Iowa head coach Kirk Fertenz and three players stepped up to the microphone on the second day of the Big Ten Media Days.
By Mario Williams
CHICAGO — Tuesday morning through mid-afternoon was the second and final taste of the 2016 Big Ten season at the Big Ten media days. Aside from Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, members of the media heard Lovie Smith, Kevin Wilson, Mark Dantonio, Paul Chryst, D.J. Durkin, and Urban Meyer.
Select players from Illinois, Indiana, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Maryland, and Ohio State also spoke.
Here are a few bullet points from Iowa on the final day of Big Ten media days.
Faith Ekakitie
Last week Iowa defensive end Faith Ekakitie found himself in what could have been a harrowing incident in the Iowa City area.
Ekakitie engaged in the new gaming app, Pokémon Go, and arrived at a park in the area to play. A few moments earlier, a nearby bank had been robbed, and police matched Ekakitie to the description of the suspect as a “large black male wearing all black.”
Iowa City police identified Ekakitie and approached him. However, he had headphones on and didn’t comply with their instructions, which caused police to draw their guns. Ekakitie was then searched and checked.
After the incident, Ekakitie posted a moving statement on his Facebook page, which has gone viral. Ferentz applauded the senior for the way he handled the situation and for even posting on social media, although the head coach doesn’t allow his players to use Twitter.
“The way he handled that situation is so commendable,” Ferentz said. “If all players were like Faith, I would lift that ban. Nationally, I think we can all learn from the way he handled it.
“Life isn’t fair; we all know that. Society isn’t always fair, either. But one of the greatest things about sports is it’s one of the fairest places you can be.”
Iowa cornerback Desmond King believes the situation has taught the players to be aware of their surroundings.
“I know he had on headphones, but it’s good to be aware of your surroundings at all times,” King said.
Beathard’s progression
Iowa quarterback C.J. Beathard will enter his second-straight season as a starter. Despite his years in the program, he’s fully developed into his own. Beathard credited a lot to his progression to his confidence.
The senior noted he’s not under any physical restrictions coming into the 2016-17 season after battling through a vast number of injuries last season.
“I know I can do things with my feet that I wasn’t able to do last season,” Beathard said. “I’m excited to see what I can do. Hopefully, I stay healthy all season long so I’m able to do more scrambling and more getting out of the pocket. I’m excited about the opportunities.”
Unfinished business
After falling short at the Big Ten Championship and at the Rose Bowl last season, the Hawkeyes still have some unfinished business to take care of.
Beathard believes losing has made the players learn from the mistakes they made, and it’s something that’s always on their mind. Their goal is to go back to the Big Ten Championship and make it to a bowl game.
“I’ll be thinking about it all 15 years from now,” Beathard said. “You get that taste in your mouth on how close it is, and you definitely want to go back and win. I think winning a Big Ten Championship will make last year’s loss better.”