March 23, 2005
Iowa focusing on D-line, running game
Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz is focusing spring practice on finding four new defensive linemen and a dependable running back.
With all four starters gone up front, the Hawkeyes need to completely restock the D-line. The vetting process started in December's bowl game, with more rotation on the line.
"We had a pretty good idea of what our starting front four could do, so we gave the young guys extensive work," he said. "It's a little bit like our offensive line situation in 2003 when we had all those guys graduate."
Right now, DE Kenny Iwebema, DE Bryan Mattison are penciled as starters. DT George Eshareturi and DT Matt Kroul are slotted as the top tackles. Ferentz said as many as six to eight players, including some freshmen, may rotate on the defensive line this fall.
Ferentz has to find a way to improve Iowa's 116th ranked rushing offense. Overall, the O-line and backs have more experience this season, which should help. RB Marques Simmons is number on the spring depth chart, followed by RB Sam Brownlee and RB Damian Sims. RB Marcus Schnoor and RB Albert Young are still rehabilitating injuries from last season and will sit out spring practice. Tom Busch is expected to start at fullback.
"A balanced offense will make Drew Tate a more effective and dangerous quarterback," Ferentz said. If he can lean on a good, consistent running game, that'll be a real plus for us."
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