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IOWA’S 2016-17 SEASON CONCLUDES AT OUTBACK BOWL
The University of Iowa football team (8-5, 6-3) finished the regular season with three straight wins, tied for second in the Big Ten Conference West Division, and played in a bowl game for the 14th time in the last 16 seasons. The Hawkeyes fell to Florida, 30-3, at the 2017 Outback Bowl. It was Iowa’s fifth Outback Bowl appearance and 10th January bowl game under Kirk Ferentz. The Hawkeyes allowed only 11 first downs in the game, tying an Outback Bowl record.
KING, JOHNSON LEAD HAWKEYES’ ALL-CONFERENCE TEAMS
DB Desmond King and DT Jaleel Johnson were named first-team All-Big Ten by vote of league coaches. King was also named first team by vote of Big Ten media, while Johnson was named second-team by the media. Junior linebacker Josey Jewell, who ranked second in the Big Ten in tackles, was named second-team by both coaches and media.
Four members of the University of Iowa offensive unit earned third team All-Big Ten recognition. G Sean Welsh and C James Daniels earned third team recognition from both Big Ten coaches and media. OL Cole Croston and junior RB Akrum Wadley were named third team by coaches and honorable mention by media.
Hawkeye offensive players earning honorable mention include senior quarterback C.J. Beathard, junior tackle Ike Boettger, senior running back LeShun Daniels, Jr., senior tight end George Kittle, and senior wide receiver Riley McCarron. Hawkeye defensive players who earned honorable mention recognition include junior DE Parker Hesse, who was tabbed by both groups, senior DB Greg Mabin (coaches) and DT junior Nathan Bazata (media).
OFFENSIVE LINE WINS JOE MOORE AWARD
The Hawkeyes’ offensive line won the Joe Moore Award, which honors offensive line units that display a high level of toughness, effort, teamwork, consistency, technique, and “finishing”. The Joe Moore Award is the only major college football award to honor a unit.
The Hawkeyes were selected over national runner-up Alabama and third-ranked Ohio State. Iowa was selected by a voting committee comprised solely of people who played or coached the offensive line position, including all of the current offensive line coaches at the Division I/FBS level as well as former players, coaches and colleagues of Coach Moore and select media.
Overcoming many early season injuries, Iowa’s offensive line saw seven different starting combinations in 2016. Senior Cole Croston (LT/RT); juniors Ike Boettger (LT, LG, RT), Boone Myers (LT, LG), and Sean Welsh (RG, RT); sophomores James Daniels (C), Lucas LeGrand (C), and Keegan Render (LG, RG); and redshirt freshman Levi Paulsen (RG) all started in at least one game for the Hawkeyes.
Iowa’s offense averaged 171.8 rushing yards per game — averaging 4.5 yards per carry, and more than two yards before contact — and 325 yards total offense per game.
BEATHARD AMONG BEST IN PROGRAM HISTORY
QB C.J. Beathard started all 13 games, passing for 1,929 yards with 17 touchdowns. His 40 career touchdown passes rank sixth all-time, and his 5,562 career passing yards rank eighth all-time.
Beathard won eight games in 2016, running his career record to 21-7 (.750), the best all-time winning percentage among Hawkeye quarterbacks with 20 or more career starts. He is one of five players in program history to win 20 games as starting quarterback. The others include Chuck Long (34), Ricky Stanzi (26), Matt Rodgers (21), and Drew Tate (21). Beathard won his 20th game in his 26th career start, matching Long and Stanzi for the program’s fastest 20-game winners. Rodgers won his 20th game in his 29th start, and Tate won his 20th in his 33rd career start.
Beathard’s career record includes an 11-3 mark at Kinnick Stadium, a 10-1 record in true road games, a 14-4 record in Big Ten games, a 4-5 record against AP top 25 teams, and a 7-1 record in rivalry games.
KING NAMED FIRST TEAM ALL-BIG TEN
DB Desmond King was named first team All-Big Ten for the second consecutive season.
King started all 13 games at cornerback in 2016 and set a school record in career starts (51) and career games played (53). In 2016, he recorded 42 solo tackles and 16 assists, seven pass break-ups, and three interceptions, including a 41-yard interception return for a touchdown in a win at Purdue.
King also led Iowa’s special teams. He tied for the Big Ten lead averaging 27.8 yards per kickoff return and ranked third in the conference averaging 10.2 yards per punt return. King had a career-best 77-yard kickoff return in Week 8 against Wisconsin.
King is the only Big Ten player in the last 20 years to have 12 or more interceptions and 1,500 or more combined kickoff and return yards. King had 14 career interceptions, tied for fourth most in program history, and 1,962 combined return yards on kickoff and punt returns. The combined punt and kick return yards rank third all-time in school history (Tim Dwight, 2,297; Khalil Hill, 2,005).
King was one of 16 semifinalists for the 2016 Jim Thorpe Award, (best defensive back in college football), one of 18 semifinalists for the Bednarik Award (most outstanding defensive player), and one of 10 semifinalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy (Integrity, Maturity, Performance, Academics, Community and Tenacity).
JEWELL A FINALIST FOR BUTKUS AWARD
LB Josey Jewell, the Big Ten’s second-leading tackler, was a finalist for the 2016 Butkus Award, presented annually to the nation’s best linebacker.
Jewell was one of five finalists for the award. He was joined by Kendall Beckwith (LSU), Zach Cunningham (Vanderbilt), Farrad Davis (Florida), and award winner Reuben Foster (Alabama). Former Hawkeye Larry Station was a finalist for the Butkus Award in 1985, while Chad Greenway was a semifinalist in 2005.
Jewell (6-foot-2, 230-pounds) started every game in 2016, running his streak to 31 consecutive starts, and ranked second in the Big Ten with 124 tackles. His 301 career tackles rank 18th in program history.
