A veteran linebacking crew is counted on to lead the Iowa defense during the upcoming season. Their senior duo of Chad Greenway (shown above) and Abdul Hodge combined for 229 tackles during last year’s 10-2 season or just over 21 percent of all the tackles for the Hawks.
The linebacking corps has been called one of the best in the country but Greenway says he has never believed in pre-season predictions and he is not going to start now. Greenway says he was the most overrated two years, so he doesn’t know how he can be the best. He says that’s a credit to what the media know, as he says he doesn’t think many in the media really do their homework. Greenway says they just go out and try to do their best and that’s all they can control. In front of those linebackers will be four new starters on the defensive line but Greenway says that won’t but pressure on them to make even more plays. He says they’ll stick to what they do and try to win that way. He says the young players are talented and ready to play. Hodge led Iowa in tackles last season and while the predictions have no impact on how well they will play this year it is a nice compliment. He says it’s nice to hear things like that, but he says the credit goes to a lot of people including defensive coordinator Norm Parker and strength coach Chris Doyle.
Hodge says they are confident in the young guys who will step in on the defensive line. He says having inexperienced guys doesn’t mean they have to step up, just as having veterans doesn’t mean they can take it easier. He says their mentality is to go out and win ballgames, regardless of who is in the lineup. The Hawkeyes open the season September 3rd at home against Ball State.