The Iowa Hawkeyes have a substantial amount of returning players on both offense and defense (6 and 8 starters respectively), but there are still some new faces that you will want to keep an eye on this fall. In case you don't following recruiting, there are a few incoming freshman that have the potential to have an impact right away. There are also some older guys who haven't seen the field a great deal yet but have moved up on the depth chart.

Incoming Freshman to Watch:

Keenan Davis - WR - #6
Keenan Davis has created quite the buzz during fall practice. I have heard things like he's was the best receiver the day he started camp, he's the best athlete Iowa has had in years, he catches everything thrown in his direction, etc… Now, I'm sure most of the is just hyperbole, but it is certain that he's making a good impression. Look for him to see plenty of playing time at receiver this year and don't be surprised if he's back returning kick offs or punts either.

Brandon Wegher - RB - #3
Brandon Wegher has received ridiculous amounts of hype coming out of high school and is probably the most anticipated incoming freshman in this year's class. (Watch his highlights on YouTube to see why.) He put up gigantic numbers for Heelan High School last year and led the team to a State Title. In 2009 Wegher will likely be playing on special teams as a return specialist and may see a little time at running back.

Micah Hyde - CB - #18
In high school, Micah Hyde earned many accolades as a quarterback. At Iowa, though, he'll play cornerback and with Jordan Bernstine's season ending injury and Shaun Prater's 2 game suspension, Hyde will probably been throw right into the thick of things week 1. Even when Prater comes off suspension, I imagine Hyde will be a special teams contributor.

Jordan Cotton - WR - #23
It's probably a little less likely that Jordan Cotton will see time as a true freshman than the first 3 mentioned. He was primarily a running back for Mount Pleasant High School, but will play wide receiver for the Hawkeyes. I think it will be hard for him to earn playing time at his new position, but there is definitely the possibility that he will play on special teams. He's been one of the few taking reps at punt returner.

Others:
JoJo Pregont - WR - #9
Josh Brown - RB - #7
Marty Hopkins - DL - #35
Shane Dibona- LB - #37
Brad Rogers - RB - #38
Jacob Reisen - LB - #41
Drew Clark - OL - #50
Terrance Pryor - LB - #51
Connor Boffeli - OL - #59
Charlie Knipper - LS - #69
Brett Van Sloten - OL - #70
Matt Murphy - OL - #72
Scott Covert - DL - #75
Nolan MacMillan - OL - #76
Dominic Alvis - DL - #79
Dakota Getz - TE - #80
Tyler Harrell - DL - #96

Older Guys to Watch:

Broderick Binns - DE - #91
Broderick Binns did see quite a bit of time last year as the second string defensive end. This year, however, he will be a starter as Christian Ballard is moving inside to tackle. Binns has recently been heavily praised by Coach Ferentz and has been referred to as "unblockable."

Riley Rieff - OL - #77
Riley Rieff was expected to be the heir to Bryan Bulaga, but with an injury to Julian Vandervelde and Kyle Calloway's 1 game suspension, Rieff has been seeing practice time with the first team at left guard as a red shirt freshman. He could be a starter against UNI and will likely see playing time through out the year.

Marvin McNutt - WR - #7
Marvin McNutt was Iowa's third string quarterback last year. He's completed his transition to wide receiver and is now listed as a starter. He's tall, has great hands, and understand the offense. Look for McNutt to have a big impact on this year's team.

Mike Daniels - DT - #93
Mike Daniels is probably the number 3 defensive tackle now that Christian Ballard has moved over, but expect him to rotate in early and often. He's made a name for himself for being incredibly strong and was one of the players that shined during the open practice a couple weeks ago.

Others:
Adam Robinson - RB - #32
Josh Koeppel - C - #67
William Lowe - CB - #10
David Cato - SS - #31
Greg Castillo - CB - #2