Jewell is a two-time second team All-Big Ten recipient, earning honors by league coaches and media in 2015 and 2016.
JOHNSON LEADS HAWKEYES IN SACKS
Senior DT Jaleel Johnson led Iowa with 7.5 sacks (50 yards), becoming the first defensive tackle to lead the team in sacks since Mike Daniels in 2011 (9-53). Johnson’s sack total tied for seventh in the Big Ten. He was named first team All-Big Ten by league coaches and set career highs in tackles (52), tackles-for-loss (10-54), and sacks. He had a career-best nine tackles in Iowa’s 14-13 win against No. 2 Michigan, including a tackle for a safety, and finished his career with 27 consecutive starts.
RUN AFTER HANDOFF, RUN AFTER CATCH, RETURN FOR SENIOR SEASON
Junior RB Akrum Wadley led Iowa in rushing yards (1,081) and all-purpose yards (1,396), and ranked second in receptions (36). All three totals were career highs. He scored 13 touchdowns, tied for sixth in the Big Ten, and was named third team All-Big Ten by Big Ten coaches.
He combined for 25 catches, 199 yards receiving, and two receiving touchdowns the final six weeks of the season. He posted career bests in receptions (7) and receiving yards (72) in Week 8 against Wisconsin, and shared the team lead with five receptions in Week 9 at Penn State (32 yards, TD). He led Iowa with five catches, 52 receiving yards, and scored the team’s only touchdown (3-yard reception) against Michigan. Wadley entered the season with seven career receptions (93 yards, TD).
Wadley rushed 22 times for 115 yards against Florida at the 2017 Outback Bowl, exceeding the 1,000-yard mark for the first time in his career. He became the 47th Hawkeye in program history to rush for 1,000 yards in a single season.
On Jan. 5, Wadley announced he would return to Iowa for his senior season. He currently ranks 18th in career rushing yards (1,763) and 20th in career scoring (132 points).
FERENTZ CLOSES ON B1G, HAWKEYE LEGENDS
Head coach Kirk Ferentz has 135 overall wins and 82 Big Ten wins as Iowa’s head coach. The 82 conference wins rank fifth among the conference’s all-time winningest coaches in Big Ten games.
Ferentz’s135 wins in all games played as a member of the Big Ten Conference rank seventh in league history and second all-time at Iowa. He is one victory from equaling Henry Williams of Minnesota, who won 136 games, and eight wins from tying Hayden Fry as the Hawkeyes’ all-time winningest football coach.
Both Ferentz (135, 82) and Fry (143, 96) rank in the top seven in overall wins and Big Ten wins. Only Iowa and Michigan have two coaches ranked in the top 10 of both win categories (Bo Schembecher 194, 143; and Lloyd Carr 122, 81).
ALL IN THE FAMILY
Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz graduated his third son through the Iowa football program in 2016. Steven, a redshirt senior offensive lineman, is the youngest of Kirk and Mary Ferentz’s five children (Brian, Kelly, Joanne, James and Steven). In 18 seasons as Iowa’s head coach, Kirk Ferentz had a son on the team in 14 seasons. Brian (2001-05), James (2008-12), and Steven (2012-16) all played offensive line for their father. Brian joined the Iowa coaching staff in 2012 and was named offensive coordinator on Jan. 9, 2017. Kirk and Brian are one of eight father-son coaching duos in CFB. The others include Bill and Sean Snyder (Kansas State), Bobby and Nick Petrino (Louisville), Mark and Spencer Whipple (UMASS), Mark and Jon Richt (Miami), Bob and Clay Davie (New Mexico), Doug and Cory Martin (New Mexico State), and Mike and Mike Sanford, Sr. at Western Kentucky).
GREG DAVIS ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT
Greg Davis, Iowa’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach since 2012, announced his retirement on Jan. 6, 2017. Davis joined the Iowa coaching staff after serving as offensive coordinator at the University of Texas for 13 seasons (1998-2010). He was named Frank Broyles Assistant Coach of the Year in 2005 after Texas won the BCS national championship, and was a finalist for the award in 1999.
The Hawkeyes won 39 games since Davis joined the staff five years ago, including a combined 20 wins over the past two years. The Hawkeyes appeared in four January bowl games, including the 2016 Rose Bowl Game. The Hawkeyes won the Big Ten’s West Division in 2015 while posting a school-record 12 wins.
BRIAN FERENTZ NAMED OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR
Brian Ferentz, a former Hawkeye football team captain and three year letterman for the University of Iowa football team, was named Iowa’s offensive coordinator on Jan. 9, 2017.
Ferentz, the eldest son of UI head coach Kirk Ferentz, was an Iowa offensive lineman from 2011-15. He joined the Iowa coaching staff in 2012, serving as offensive line coach until adding the title of run-game coordinator in 2015.
The Hawkeyes have won 39 games and advanced to four bowl games since Brian Ferentz joined the staff in 2012. Those 39 wins include a combined 20 wins over the past two years, a perfect 12-0 regular-season record in 2015, and a Big Ten West Division title. Iowa participated in the 2016 Rose Bowl and 2015 Big Ten Championship game and ended the season in the top 10 in the national rankings. Along with the Rose Bowl, Iowa participated in the Outback Bowl in 2014 and 2017, and the 2015 TaxSlayer Bowl.
In 2016, Iowa’s offensive line was the recipient of the Joe Moore Award, which goes to the best offensive line in college football. Due to injuries Iowa was forced to use seven starting combinations on the offensive line, but the Hawkeyes were able to produce two 1,000-yard rushers in the same season for the first time in program history. The Hawkeyes were also a finalist for the Joe Moore Award in 2015.
Four members of Iowa’s 2016 offensive line earned All-Big Ten recognition, with three of the four returning to the Hawkeyes next season.
