Highlights from Kirk Ferentz’s Press Conference — 9/9

September 9, 2015

Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts to a play during the game at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on Saturday, Sept. 20, 2014. The Ferentz family will donate $1 million to the Stead Family Children’s Hospital. (The Daily Iowan/file photo)

Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz speaks with the media each Tuesday during the football season. Every week, The Daily Iowan‘s Pregame Staff will post highlights and interesting quotes and lines from Ferentz’s press conference.

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Let’s give this another shot. Due to the death of former Hawkeye defensive back Tyler Sash, Ferentz’s press conference was moved to Wednesday at 2:15. Here’s what Ferentz had to say.

Ferentz thanks everyone for coming back today due to the circumstances yesterday.
“I want to thank our fans, everybody involved, have shown support to Tyler’s family and the Hawkeye family.”
Ferentz lists the Indiana interception in 2009 as his “defining moment.”
Ferentz says Tyler Sash scored 36 of his youth basketball team’s 40 points in a game against his son, James. James Ferentz’s team lost 40-36.
Captains the same — Ott, Lomax, Beathard, Blythe.
“I just fully understand and appreciate what this series is about … certainly it’s an exciting football game for our players that grew up in the state of Iowa.”
KF says experience for young guys and second-teamers to get experience in the Illinois State game.
On defensive tackles Nathan Bazata and Jaleel Johnson: “Really pleased … both Nathan and Jaleel did a good job and I hope that will be a springboard for things to come.”
“If we’re going to win this week, we need to improve.”
Ferentz says he’s not sure if tight end George Kittle will play Saturday. Suffered a knee strain in the opener, and missed most of the second half.
Says he’s pleased with his receivers after week one, but “not ready to ordain anybody” yet.
Iowa is working on punt coverage. Iowa State’s dangerous in that area, guys.
Calls LeShun Daniels, Jr. and Jordan Canzeri “top-shelf guys.” That’s a phenomenal phrase.
Ferentz joked he set a record for playing in the most homecoming games in his younger years.
On Akrum Wadley, who fumbled Saturday: “I told him, back to work … I’m not a doghouse guy.”
Hoping for Derrick Mitchell, Jr. to play Saturday. Missed the opener.
Jake Duzey has participated in football activities this week. Says there’s no timetable yet.
On the fake field goal against Illinois State: “If it doesn’t work, I know what the reaction will be next time.”
“We’re going to try to pay tribute to Tyler in a tasteful way.” Haven’t decided yet, but Iowa is going to do something. Ferentz says they’ll run it by the family first.