An experienced offensive line will be counted on next season to help the Iowa Hawkeyes bounce back from a disappointing 4-8 season in 2012. Seven players with extensive experience return and offensive line coach Brian Ferentz says the goal this spring has been to build consistency.
Ferentz says they want to play physically, they want to be sound on their assignments, but being consistent is the most important thing if you want to have good results. The other goal is to build depth so they can withstand the injuries that occur virtually every season.
“And then the trick to that is, can you move pieces in and out, can you move guys in and out and maintain a certain level of play? I don’t feel like we did that very well last year,” Ferentz says. He says they are still working on that.
Ferentz says every offense has its strengths but the first goal for the Hawkeyes is to run the football. The Hawks averaged 123 yards on the ground last season.
He says they know they have to run the ball to be successful and he says that means being able to run it when the defense knows they want to run the ball. The Hawks will conclude spring drills with a scrimmage on April 27th.