Under Ferentz’s direction, left tackle Brandon Scherff won the 2014 Outland Trophy, was the Rimington-Pace Offensive Lineman of the Year in the Big Ten; and earned unanimous consensus All-America honors. Scherff was the fifth player selected in the 2015 NFL Draft (Washington Redskins), while right tackle Andrew Donnal was selected by the St. Louis Rams in the fourth round. Center Austin Blythe was selected in the 2016 NFL Draft (Indianapolis).
Ferentz joined the Hawkeye staff after spending four years with the NFL’s New England Patriots. He was recently recognized by ESPN.com as one of the top assistant coaches in the Big Ten Conference under the age of 40. Prior to joining the Hawkeyes staff, Ferentz worked under Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and current Houston Texans head coach Bill O’Brien, serving as New England’s tight ends coach in 2011, helping the Patriots win the AFC championship and a spot in the 2012 Super Bowl. He was an offensive assistant coach in 2010, working exclusively with the tight ends.
HAWKEYE HISTORY
Iowa has played 1,220 games since beginning football in 1889. Iowa’s overall record is 633-548-39 (.535). That includes a 397-216-16 (.641) record in home games, a 236-332-23 (.418) record in games away from Iowa City, a 320-369-25 (.464) mark in Big Ten games and a 280-180-15 (.600) record in Kinnick Stadium.
DUNCAN KICKS HAWKEYES INTO POSTSEASON
True freshman K Keith Duncan kicked a 33-yard field goal as time expired to help Iowa beat No. 2 Michigan 14-13, and become bowl eligible for the 15th time in the last 16 seasons under head coach Kirk Ferentz.
Iowa made its 30th Bowl game appearance (14-15-1) at the 2017 Outback Bowl on Jan. 2, 2017. The Hawkeyes have competed in the Rose (six times), Outback (five), Alamo (four), Holiday (three), Orange (two), Peach (two), Sun (two), Insight (two), Gator/TaxSlayer (two), and the Capital One, and Freedom bowls once.
• Iowa has played 14 bowl games under Kirk Ferentz (6-8), including 10 January bowl games (4-6).
• Iowa has been bowl eligible 15 of the last 16 seasons under head coach Kirk Ferentz. Iowa’s 14 bowl appearances since 2001 tie as the 11th best total in the nation.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, AKSHUN
RB Akrum Wadley and RB LeShun Daniels finished the year ranked seventh and ninth, respectively, in the Big Ten in rushing yards. Wadley rushed for 1,081 yards (83.2 ypg) and Daniels rushed for 1,058 yards (81.4 ypg) and They are the first set of running backs in program history to have 1,000-plus rushing yards in a single season.
Wadley and Daniels combined for 2,139 rushing yards and 20 rushing touchdowns.
Both players topped 100 yards in Week 7 at Purdue, marking the first time since 2008 Iowa had two 100-yard rushers in the same game (Shonn Greene, 115; Jewel Hampton, 114 yards vs. Indiana). It marked the 24th time two players rushed for 100 yards or more in the same game, but the first time two players reached the 150-yard plateau. The duo also accomplished the feat in the win over Nebraska (Daniels 158 yards; Wadley 105 yards).
Daniels had two rushing touchdowns (1, 4) against the Boilermakers. His 67-yard rush in the third quarter was the longest of his career. He finished with 23 carries for 150 yards. He added his second 150-yard, two-touchdown performance of the season Week 11 at Illinois. He had four career games of 150 rushing yards and at least two touchdowns (2015 vs. Minnesota, 195 yards, 3 TDs; 2016 at Purdue, 150 yards, 2 TDs; 2016 at Illinois, 159 yards, 2 TDs; 2016 vs. Nebraska, 158 yards, 2 TDs). He is the only player in the Ferentz era with four such games. Shonn Greene had two such games in 2008. Daniels was named Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week vs. Illinois.
Wadley’s 75-yard touchdown rush at Purdue was a career long rush. He finished with 15 carries for 176 yards, his sixth career 100-yard rushing game, second in a row.
The duo helped Iowa rush for 365 yards against the Boilermakers, tying for the second most rushing yardage total in the Ferentz era (Minnesota, 2002).
Daniels has 1,898 career rushing yards (16th) and Wadley 1,753 (18th). Wadley has scored 132 career points (T-20th), Daniels has scored 116 (26th). Only 39 players in program history have scored 100 or more points.
I’LL TAKE THAT
Iowa was plus-six in turnover margin, sixth in the Big Ten. The Hawkeyes had 18 takeaways (nine interceptions, nine fumble recoveries) and turned nine of the 18 takeaways into touchdowns, including DB Desmond King’s interception return for a touchdown Week 7 at Purdue. It was King’s third career pick-six. Iowa has at least one interception return for a touchdown in each of the last nine seasons, and 14 of the last 16.
Iowa lost two fumbles in 2016, tying Nevada for the NCAA lead.
MAKING HAY IN THE RED ZONE
Iowa ranked second in the Big Ten and 30h in the nation in red zone offense. The Hawkeyes scored points on 36-of-41 trips to the red zone, including 27 touchdowns (11 pass, 16 rush) and nine field goals.
Eight different Hawkeyes scored red zone touchdowns. Iowa’s 16 rushing touchdowns included seven by RB LeShun Daniels, six by RB Akrum Wadley, two by QB C.J. Beathard, and one by RB Derrick Mitchell. The 11 receiving touchdowns went to George Kittle (3), WR Matt VandeBerg (3), Wadley (2), WR Jerminic Smith (1), WR Riley McCarron (1), and TE Noah Fant (1).
