Moeaki returns to Chicago for media days

July 27, 2009

Video interview with T. Moeaki | Big Ten Media Days photo gallery

CHICAGO — As a high school All-American tight end at Warrenville South High School in Wheaton, Ill., Tony Moeaki caught 59 passes for 975 and nine touchdowns. He wants to end his collegiate career as a Big Ten champion.

Moeaki and fellow University of Iowa football players Pat Angerer and A.J. Edds, are at the Hyatt Regency Chicago as part of the Big Ten Conference Football Media Days that will conclude Tuesday.

“It’s great to be back,” Moeaki said. “We got in (Sunday) night and walked around a little bit. The next two days we’re going to do interviews and have a luncheon and an autograph session. It wraps up (Tuesday) afternoon.”

Moeaki has been injury-plagued as a Hawkeye, missing 12 games — eight in 2007 and four in 2008. During his career, he has caught 46 passes for 566 yards and seven touchdowns. His would like nothing better than to end his days at the UI as a member of a Big Ten championship team.

“We’re all working hard right now to hopefully have a great season,” Moeaki said. “Going out as Big Ten champs would be very nice.”

A poll of league media has Ohio State as the 2009 favorite, followed by Penn State and Michigan State. The Hawkeyes open Big Ten play Sept. 26 at Penn State. They travel to Michigan State on Oct. 24 and are at Ohio State on Nov. 14.

Iowa is coming off a 9-4 campaign that was capped by a 31-10 victory over South Carolina in the Outback Bowl. The Hawkeyes have won four consecutive games and return 16 starters.

Moeaki said the buzz surrounding media days means that official preseason practice is close at hand.

“It’s exciting because you get the feeling the season is right around the corner,” he said. “Everyone’s pretty excited about that.”

The Hawkeyes open the season Sept. 5 against Northern Iowa inside Kinnick Stadium.

2009 Iowa Football Season Ticket Application (v3a)