April 15, 2014
- Spring Camp Central
- 2014 Outback Bowl Central
- Read the April issue of Hawk Talk Monthly
- Download your Hawk Talk Monthly iOS app
- Download your Hawk Talk Monthly android app
- Hawkeyes in the NFL
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye iPhone/iPad app
- Download your Iowa Hawkeye android app
- Big Ten Network: Free Hawkeye Video
- 24 Hawkeyes to Watch
Editor’s Note: The following first appeared in the University of Iowa’s Hawk Talk Daily, an e-newsletter that offers a daily look at the Iowa Hawkeyes, delivered free each morning to thousands of fans of the Hawkeyes worldwide. To receive daily news from the Iowa Hawkeyes, sign up HERE.
By DARREN MILLER
hawkeyesports.com
IOWA CITY, Iowa — The University of Iowa football team was going through the paces Saturday at Valley Stadium in West Des Moines, Iowa, when the PAT-field goal unit took the field. After the first snap, Casey Kreiter turned to throw a block.
The only problem is that at the time, Kreiter was in street clothes and carrying out his obligations as an intern with the University of Iowa Foundation.
“I wish I was still out there,” said Kreiter, a native of DeWitt, Iowa, whose eligibility as long-snapper expired after the 2014 Outback Bowl. “I talked to some of the other guys here and asked them if they ever get used to not being a part of the team. They said no, so I think I have a long life ahead of me wishing I was back out there.”
Kreiter was one of at least eight former Hawkeye football players — including former All-Pro and Super Bowl champion tight end Dallas Clark — in attendance at Iowa’s ninth practice of the spring. Kreiter is being patient about a potential future in the National Football League, but he knows that long-snappers don’t get a load of tryouts.
“I’m not going to hear from a lot of people,” Kreiter said. “They have other priorities. I couldn’t have been happier with my Pro Day; I’ll keep living life and being patient about the NFL.”
Two other former Hawkeyes — A.J. Edds and Jordan Bernstine — are free agents looking to return to the NFL. Edds was selected by the Miami Dolphins in the fourth round of the 2010 NFL Draft and has played with the Dolphins, New England, and Indianapolis. He was not on a roster during the 2013 regular season.
Edds has been training in Iowa City and participated in Iowa’s Pro Day on March 24.
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“It seems like it has been 10 years since I last played. Because I was a walk-on, one of the great opportunities was being able to prove yourself in spring ball — that was one of the times where I took the opportunity to work extra hard. It’s good to see some of the players again; my senior year was the first year for (redshirt senior) Kevonte (Martin-Manley), so that’s the last class I was part of. It is good to see these guys grow and mature.”
Don Nordmann
Former UI receiver |
“Kind of a silver lining of not playing last year is that I got my health back and my body feels as good as it has in a long time,” said Edds, a linebacker. “I’m excited to get with a squad, feeling as good as I do, to be able to get out there and move around and show people I’m healthy, strong, and ready to go.”
Bernstine, a defensive back, was chosen by the Washington Redskins in the seventh round of the 2012 NFL Draft. During his professional debut against New Orleans, he suffered tears to ACL, MCL, and PCL ligaments in his right knee.
Bernstine is living in Denver with his uncle, Rod, who played for the Chargers and Broncos.
“I didn’t want to come home and have distractions,” Bernstine said. “I needed to go somewhere and focus on the task at hand. It has been a good change of scenery, now I’m ready to get back to playing.”
Bernstine said that within the past month his agent has been in touch with at least “half the league.”
“I’m playing it by ear now,” he said. “I can’t do anything until I get cleared.”
Former West Des Moines Valley star Jared Clauss returned to his high school alma mater to watch his college alma mater practice. Clauss is living and working in Des Moines after an NFL career as a defensive lineman with Tennessee, Oakland, and Washington.
“I still get into (following the Iowa football program),” Clauss said. “If you have a vested interest and put as much time as all these guys have into the program, it is emotional to watch them as a fan. It’s a challenge sometimes to sit in the stands, but I still love to go to Kinnick; it is a great environment. It’s good to see friends and get back there.”
The last time Don Nordmann wore the Hawkeye uniform was during a 27-24 victory against Missouri in the 2010 Insight Bowl. The wide receiver had a 38-yard reception in the game. For the past 2 ½ years, Nordmann has worked for BMO Harris Bank in Chicago.
“It seems like it has been 10 years since I last played,” Nordmann said. “Because I was a walk-on, one of the great opportunities was being able to prove yourself in spring ball — that was one of the times where I took the opportunity to work extra hard. It’s good to see some of the players again; my senior year was the first year for (redshirt senior) Kevonte (Martin-Manley), so that’s the last class I was part of. It is good to see these guys grow and mature.”
Former offensive lineman Woody Orne didn’t have a long drive to watch the Hawkeyes practice: he works for Styker Communications in Des Moines. He felt fortunate to be outside the huddle once Saturday temperatures reached the 80s.
“It’s fun to be on this side of the sidelines,” said Orne, who earned a letter in 2011. “You miss it and you want to be out there, but at the same time, when it’s hot and the sun’s beating down on you — it’s like, `You know, I had some fun, it was a good time, but it’s time for these guys to do it.'”
The Hawkeyes return to the practice field for a 10th time this spring Wednesday. The annual spring game will be Saturday, April 26, in Kinnick Stadium.