HAWKEYES JOIN UPSET PARTY, DEFEAT No. 2 MICHIGAN
Iowa defeated second-ranked Michigan, 14-13, on Nov. 12 at Kinnick Stadium. It was Iowa’s first win over a No. 2 team since it defeated No. 2 Michigan, 12-10, in 1985. In both 2016 and 1985, Iowa upset No. 2 Michigan the same day the third and fourth ranked teams in the nation also lost. It is the only two times in the history of the AP poll that has happened.
In 2016, Iowa defeated No. 2 Michigan, 14-13; Pitt beat No. 3 Clemson, 43-42; and USC beat No. 4 Washington, 26-13. On Saturday, Oct. 19, 1985; Rob Houghtlin kicked a 29-yard field goal as time expired to help No. 1 Iowa defeat No. 2 Michigan, 12-10. Miami defeated No. 3 Oklahoma, 27-14, and Texas defeated No. 4 Arkansas, 15-13.
LIGHTWEIGHTS DELIVER HEAVYWEIGHT KNOCKOUT
True freshman PK Keith Duncan, Iowa’s lightest player at 165 pounds, and freshman DB Manny Rugamba, the Hawkeyes’ lightest position player at 172 pounds, were instrumental in Iowa’s 14-13 upset over No. 2 Michigan on Nov. 12. Duncan kicked a 33-yard game-winning field goal as time expired, and Rugamba intercepted a pass and recorded career highs in tackles (4) and pass breakups (3) in his first career start. Both players earned conference recognition following the game. Duncan was named Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week, and Rugamba shared Big Ten Freshman of the Week honors. He was also named B1G Defensive Player of the Week by College Sports Madness.
FATHER’S FOOTSTEPS
Iowa had nine players on its 2016 roster whose father played for the Hawkeyes. WR Brandon Bishop (Willie in 1986), QB Drew Cook (Marv in 1985-88), OL Cole Croston (Dave in 1984-86), OL Mitch Keppy (Myron in 1986-87), LS Tyler Kluver (Todd in 1986-87), TE George Kittle (Bruce in 1977-80), DE Anthony Nelson (Jeff in 1990-92), TE Peter Pekar (Jim in 1980-81), and QB Ryan Schmidt (Rick 1984-85).
VANDEBERG TO RETURN FOR 5TH YEAR
Senior WR Matt VandeBerg missed Iowa’s final nine games due to a foot injury sustained in practice on Sept. 26. VandeBerg (6-1, 190), played in the first four games of the season, leading the team in receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns (19-284-3 TDs) before the injury.
On Dec. 21, the Big Ten Conference granted the University of Iowa’s medical hardship waiver request on behalf of VandeBerg and granted the wide receiver a fifth year of eligibility.
VandeBerg has 106 career receptions, tying Quinn Early for 19th in program history. He has 1,302 career receiving yards, 27th in program history.
REMOVE THE REDSHIRT
Ten true freshmen saw action in 2016, including RB Toks Akinribade, K Keith Duncan, TE Noah Fant, DB Amani Hooker, LB Amani Jones, DE Cedrick Lattimore, DB Manny Rugamba, QB Nathan Stanley, LB Kristian Welch, and WR Devonte Young.
Fant caught a touchdown pass at Purdue in Week 7, becoming the first true freshman to catch a touchdown pass since RB Jordan Canzeri in 2011.
Stanley played in seven games. He is the first true freshman to play quarterback since Drew Tate in 2003. Tate appeared in six games (no starts) and was 6-of-11 for 55 yards and one touchdown (no interceptions).
Rugamba started a defensive back the final three weeks of the regular season but was injured against Nebraska and did not play at the Outback Bowl. He became just the fourth true freshman to start at defensive back under Kirk Ferentz, joining Desmond King, Benny Sapp, and Bob Sanders.
DANIELS, MCCARRON EARN WEEKLY HONORS
RB LeShun Daniels, Jr. and WR Riley McCarron were recognized as Big Ten Conference Players of the Week for their performances in Iowa’s 28-0 win at Illinois.
Daniels was named the co-Offensive Player of the Week, while McCarron shared the weekly honor as Special Teams Player of the Week. Daniels was also named Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week by College Sports Madness.
Daniels led Iowa’s offense as the Hawkeyes rushed for 262 yards and gained 342 yards total offense. He matched his career high with 26 rushing attempts, gaining 159 yards. He scored twice, giving Iowa a 14-0 lead with a 1-yard plunge in the third quarter, and then scoring from 50 yards in the final period to move the advantage to 21-0.
McCarron had two punt returns against Illinois for 72 yards, including a 55-yard touchdown in the second quarter that provided the only points in the first half. He later added a 17-yard return.
The Big Ten recognition was the first for both Daniels and McCarron.
JOHNSON, DUNCAN, RUGAMBA RECOGNIZED FOLLOWING MICHIGAN UPSET
University of Iowa senior DT Jaleel Johnson, freshman K Keith Duncan, and freshman DB Manny Rugamba were recognized as Big Ten Conference Players of the Week following Iowa’s 14-13 win over second-ranked Michigan on Nov. 12.
Johnson was named Defensive Player of the Week, Duncan was named Special Teams Player of the Week, and Rugamba shared Freshman of the Week honors. Rugamba was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week vs. Michigan by College Sports Madness.
Johnson (6-foot-4, 310-pounds) recorded a career-best nine tackles, including six solo tackles and three assists. His totals included two tackles-for-loss and a sack. Johnson recorded Iowa’s first points of the game, collecting a safety when he dropped Michigan’s De’Veon Smith in the end zone for a safety to cut Iowa’s deficit to 10-2 in the second quarter.
Rugamba (5-11, 185) started for the first time in place of senior Greg Mabin, who missed the game due to injury. Rugamba recorded two solo stops and two assists against the Wolverines. Rugamba also had his second interception of the season in the fourth quarter, and had three pass break-ups as Michigan gained just 103 passing yards. Along with the Big Ten recognition, he was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week by College Sports Madness.
