubly so when the young man involved is a quality young man,” Ferentz explained, noting that he sees eight or nine guys in the mix for competition in the line, headed by three-year letterman Seth Olsen.

Ferentz likes his group of tight ends and wide receivers – particularly with the return of Andy Brodell and Tony Moeaki after season-ending injuries in Iowa’s first Big Ten game of 2007.

“These are a pair of areas where we have a nice collection of talent, depth and experience,” said Ferentz.

Ferentz said he’s counting on his quarterback, junior Jake Christensen, to be “more mature and increase his production.”

Ferentz said the Hawkeyes will miss the triumvirate of Tom Busch, Albert Young and Damian Sims in the offensive backfield but the Hawkeyes are excited to have back Shonn Greene back in Iowa City.

Greene did not participate with the UI football program in 2007 after seeing action as a running back and kickoff returner in 2005 and 2006.

With respect to Iowa’s special teams, Ferentz said he was pleased with the progress of red-shirt punter Ryan Donohue last season, noting that “we’re excited about having him back for the next three years,” and that the placekicking position which was marked last year by inconsistency will be on determined by the competition in fall camp.

Ditto for the decision as to who will handle kickoff and punt returns.

“Overall, we believe the core special teams will be improved,” said Ferentz.

Iowa opens its 2008 campaign Aug. 30 against Maine in historic Kinnick Stadium. That contest will be the first of three straight at home. The Hawkeyes also play four of their first five games in Iowa City.