By Jordan Hansen
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz spoke to members of the media at Big Ten Media Days to discuss the upcoming 2016-2017 season.
“We had a a lot of positive moments last year”
Laments losing seniors, says it’s a very “new team.” He then goes into how the Hawkeyes need to continue to develop depth and how they’re going to have to continue to build.
Says he’s excited for the work ahead and excited for camp to start.
On expectations: “If you look back, there’s years where we’ve handled it well.” Says they need to continue to do the “little things” that help win close games. Says last year is a good example of this. Basically, they did all the right stuff.
Says lots of things have to go your way to have an undefeated team. “It goes back to taking care of what you can take care of.”
On Beathard: Says people kind of assumed he was a veteran player coming in. “Showed a lot of poise, a lot of leadership… All of us expect him to push forward and not only be healthier, but a better player as well.”
Says he told Desmond King, “There are very few times in life you get to do what you want to do.” Ferentz said getting a degree was important to King. Thinks he can be an even better player this year.
“Perceptions are, a lot of time, overrated.” On a question about cornerbacks.
On Josey Jewell, who is a junior: “We’ve never brought anyone but seniors here. What I concluded is that Josey is the first sophomore captain we’ve ever had… it was common sense to bring him here. He’s a tremendous representative of our program.”
Says that Henry-Krieger Coble was a big loss for Iowa. Talked about George Kittle as well: “He’s worked extremely hard… hopefully he has a real memorable senior season.”
On Nebraska, specifically playing the game on Friday every year “It’s great. We enjoy it… it adds to the game a little bit, it’s all positive.”