Duncan (5-11, 165) provided the winning margin against Michigan with a 33-yard field goal as time expired. Duncan had given the Hawkeyes an 11-10 advantage with a 25-yard field goal in the third period.
WADLEY NAMED ROSE BOWL GAME BIG TEN PLAYER OF THE WEEK
RB Akrum Wadley was named Rose Bowl Game Big Ten Player of the Week following Iowa’s 14-13 win over No. 2 Michigan at Kinnick Stadium on Nov. 12.
Against the nation’s top-ranked defense, Wadley rushed 23 times for 115 yards (5.0 ypc) and led Iowa with five receptions for 52. He scored Iowa’s only touchdown on a 3-yard reception from QB C.J. Beathard. The 100-yard rushing performance was the seventh of Wadley’s career.
NELSON NAMED BIG TEN FRESHMAN OF THE WEEK
DE Anthony Nelson was named Big Ten Conference Freshman of the Week for his performance in Iowa’s 45-21 win over Miami, Ohio in Week 1.
Nelson forced two Miami fumbles in his first career game, with both leading to Iowa touchdowns. He recorded 2.5 sacks for minus 16 yards, and had yet another sack nullified by a Miami delay of game penalty. Nelson was credited with two solo tackles, four assists and one pass breakup.
Nelson’s first caused turnover came in the first quarter as Miami had reached the Hawkeye eight-yard line. Matt Nelson recovered the fumble and the Hawkeye offense traveled 81 yards in two plays for a touchdown and a 21-0 advantage.
Nelson’s second forced fumble came late in the game and led to Iowa’s final touchdown in the closing minutes.
The Big Ten honor was the first for Nelson. Iowa players earned weekly honors from the Big Ten on six occasions in 2015, including DE Parker Hesse, who earned Freshman of The Week honors in the regular season finale at Nebraska, a 28-20 Hawkeye win.
COLUZZI EARNED BIG TEN HONOR
Senior Ron Coluzzi was named Big Ten Conference Special Teams Player of the Week for his play in Iowa’s 14-7 win at Rutgers. The weekly honor was the first for the graduate transfer who is in his first season with the Hawkeyes. Coluzzi (5-11, 182-pounds) is a native of Naperville, Illinois, who previously played at Central Michigan.
In Iowa’s win over Rutgers, Coluzzi averaged 42 yards on seven punts, with a long of 55 yards. Four of his kicks were placed inside the 20, as Rutgers recorded zero yards on just one return. Coluzzi also recorded touchbacks on all three of his kickoffs, allowing no returns.
BEATHARD EARNED COLLEGE SPORTS MADNESS WEEKLY AWARD
QB C.J. Beathard was named College Sports Madness Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week following his performance against Iowa State in Week 2. Beathard accounted for four first half touchdowns — three passing and one rushing — to lead Iowa to a 42-3 win in the Iowa Corn Cy-Hawk Series. He completed 19-of-28 passes for 235 yards and matched his career best with three touchdown passes.
MORE THAN ONE
Seventeen high schools contributed more than one player to the 2016 Iowa football roster. Dowling Catholic HS in West Des Moines, Iowa; East English Village HS in Detroit, Michigan; and Providence Catholic HS in Homer Glen, Illinois all graduated three current Hawkeyes. The schools with two current Hawkeyes include Davenport Assumption (Davenport, Iowa), Cedar Falls HS (Cedar Falls, Iowa), Gonzaga College HS (Silver Spring, Maryland), Harding HS (Warren, Ohio), Kennedy HS (Cedar Rapids, Iowa), Naperville Central HS (Naperville, Iowa), Pella HS (Pella, Iowa), Regina HS (Iowa City, Iowa), Solon HS (Solon, Iowa), Sycamore HS (Sycamore, Iowa), Waukee HS (Waukee, Iowa), West Branch HS (West Branch, Iowa), West Lyon HS (Inwood, Iowa), and Woodbury Central HS (Moville, Iowa).
THE HAWKEYES, SIZE WISE
Freshman PK Keith Duncan was the lightest Hawkeyes player at 165 pounds. Freshman DB Manny Rugamba was the lightest position player at 172 pounds. Senior DL Jaleel Johnson and sophomore OL Dalton Ferguson were the heaviest Hawkeyes at 310 pounds. A total of 10 Hawkeye players were listed at 300 pounds or more. The tallest player, at 6-8, was sophomore DE Matt Nelson. The shortest player, at 5-8, was junior WR Jonathan Parker.
IOWA LEADERSHIP GROUP
The University of Iowa football program had 16 players in its 2016 Leadership Group, including nine seniors and seven juniors. The purpose of the group is to assist in formulating policies, and being involved in team decision-making matters regarding the upcoming season. Players are selected by a team vote.
The seniors were QB C.J. Beathard, OL Cole Croston, RB LeShun Daniels, Jr., DL Jaleel Johnson, DB Desmond King, TE George Kittle, DB Greg Mabin, WR Riley McCarron, and WR Matt VandeBerg. The junior class was represented by DL Nathan Bazata, OL Ike Boettger, LB Bo Bower, LB Josey Jewell, OL Boone Myers, LB Ben Niemann, and OL Sean Welsh.
GLANCE AT THE SCHEDULE
The Hawkeyes opened 2016 with three straight home games against Miami, Ohio (W, 45-21), Iowa State (W, 42-3), and North Dakota State (L, 23-21).
For the first time in program history, Iowa played a nine-game conference schedule. Iowa played five Big Ten road games (4-1) and hosted four conference schools (2-2), including Northwestern (L, 38-31), Wisconsin (L, 17-9), Michigan (W, 14-13) and Nebraska (W, 40-10).
