Iowa Football: Press Conference and Depth Chart Reactions

The Iowa Hawkeyes wrapped up a terrific year in a rough way after they got blown out by Stanford in the Rose Bowl. Kirk Ferentz met with the media today to discuss things as we move into 2016.

Kirk Ferentz stirred up quite the buzz last year around this time when he met with the media and named C.J. Beathard the starting quarterback heading into spring 2015 practices. This ultimately led to Jake Rudock’s transfer to Michigan.

Turns out, it was one of the smartest decisions Ferentz has made as Beathard led the Hawkeyes to a 12-2 mark and a birth in the Rose Bowl this past season.

When Ferentz met with the media today he didn’t name Tyler Weigers the quarterback for next season (obviously), but there are still things to look at over the course of the winter.

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The biggest takeaway came a fews days ago when Iowa’s All-American cornerback, Desmond King, decided it was in his best interests to return to Iowa City next season and finish out his degree. King also cited that there was some unfinished business. Wonder what that is in reference to?

I’m kidding.

King was leaning toward coming back. Values college experience.
— Marc Morehouse (@marcmorehouse) January 7, 2016

Now that King has decided to return, that gives Iowa eight starters back on defense. Three in the secondary, three on the line, and two linebackers. The only departures are Jordan Lomax, Nate Meier, and Cole Fisher. All were important pieces this past season. It’s looking like Brandon Snyder will replace Lomax, Aaron Mends will replace Fisher, and Matt Nelson will replace Meier. All players are entering their sophomore campaign’s.

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I’m most excited to see Nelson. Nelson stands 6’8″ and weighs 270 pounds. His height and length will likely create problems for offensive linemen over the course of his career. With three years left under his belt, I can see Nelson making a big impact on this program.

On the offensive side, Iowa loses a little bit more. They’ll lose two offensive linemen, Austin Blythe and Jordan Walsh. Along with those two they lose Tevaun Smith, Jordan Canzeri, Henry Krieger-Coble, and Macon Plewa.

The biggest question mark is who fills Blythe’s spot. He was the captain of that line and it’s tough to replace a kid like that. Early word is it’s James Daniels, but with an offseason surgery scheduled, he may miss the spring.

James Daniels probably out for spring.
— Marc Morehouse (@marcmorehouse) January 7, 2016

Jerminic Smith will fill Tevaun’s shoes. Jerminic had a nice game against Illinois when Tevaun was unable to play. While Canzeri will be missed, Iowa has never had a problem filling a hole at running back. Considering they have two guys that have experience in Leshun Daniels and Akrum Wadley, that’s the least of their worries.

Iowa will return the teams leading receiver from the past season, Matt Vandeberg. Matt caught 65 passes for 703 yards and 4 touchdowns for the Hawks.

Iowa will be right in line for the Big Ten West title again next year. They return their second team All-Big Ten quarterback, C.J. Beathard, along with several pieces from this past years team. At a glance, Iowa’s schedule appears favorable once again and a Big Ten West title should be the expectation.

Stay locked into Dear Old Gold for constant coverage of the Iowa Hawkeyes.

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Press Conference And Depth Chart Release Reactions

By Dylan Burn | Jan 7, 2016

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