Including his redshirt season on the scout team it’s been a long haul to Saturday for Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard. I’ve tried to show him the ropes of being prepared in the classroom and on the field, but he’s done a real good job to set himself up for a successful career here, ” LeShun Daniels said.
“With our linemen, we have some new guys”, Ferentz said. The Hawkeyes must replace their leading passer, rusher and receiver from a year ago as they hope to notch more than eight wins for the first time since 2009. “That’s important, not only as a leader on the line but our entire football team”. Last season Smith had 43 receptions for 596 yards and touchdown catches against Northwestern and Nebraska. “I think we have a nice opportunity to mix it up a little bit”. “It feels like he has been the starter with his leadership and by the way he has been practicing”. “He’s ready to compete”.
Longtime Iowa defensive coordinator Bill Brashier, all-American receiver Don Norton, NCAA wrestling champion Jim Heffernan, 12-time swimming all-American Tom Roemer, all-American gymnast Neil Schmitt, 1991 Big Ten gymnast of the year Lori Cole and 1991 Big Ten softball player of the year Karen Jackson form this year’s hall of fame induction class.
Beathard was 17 for 37 passing for 245 yards and a touchdown in his only previous start, a 24-10 win at Purdue last fall. Daniels had just 15 carries in five games as a sophomore, limited by injury.
“He’s done a great job of running with it and embracing it”, hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz said.
Illinois State ranked second in the FCS preseason coaches poll, its highest ranking ever, and following a season-opening loss by top-rated North Dakota State to Montana last weekend the Redbirds have plenty to play for against the Hawkeyes.
“After practice I’m getting extra work because I know there’s going to be a lot of opportunities on my side of the ball”. Those are the things we are thinking about’. He expects every player on the Hawkeye two-deep roster to be available to play Saturday.
Coach Brock Spack sees a little irony in the situation because he started recruiting Slattery after he saw the Rockford, Ill., native kick during a camp … at Iowa.
“He has just ascended”, Ferentz said. He said additional true freshmen could find their way onto the field as the season progresses. Senior Jordan Canzeri will start the opener as Iowa’s third down back, but he’ll shift into the lead role if Daniels struggles. Ferentz likes how the style of the two complement each other.
The departure of top wide receiver Kevonte Martin-Manley left Smith as Iowa’s new No. 1 option. “I think we’ve practiced better and the players are aware that we’ve got to play better and we want to play better”. Ferentz said Jonathan Parker, Tevaun Smith and Canzeri have also worked in camp on kick return teams.