The Hawkeyes did not face Big Ten opponents Indiana, Maryland, Michigan State, or Ohio State.
Eight of Iowa’s 12 opponents played in the postseason, including seven bowl games and the FCS national championships (North Dakota State).
Iowa had four trophy games on its schedule in 2016 and defended three of them. The Hawkeyes retained the Cy-Hawk trophy with a 42-3 win against Iowa State, the Floyd of Rosedale trophy with a 14-7 triumph at Minnesota, and the Heroes Trophy with a 40-10 over Nebraska in the regular season finale. Iowa lost to Wisconsin 17-9 in a battle for the Heartland Trophy. Iowa won seven of its eight rivalry trophy games over the past two seasons.
For the second straight year, and second time in program history, Iowa played more than one night game at Kinnick Stadium. Iowa defeated Iowa State, 42-3, on Sept. 10 in a game that kicked off at 6:42 p.m. The Hawkeyes defeated Michigan, 14-13, on Nov. 12 in a game that kicked off at 7: 15 p.m.
Iowa’s 2017 schedule includes nonconference home games against Wyoming and North Texas, two schools that played in bowl games a year ago, and a nonconference road trip to Iowa State.
Iowa’s conference home schedule includes Penn State, Illinois (homecoming), Minnesota, Ohio State and Purdue. The Hawkeyes make Big Ten road trips to Michigan State, Northwestern, Wisconsin, and Nebraska. Eight of Iowa’s 12 regular season opponents participated in bowl games in 2016.
IOWA WILL KICKOFF, TWICE IF NECESSARY
Iowa deferred to the second half seven times when winning the coin toss, bucking the “we will receive” philosophy practiced in Kirk Ferentz’s first 17 seasons. The Hawkeyes won the toss at Illinois, chose which end zone they wanted to defend (wind 24 mph), and kicked to the Illini to start the first and second halves. Illinois did not kick off in the game.
Iowa was 5-3 when starting the game on defense. In 18 seasons as Iowa’s head coach, Ferentz and the Hawkeyes have opened on defense in 50-of-227 games (28-22). Iowa has started the game on offense in 177-of-227 games (107-70).
FIND THE NFL-ER
Austin Blythe, a seventh-round selection of the Indianapolis Colts in 2016, became the 15th offensive linemen selected in the NFL draft since 1999, Kirk Ferentz’s first year as UI head coach. In the first 17 of Ferentz’s 18 complete seasons, the Hawkeyes had a future NFL player start on the offensive line.
From 2007-14, an eventual NFL first-round draft pick started on the Iowa offensive line. Brandon Scherff, selected by the Washington Redskins fifth overall in 2015, was Iowa’s left tackle from 2012-14. Riley Reiff, selected 23rd overall by the Detroit Lions in 2012, started at left tackle from 2010-11. Bryan Bulaga, selected 23rd overall by the Green Bay Packers in 2010, started at left guard in 2007 before moving to left tackle in 2008-09.
From 2005-06, Baltimore Ravens All-Pro Marshal Yanda shared time at tackle and guard for the Hawkeyes. Mike Elgin, a seventh round selection of New England, was Iowa’s starting center in 2004. Pete McMahon, drafted by Oakland in 2005, was Iowa’s right guard in 2003. Oakland’s first round pick in 2004, Robert Gallery, was Iowa’s left tackle from 2001-03. Eric Steinbach (Cincinnati) started at guard for Iowa from 2000-02, and Bruce Nelson (Carolina) was a four-year starter from 1999-02. Steinbach and Nelson were second round draft picks in 2003.
Iowa used seven different starting combinations in 2016. Senior Cole Croston (LT/RT); juniors Ike Boettger (LT, LG, RT), Boone Myers (LT, LG), and Sean Welsh (RG, RT); sophomores James Daniels (C), Lucas LeGrand (C), and Keegan Render (LG, RG); and freshman Levi Paulsen (RG) all started in at least one game for the Hawkeyes.
FERENTZ TOPS IN LONGEVITY
Kirk Ferentz completed his 18th season as Iowa’s head football coach. He is tied with Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops as the longest active FBS head coaches. Ferentz was named Iowa head coach on Dec. 2, 1998, one day after Stoops was named head coach at Oklahoma. Stoops was a Hawkeye letterman from 1979-82.
BACK ON CAMPUS
Four former players were on the University of Iowa football staff in 2016. Brian Ferentz, a three-year letterman from 2003-05, completed his fifth year as Iowa’s offensive line coach, and his second season as Iowa’s run game coordinator.
LeVar Woods, a three-year letterman from 1998-2000, completed his ninth year on the Iowa staff, his second season coaching tight ends after coaching linebackers for three seasons. He also assists with special teams. Woods rejoined the program as an administrative assistant in 2008.
Kelvin Bell joined the Iowa program as a defensive lineman in 2000, but had his career cut short due to injury. He returned to the program as a graduate assistant and served as director of on-campus recruiting from 2012-13 before being named recruiting coordinator and defensive assistant coach in February, 2016.
Broderick Binns, a four-year letterman from 2008-11, was named director of player development in April, 2016. Binns previously served as a graduate assistant in 2014 and 2015, working with the Hawkeye special teams.
IOWA AT THE HEAD OF CLASS IN COACHING LANDSCAPE
The University of Iowa has produced four active FBS head coaches, tying Alabama for most in the country. Bret Bielema (Arkansas), Jay Norvell (Nevada), Bob Stoops (Oklahoma), and Mark Stoops (Kentucky) all earned ndergraduate degrees from the University of Iowa. Bielema, Norvell, Bob Stoops, and Mark Stoops played for former UI head coach Hayden Fry. All four head coaches served as assistants under Fry. Bielema was an assistant coach on Kirk Ferentz’s staff from 1999-2001.
