Kirk Ferentz’s best Iowa teams have featured outstanding offensive lines and that gives the Hawkeyes hope the can rebound from last year’s 4-8 record. Seven players return up front with starting experience and offensive line coach Brian Ferentz says it is a versatile group as well.
“I think right now where we are in a better situation is we have a little bit more versatility, we have a little bit more position flexibility with each player,” Ferentz says. He says there are some players they don’t want to move around, but others have the ability to help out in many areas.
Ferentz says the five best linemen will start regardless of position. “If one of the five best doesn’t fit, you find one that can move. You’re going to find a way to get your five best on the field,” Ferentz says. He says the ultimate goal is to win the game.
Among those returning is junior left tackle Brandon Scherff. The native of Denison missed the final five games of the 2012 season due to injury and Iowa lost all of them. Scherff says it was frustrating, but he had to let it go and get ready for this year.
Scherff says the offensive line wants to help erase the memories of last season. “I think we kind of put last year behind us right when the season ended. We started working toward this year and we’ve all done a great job. We had a heck summer and know we are just taking the next step forward,” Scherff says.
Iowa opens the season at home on August 31st against UNI.