I had the good fortune of meeting Paki O'Meara's parents yesterday at my brother-in-law's high school graduation party. The O'Mearas are neighbor of my in-laws and they were both very nice people. I asked if they ever got tired of talking about Iowa Football, and Mrs. O'Meara assured me that her husband was always up for a Hawkeyes conversation. I only got to talk to him for about 5 minutes or so (I was busy trying to help with the party and keep food out on the table...teenage boys eat so fast!) and I wish it would have been longer, but we still had a good conversation.

The first thing we talked about was the program in general. Mr. O'Meara thought the team looked good and is poised to have a successful season. He was very optimistic about the upcoming 2009 season. I mentioned that there wasn't much news coming out right now about football, but we were able to talk about some of the incoming recruits. Mr. O'Meara mentioned Drew Clark's absolute annihilation of his competition in the shot put at the state track meet, and Dominic Alvis getting a scholarship. I also asked about Keenan Davis as he and Paki (and me too!) are CR Washington guys. Mr. O'Meara said Davis looked good in high school and will probably play in 2009 though he is skinny and could use a year to put on some weight.

We also talked a little about the offensive and defensive line. We both agreed that the lines will be good as long as they stay healthy. He asked if I had ever stood next to Bulaga (I haven't) and said he was an absolute beast and that he just towers over you with a mean expression.

And, that was about it...Maybe next time I'm at my in-laws we'll get to talk more. It was great talking to somebody a little more in-the-know and it gets me even more excited for this fall!