IOWA PROGRAM NOTES
• The Hawkeyes have earned bowl eligibility in 15 of the last 16 seasons.
• Iowa played in the Big Ten title game for the first time in program history on Dec. 5, 2015. Iowa earned Big Ten Conference championships in 2002 and 2004 and placed second in 2009. Iowa (8-0, 2002; 8-0, 2015) is one of three Big Ten teams to post a perfect mark in conference play since 1998 (BCS era), joining Michigan State (1) and Ohio State (5).
• Since the start of the 2003 season, Iowa has 113 wins, a total that ranks 24th-best in the nation.
• Iowa has ranked in the top 10 in the final Associated Press and CNN/USA Today coaches polls five times since 2002, including a ranking of seventh in both polls at the conclusion of the 2009 season. Iowa ranked eighth in 2002, 2003 and 2004. The Hawkeyes finished 2015 ranked ninth in the AP poll and 10th in the USA Today Coaches Poll. In the Big Ten, only Ohio State has more top 10 finishes since 2002.
• Since 1936 when the first AP poll was released, Iowa has appeared in the poll 312 times, the fifth highest total in the Big Ten (Ohio State, Michigan, Wisconsin, and MSU). Iowa has been the top-ranked team in the country 11 times.
• Iowa set a school record with 12 wins in 2015. The Hawkeyes won 11 games in 2002 (11-2), and 2009 (11-2). In 2009, Iowa started 9-0 and won 10 regular season games for just the fourth time in school history.
• Iowa won 10 or more games in three consecutive years (2002-04) for the first time in school history.
• Kirk Ferentz has been named Big Ten Coach of the Year four times (2002, 2004, 2009, 2015) and was named National Coach of the Year in 2002 and 2015. Only Michigan’s Bo Schembechler (6) has more conference coach of the year. Iowa’s Hayden Fry and Penn State’s Joe Paterno both won the award three times.
• Iowa has had eight national award winners national award winners under head coach Kirk Ferentz. They include Robert Gallery (2003 Outland, Top Lineman); Brad Banks (2002 Davey O’Brien, Top Quarterback; 2002 Associated Press National Player of the Year); Dallas Clark (2002 Mackey, Top Tight End); Nate Kaeding (2002 Groza, Top Kicker); Shonn Greene (2008 Doak Walker, Top Running Back); Brandon Scherff (2014 Outland, Top Lineman), Desmond King (2015 Jim Thorpe).
• Iowa’s football record in the 2000 decade was 80-45 (.640), a record that ranks as the best decade in Iowa football history, based on total wins. Iowa posted a record of 77-40-4 (.652) during the 1980’s and the Hawkeyes were 62-53-2 (.538) in the 1990’s. Iowa is 54-37 (.593) since 2010.
• Part of the Hawkeyes’ long term success is due to the stability in the program. Iowa has had just two head coaches since 1979. Hayden Fry took over prior to the 1979 season and coached through the 1998 season, posting a record of 143-89-6. Current coach Kirk Ferentz replaced Fry, leading the program for the 18th season. Ferentz also served as Iowa’s offensive line coach from 1981-89 under Fry.
3 HAWKEYES COMPETE IN SENIOR BOWL
Three members of the 2016 University of Iowa football team were selected participate at the 2017 Senior Bowl; quarterback C.J. Beathard, defensive back Desmond King, and defensive tackle Jaleel Johnson.
Beathard started all 13 games, passing for 1,929 yards with 17 touchdowns. His 40 touchdown passes rank sixth all-time, and his 5,562 passing yards rank eighth all-time. Beathard won eight games in 2016, running his career record to 21-7 (.750), the best all-time winning percentage among Hawkeye quarterbacks with 20 or more career starts. He is one of five players in program history to win 20 games as starting quarterback. Beathard’s career record includes an 11-3 mark at Kinnick Stadium, a 10-1 record in true road games, a 14-4 record in Big Ten games, a 4-5 record against AP Top 25 teams, and a 7-1 record in rivalry games.
King was named first team All-Big Ten for the second consecutive season. He started all 13 games at cornerback in 2016 and set a school record in career starts (51) and career games played (53). King recorded 42 solo tackles and 16 assists as a senior, with seven pass break-ups and three interceptions, including a 41-yard interception return for a touchdown in a win at Purdue.
Johnson led Iowa with 7.5 sacks (50 yards), becoming the first defensive tackle to lead the team in sacks since Mike Daniels in 2011 (9-53). Johnson’s sack total tied for seventh in the Big Ten. He was named first team All-Big Ten by league coaches and set career highs in tackles (52), tackles-for-loss (10-54), and sacks. Johnson had a career-best nine tackles in Iowa’s 14-13 win against No. 2 Michigan, including a tackle for a safety, and finished his career with 27 consecutive starts.
The Hawkeyes have been represented with more than one player in the Senior Bowl in each of the last six seasons. Center Austin Blythe and tight end Henry Krieger Coble participated a year ago. Iowa football has been represented in the Senior Bowl every season since 2002. Only Michigan (5), Alabama (4), LSU (4), and Miami (4), have more than three players participating this year.
IOWA FOOTBALL AWARDS
University of Iowa senior running back LeShun Daniels, Jr., senior quarterback C.J. Beathard, and junior linebacker Josey Jewell were named Roy J. Carver Most Valuable Players for the 2016 Hawkeye football team.
The five team captains for the 2016 season included Beathard and Daniels on offense, Jewell and senior defensive back Desmond King on defense, and kicker Ron Coluzzi on special teams.
The Hayden Fry Award was shared by Beathard, Daniels, and senior wide receiver Riley McCarron on offense, and Jewell and King on defense. The award goes to team members who show exemplary leadership and dedication throughout the year.
The Players Choice Awards, selected by player vote, went to Beathard on offense and Jewell on defense. Jewell and Daniels shared the Iron Hawk Award.
