A former Iowa Hawkeye football player known for catching passes says he is running for State Treasurer. Matt Whitaker played on Iowa’s 1990 Big Ten Championship team and went on to earn law and business degrees. Whitaker says he has the experience to help the state.He says some of his experiences on the football field will help him in the treasurer’s job as he’s learned dedication, hard work, and the ability to see things through.Whitaker, a 32-year-old republican, says being a football star might help him as a political newcomer a little bit. Whitaker now works for a law firm in Des Moines.Whitaker says the state faces a big challenge with the current tough economic times, but says he’s up to the challenge.Whitaker’s former coach, Hayden Fry, and Iowa Congressman Jim Leach joined him this morning in Iowa City to officially announce his candidacy.