How will Iowa circle the wagons in 2010?

How much does Brandon Wegher's personal matters have to do with college football? It was an interesting to read the Quad Cities article provided on the Wegher situation.

"Right now he just needs some time to sort some things out," Coach
Kirk Ferentz said. "It happens in life to all of us. He just needs a little
time right now. Hopefully, he'll choose to return to the team."

"We forget sometimes that these are college students and they
have a lot going through their minds," he added.

"We're a better football team with him," Ferentz said.
"Hopefully, he will come to the conclusion that he really enjoys this."

In August 2002, Iowa had a key performer from the previous season leave the program in the fall camp. He was actually dismissed from the Iowa program. Iowa went on to become an 8-0 Big Ten football team in 2002.

Certainly, the circumstances are completely different between the player in 2002 and the player missing in 2010. But, the leadership of Kirk Ferentz, since he arrived in 1999 in working with young college men, who also play football, has not changed much. Coach Ferentz continues to grow with experience, as he leads the Iowa Football program in '10.

As one preview publication put it this year, "If the Stars Align" - Hawkeye Football 2010, could college football see something special this season from the Iowa football program?

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Three weeks 'til paydirt: Iowa Football '10

The Iowa Hawkeyes hosted its Kid's Day from Kinnick Stadium on Saturday. It appears some interesting news is coming our way from Iowa City. Iowa should be one of the nations better programs in '10.

• Sophomore RB Brandon Wegher is not practicing. The door is open, but he may choose not to return for the '10 season, due to personal circumstances. One would hope that he would not walk away from an outstanding opportunity on the field.


• Sophomore CB Greg Castillo is a player to watch in the secondary. He has one start and could emerge in '10 along side sophomore Micah Hyde. Look for junior CB Jordan Bernstine to backup at safety, but see a lot of his time as Iowa's top nickel back in '10.


• Senior QB Ricky Stanzi is likely on the brink of a very special season. There is a lot of talent in the receiving corp and RB again could be a 1-2 punch with sophomores Jewel Hampton and Adam Robinson.


• Senior DT Christian Ballard is the third senior in the defensive line for the Hawkeyes and may be ready for a break out season, with senior DE Adrian Clayborn and senior DT Karl Klug at his side. Many rank Iowa one of top 3 defensive lines in college football, if not the best.


• Iowa has one of the most stable coaching staffs in the country, lead by head coach Kirk Ferentz, entering his 12Th season. Iowa's success in '10 will be fueled by all three phases of the game.


• Iowa has some outstanding experience in special teams. This is an area where Iowa could make a huge step in the football ladder in '10.

Iowa football: Prater sits out practice; battle at kicker continues - ‎DesMoinesRegister.com
Iowa City, Ia. — Cornerback Shaun Prater did not participate in Saturday's scrimmage because of a “leg pull.” “He's been practicing pretty well, ...

See comments above, regarding Iowa's CB position. Junior Shaun Prater is Iowa's most experience CB, but two sophomores may lead the attack at times. Iowa also has a veteran CB in junior William Lowe, who has played a lot on special teams.

PHOTOS: Hawkeye football scrimmage & Wegher update ‎- Gazette Online
Iowa players give their autographs to fans during Iowa Kids Day at Kinnick Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2010, in Iowa City. A good size crowd showed up to ...

Camp Central: Hawkeye fans flock to Kid's Day ‎ - University of Iowa Athletics

Wegher watch ‎ - Gazette Online (blog)

Ferentz confirms Wegher's departure - Quad City Times

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