Senior offensive lineman Ryan Ward received the Forest Evashevski Scholastic Achievement Award, presented to a senior who has the highest scholastic record. The native of Homer Glen, Illinois, has twice earned academic All-Big Ten recognition.
Coluzzi and King shared the specialist portion of the Reggie Roby Special Teams Award, while junior outside linebacker Kevin Ward was recognized for his overall special teams play.
The Brett Greenwood Award was shared by McCarron and senior offensive lineman Cole Croston. Established in 2011, the Greenwood Award also honors former Hawkeyes who fit the description, one year at a time, for each season Kirk Ferentz has coached the Hawkeyes. Three seniors from the 2004 Iowa team were recognized, including defensive back Sean Considine, defensive lineman Tyler Luebke, and offensive lineman Pete McMahon.
Daniels and junior offensive lineman Ike Boettger (Cedar Falls, Iowa) shared Comeback Player of the Year honors.
Three Hawkeyes earned the Next Man In Award; sophomore offensive lineman Keegan Render (Indianola, Iowa), and junior tight end Peter Pekar (Greendale, Wisconsin) on offense, and freshman defensive back Manny Rugamba (Naperville, Illinois) on defense.
Coaches Appreciation Award recipients included Ryan Ward, and senior lineman Steve Ferentz (Iowa City, Iowa) on offense, senior defensive back Greg Mabin (Fort Lauderdale, Florida) on defense, and junior fullback Drake Kulick (Muscatine, Iowa) and freshman kicker Keith Duncan (Weddington, N.C.) for special teams.
The Finish Strong Award was presented to senior defensive back Anthony Gair (Plano, Texas) and senior defensive lineman Faith Ekakitie (Brampton, Ontario).
Team Hustle Awards went to senior tight end George Kittle, junior running back Akrum Wadley and junior lineman Sean Welsh on offense, Johnson, junior safety Miles Taylor and sophomore end Parker Hesse on defense, and defensive back Jake Gervase and long snapper Tyler Kluver on special teams.
Team Leader Awards were presented to redshirt freshman quarterback Drew Cook (Iowa City, Iowa), and freshman running back Toren Young (Madison, Wisconsin) on offense; sophomore linebacker Jacob Sobotka (Clearfield, Iowa), junior lineman Daniel Gaffey (Iowa City, Iowa) and freshman linebacker Nick Niemann (Sycamore, Illinois) on defense; and junior wide receiver Brandon Bishop (Sugar Grove, Illinois) and freshman linebacker Kyle Taylor (Silver Spring, Maryland) on special teams.
The Player Appreciation Award was presented to Deb and Ted Pacha of Iowa City. The Bump Elliott Appreciation Award was presented to Bob Rahfeldt and Chris Ruth. Rahfeld and Ruth are director, and assistant director, respectively, of the Iowa football video department. The Distinguished Service Award was presented to Gerry Rundell.
IOWA FOOTBALL AND THE NFL
• Since 1999, Kirk Ferentz’s first year as head coach, 120 former Hawkeyes have played in the NFL.
• At least one Iowa Hawkeye has been selected in every NFL Draft since 1978.
• Since 2010, Iowa has had 26 players drafted in the NFL. Among Big Ten teams, only Ohio State has had more draft picks in that same time span (39). Nebraska and Penn State have also had 26 players drafted since 2010.
• Iowa has had four first round picks in the last seven NFL drafts — OL Bryan Bulaga, 2010; DE Adrian Clayborn, 2011; OL Riley Reiff, 2012; OL Brandon Scherff, 2015. Only Ohio State (7) and Wisconsin (5) have more among Big Ten schools.
• Iowa had 23 players drafted from 2010-16, including four first round picks (OL Bryan Bulaga, 2010; DE Adrian Clayborn, 2011; OL Riley Reiff, 2012; OL Brandon Scherff, 2015).
• Iowa and Alabama were the only two college football programs to have a first round draft selection following the 2009, 2010 and 2011 seasons.
• Iowa had six players drafted in the 2012 NFL Draft, which tied for the most in the Big Ten and tied for fourth in the country.
• Former Hawkeye Marshal Yanda (Baltimore OL) is a five-time Pro-Bowler (2011-15) and was named NFL All-Pro in 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015.
• In NFL 2011 regular season statistics, former Hawkeye linebackers Chad Greenway (Minnesota) and Pat Angerer (Indianapolis) finished third and fourth, respectively, in tackles. Greenway was named to the Pro Bowl in 2012 and 2013.
• Three former Hawkeyes were involved in the 2012 Super Bowl. DB Tyler Sash played for the Super Bowl champion New York Giants, while LB Jeff Tarpinian was on the injured reserve roster of the New England Patriots. Former Iowa center Brian Ferentz, now is his fourth year as Iowa’s offensive line coach, was New England’s tight ends coach.
• Former Iowa DB Sean Considine and OL Marshal Yanda won Super Bowl rings with the 2012 Baltimore Ravens in the 2013 Super Bowl.
• Former Iowa LB James Morris (injured reserve) earned a Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots in 2015. Former TE Tony Moeaki played for the Seattle Seahawks in the same game.
• Former center James Ferentz was a member of the 2016 Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos.
• Former Hawkeyes Jonanthan Babineux and Adrian Clayborn are representing the Atlanta Falcons at the 2017 Super Bowl.
• Entering the 2016 season, every Iowa senior starting tight end (11) under Kirk Ferentz has been drafted in the NFL or made an NFL team.
• All 11 members of Iowa’s starting defensive unit in 2008 were either drafted or signed to NFL free agent contracts following the drafts.
• Over the past 15 years, 140-of-157 (89 percent) of Iowa’s senior starters have been drafted in the NFL or signed NFL free agent contracts.
