Iowa Hawkeyes: Coordinators Pleased With What They Are Seeing

Jan 1, 2014; Tampa, Fl, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts on the sideline during the second half against LSU Tigers at Raymond James Stadium. LSU won 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Kirk Ferentz, Greg Davis, and Phil Parker all spoke today at a 12:30 p.m. press conference.

Here is how Davis feels after the first 12 practices of the spring.

"“So after 12 practices, we feel like we have got the base offense in. We have looked at a few things that were slightly different than what we did in the past and we have got a good look at some of the young guys. We feel like it’s been a good spring. We’ve stayed healthy. Kids have worked hard, so I feel like if we get through the next three days healthy, we’ll get a lot accomplished this spring.” – Greg Davis, hawkeyesports.com"

There has been a lot of buzz surrounding the quarterback position and Jake Rudock and C.J. Beathard.  We have some saying Beathard is in the running, some say it’s Rudock’s job, and others say Beathard could see the field in games for a series or two.  

"“We are real pleased with C.J. He’s doing a good job. But we are real pleased with Jake, too. Jake is an extremely bright guy, he’s gifted. He’s healthy again. He’s running around, making plays. I just feel fortunate that we have two quarterbacks that we feel like can go in and play.” – Greg Davis, hawkeyesports.com"

When asked if C.J. could possibly see the field for a couple of plays every game, here is what Davis had to say.

"“It’s something that we have discussed as an offensive staff. We will continue to look at it as something we want to implement next year.” – Greg Davis, hawkeyesports.com"

When you flip the tables and turn it over to Phil Parker, he has a little bit more to be concerned with considering he lost his three best players from a year ago.  Replacing James Morris, Christian Kirksey, and Anthony Hitchens will be no easy task, but I believe it is doable.

"“So right now it is pretty fluid at the linebacker position but I think Quinton Alston is obviously the starting Mike back and then inside up front between Carl Davis and Louis, they have done a good job, and then Drew Ott up front. The other end would be determined between Mike Hardy and I think Nate Meier has really made a push to be a guy that can play on first and second down.” – Phil Parker, hawkyesports.com"

A lot of people are wondering who is going to be the guy to step up and be the leader on the defense and I think if you ask around a lot of people point their fingers at Quinton Alston, including Parker.

"“I think he took a real good step in December with the bowl prep and understanding he’s going to have to be the leader coming up the next year. I thought he started in December with the bowl prep. I think he’s done a great job up to this point of being the leader and he’s kind of the guy that takes control of the huddle and demands from the guys on the field. So he’s earned that respect by what he does and how he practices and how he’s committed to understanding football. And like I say, I think a lot of it comes down to football IQ and I think he’s done a good job in that respect, and a lot of the guys respect that.” – Phil Parker, hawkeyesports.com"

After reading through the transcripts it sounds like the coaches are excited with what they have seen so far in spring ball.  They’ll obviously be able to judge it a little better on Saturday with the spring game taking place.

Stay tuned.